Governor Whitmer announces a G.I. Bill program for essential workers

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the “Futures for Frontliners” program to provide a tuition-free pathway to college or a technical certificate to essential workers who don’t have a college degree. This includes workers staffing hospitals and nursing homes; stocking the shelves at grocery stores; providing child care to critical infrastructure workers, manufacturing PPE, protecting public safety, picking up trash, or delivering supplies, Whitmer explained.

“The Futures for Frontliners program is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who have risked their lives on the front lines of this crisis. This program will ensure tuition-free college opportunities and give these dedicated Michiganders an opportunity to earn a technical certificate, associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree,” Governor Whitmer said. “I want to assure all of our workers we will never forget those of you who stepped up and sacrificed their own health during this crisis. You’re the reason we’re going to get through this.” 

The “Futures for Frontliners” program is the first of its kind in the country, and was inspired by the federal government’s support of soldiers returning from World War II by providing educational opportunities. Frontline workers who take advantage of this program will help Governor Whitmer reach her goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a technical certificate or college degree from 45% to 60% by 2030.