NEWS

‘Frontliners’ at WCC get $500,000-plus

Michigan’s new financial aid program aims to boost degree attainment

Michigan Reconnect attempts to bridge the gap between degree-holders and non-degree-holders, creating another new tuition assistance program designed for students over the age of 25. | Photograph by Torrence Williams

By ETHAN BERMAN
Staff Writer

This semester, 558 WCC students who worked in “frontline” jobs during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were collectively awarded just over $500,000 to help pay their tuition.

This aid came from Michigan’s Future for Frontliners scholarship program. The program ensured a tuition-free community college associate’s degree for anyone who worked at least 11 weeks at an essential job between April 1 and June 30.

According to Lori Trapp, the financial aid director at WCC, an additional 254 students who applied will have their tuition covered by other funding and are thus ineligible for the F4F money. (The Frontliners program was designed to pay any remaining costs after other tuition-only funds)

“The State is making a big investment in our students. It’s great that so many students are having either all or a large portion of their tuition covered with the Futures for Frontliners Scholarship,” said Trapp.

Although the Frontliners program is now closed, another door has opened up for students searching for financial assistance. The new Michigan Reconnect grant program is part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s initiative to help 60 percent of Michiganders obtain a post-secondary education by 2030. Currently, 45 percent of working-age adults in Michigan have a skill certificate or college degree.

As with the Frontliners program, Michigan Reconnect will cover any tuition not covered by other financial aid.

Eligible students for the program would receive a tuition-free community college associate’s degree.

According to Michigan.gov, to meet eligibility requirements, one must:

Not currently have a college degree.
Be age 25 or older.
Have lived in Michigan for a year or more.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Not be in default on a federal student loan

Trapp says there are other eligibilities not on the state website:

Applicants must complete their FAFSA and send it to WCC.
Applicants must be in-district students to receive the full tuition amount, including all fees. Out-of-district students would still get partial aid.

Michigan Reconnect applications are being accepted now. Eligible in-district students at WCC taking classes during the spring/summer semester would be guaranteed free tuition.

To apply for the Michigan Reconnect Grant Program, click here.