No Worker Left Behind |
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| Click here to go to the official No Worker Left Behind Web Site | ||||
| Don’t see your question? Please contact your local Michigan Works! Agency at 1-800-285-WORK, visit their web site at www.michiganworks.org, or email NWLB@michigan.gov. |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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1. What is NWLB? 2. Who qualifies for NWLB? 3. Where do I sign up for NWLB? 4. What if I go through training, get a job and then am laid off again. Can I qualify for NWLB again? 5. Can I take training in any area I want? 6. Is there a limit on training costs? 7. What does the $5,000 cover? 8. What are the requirements of the program? 9. A potential employer has guaranteed me a good paying job if I get an associate’s degree. The field of study is not on your list of approved curriculum. Is there a way this field of study can be in the program? 10. I’m currently getting unemployment assistance. Do I still qualify for the $10,000? 11. Are there any on-line courses available? I work during the day at a convenience store to cover my rent, and have to care for my kids at night. On-line courses would be very convenient for me. 12. I’m currently employed, however I make less than $40,000/year and work evenings. How can I get my current employer to be flexible with my schedule so I can attend classes? 13. Is there an age limitation? I’m 52 years old with a Bachelor’s Degree. However, for the last 15 years I’ve been working in a manufacturing environment completely unrelated to my degree. Can I apply? 14. Is there any assistance with day care/child care? I would love to do this, but I am a single parent and cannot afford to leave my two kids at childcare while I attend class. 15. What things can the free tuition be used for? Answers to the Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is NWLB? No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) is Governor Granholm’s vision for accelerating the transition of thousands of workers into good-paying jobs by providing up to two years worth of free tuition at any community college, university, or other approved training provider to gain the skills and credentials for new careers in high-demand occupations, emerging industries, or to start a business. The program will expand on job training and education services currently available to job seekers through Michigan Works! Service Centers. For more information go to www.michigan.gov/nwlb or call 1-800-285-WORK. 2. Who qualifies for NWLB? • Any person who is currently unemployed or any person who has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment • Any person whose family income is $40,000 or less per year. • Participants must be at least 18 years old, must not have graduated from high school in the last two years and must not be full-time college students. (Individuals who have graduated high school in the last two years may qualify for Michigan Promise. You may get more information on the Michigan Promise at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid.) • Workers will need to take a skills assessment test administered by the Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs). 3. Where do I sign up for NWLB? The first step is to visit your local Michigan Works! Service Center to begin the eligibility and skills assessment process. If you do not know where the nearest office is located you may contact Michigan Works! at 1-800-285-WORK or visit their website at www.michiganworks.org. Beginning August 1, 2007, eligible individuals have three years to sign up and participate in this one-time offer. 4. What if I go through training, get a job and then am laid off again. Can I qualify for NWLB again? While NWLB is a one-time offer you may qualify for other programs through your local MWA. 5. Can I take training in any area I want? Participants must pursue a degree or occupational certificate in a high-demand occupation, emerging industry, or in an entrepreneurship program. Local Michigan Works! Service Centers will be able to help participants identify high demand occupations in their region. We certainly hope some training on the high-demand list is exciting to you – that’s the whole idea! 6. Is there a limit on training costs? Yes, the tuition assistance is capped at $5,000 per year for two years, for a total of $10,000 per person. 7. What does the $5,000 cover? It will cover tuition or instructional costs, books, materials, fees (such as application costs, registration, and laboratory fees) and academic supportive services (counseling and career advising). Tuition assistance is capped at $5,000 per year for two years, for a total of $10,000 per person. 8. What are the requirements of the program? Participants must pursue an associate’s degree or occupational certificate in 1) a high demand field, 2) emerging industry, or 3) entrepreneurship program. However, bachelor’s degree completion and even master’s programs are allowable if the educational program meets all other core criteria (two years or less needed; will lead to job in high demand, emerging sector, or entrepreneurial endeavor; etc). Local Michigan Works! Service Centers will be able to help participants identify high demand occupations in their region. 9. A potential employer has guaranteed me a good paying job if I get an associate’s degree. The field of study is not on your list of approved curriculum. Is there a way this field of study can be in the program? Participants must pursue an associate’s degree or occupational certificate in 1) a high demand field, 2) emerging industry, or 3) entrepreneurship program. Local Michigan Works! Service Centers will be able to help participants identify high demand occupations in their region. 10. I’m currently getting unemployment assistance. Do I still qualify for the $10,000? Yes. Please contact your local Michigan Works! Agency at 1-800-285-WORK or visit their website at www.michiganworks.org. 10. I’m currently getting unemployment assistance. Do I still qualify for the $10,000? Yes. Please contact your local Michigan Works! Agency at 1-800-285-WORK or visit their website at www.michiganworks.org.l 11. Are there any on-line courses available? I work during the day at a convenience store to cover my rent, and have to care for my kids at night. On-line courses would be very convenient for me. Yes, community colleges, universities, and other training entities do offer on-line courses. 12. I’m currently employed, however I make less than $40,000/year and work evenings. How can I get my current employer to be flexible with my schedule so I can attend classes? Many colleges and universities offer on-line and weekend classes giving students more options to accommodate their schedules. 13. Is there an age limitation? I’m 52 years old with a Bachelor’s Degree. However, for the last 15 years I’ve been working in a manufacturing environment completely unrelated to my degree. Can I apply? Yes, you may apply. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Bachelor’s degree completion and even master’s programs are allowable if the educational program meets all other core criteria (two years or less needed; will lead to job in high demand, emerging sector, or entrepreneurial endeavor; etc.). 14. Is there any assistance with day care/child care? I would love to do this, but I am a single parent and cannot afford to leave my two kids at childcare while I attend class. Yes. No Worker Left Behind includes resources to assist you with your childcare expenses. Contact Michigan Works! at 1-800-285-WORK or visit their website at www.michiganworks.org to find out more. 15. What things can the free tuition be used for? Tuition costs, books, materials, fees (such as application costs, registration, and laboratory fees) and academic supportive services (counseling and career advising). |
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