LANSING – State Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren) today applauded the state for awarding $250,000 through the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) program to the Adults Who Are Returning to Education program (AWARE). The funding will help area residents prepare for post-secondary education and training programs, which will give them the skills they need to succeed.
"I am thrilled that our local programs are receiving these funds," Switalski said. "In this economy, it is important that we invest in our workers and give them the training they need to get back on the job. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development, I will continue to support funding that will help more residents gain the skills needed to work in fast-growing, high-demand fields like renewable energy."
The $250,000 will go to AWARE, which consists of the Macomb-St. Clair Workforce Development Board, Port Huron Area School District and St. Clair Community College. AWARE is one of 10 regional partnerships sharing $2.5 million in a statewide pilot project that will help prepare adult learners for No Worker Left Behind.
Through NWLB, eligible Michigan residents can attend a community college or university and receive free tuition for two years to upgrade their skills so they can move into a good-paying job that's available now. More than 51,000 Michigan workers who are unemployed or underemployed have enrolled in the program in the first 17 months of its existence. To find out if someone is eligible for the NWLB program, area residents should visit the NWLB Web site at www.michigan.gov/nwlb.
"Ensuring that Michigan's workforce remains strong is vital to attracting businesses looking to invest in our state and create jobs for our workers," Switalski said. "The No Worker Left Behind program is key because it will help our workers gain the knowledge and specialized skills that businesses want. I encourage residents to apply for the program and take advantage of this great opportunity."