Free College: Jackson College Offering New Connect with My Future Program

(October 1, 2020 12:21 PM) Today, Jackson College announced a new program that offers free college for those who qualify.

Boosting Michigan’s skilled workforce and offering free education to those lacking a college credential, Jackson College and Michigan Works! Southeast have come together to offer select certificate programs for free through Connect With My Future, designed for those who:

·         Have some credits and want to return to college

·         Are unemployed or recently laid-off and seeking training opportunities

·         Need to complete a high school diploma or equivalency 

·         Interested in attending college for the first time

Prospective students can complete a short-term credential in 12 months or less, putting them on the road to career opportunities and a brighter future. Certificate programs include corrections, emergency medical technician-basic, production technician, medical assistant, digital marketing and Microsoft® Office Specialist. Those without a high school diploma are eligible for expanded services to help them obtain a high school equivalency certificate while they are pursuing one of the occupational certificates.

“Jackson College is pleased to work with Michigan Works! Southeast in offering this new opportunity,” said Tina Matz, director of workforce training, Corporate and Continuing Education. “Our hope is that the program will help many finish a college credential, within in-demand careers that they can complete in about a year or less.”

This new program grew in response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “60 by 30” goal of having 60 percent of the state’s workforce with a post-secondary credential by 2030. The Governor has proposed programs such as Futures for Frontlines and MI Reconnect to advance that goal. Participants will benefit from funding and wraparound supports from the College and Michigan Works! Southeast to help ensure success. Funding comes from Michigan Works and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). 

“We are committed to ensuring that our businesses have the skilled workers they need to succeed in our changing economic climate,” said William Sleight, director of Michigan Works! Southeast. “We encourage job seekers to contact our office to see if they qualify for this opportunity.” 

To see if you qualify, call the Michigan Works! Southeast Jackson Service Center at 517.841.5627 for an appointment. For information regarding Connect with My Future or one of the Jackson College programs, visit https://www.jccmi.edu/connect-with-my-future/.