Michigan Works Grant Will Mean More Educational Opportunities For Workers

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With Michigan Works receiving a new $2 million state grant to help provide career training and education in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties, there’s never been so many opportunities for a person to get a higher education. Michigan Works coordinator Erin Venno tells WSJM News this latest grant from the Michigan Learning and Education Advancement Program will go toward 670 individuals over the next two years as they seek additional education at Lake Michigan College and Southwestern Michigan College. There’s a demand.

“We’ve seen a large number of people come through our doors looking for those supports as they decide to further their career,” Venno said. “Data shows that just getting a credential is an immediate $7 an hour wage difference.”

Between the Futures for Frontliners program, the Michigan Reconnect program, and now this, have all of these new education opportunities made a difference?

“Oh gosh, yes. If you look at what this grant is really trying to do, it’s looking at Michigan’s 60 by 30 Initiative, where they would like 60% of Michiganders to have a credential, certification, or degree by 2030, it really is supporting that.”

Venno says LMC and SMC are the perfect partners to help Michigan Works use the funding. You can learn more at MiWorks.org/MiLEAP.