Todd Neibauer is the Vice President for Student Services and Technologies at Northwestern Michigan College.  As such he oversees admissions and other student-related services, including NMC's involvement in the Frontliners and Reconnect Tuition Programs.
 
As we learned last week from Maggie Bacon, the State of Michigan has set a goal of "60 by 30," meaning 60% of residents with a post-secondary certificate or degree by the year 2030.  To help acheive this goal the State has developed two programs--Futures for Frontliners and Reconnect--patterned after similar programs in Tennessee.
 
Futures for Frontliners was designed for those in frontline occupations between specified dates who have not yet earned an associate's or bachelor's degree.  Features of the program include:
  • The program pays in-district tuition and fees at a community college for students enrolling at least half-time.
  • Though the state application for eligibility closed on December 31, 2020, eligible applicants have until the Fall 2021 semester to enroll.
  • Scholarships are available for up to four years to complete an occupational certificate or associate's degree program.
Over 1,500 of Michigan applicants for the Frontliners program have listed NMC as their destination.  Out of 723 eligible applicants, 470 have enrolled at NMC for the Spring semester.  Applicants ineligble due to industry verification can still qualify if they can complete the verification process by 2/1/2021.  Those who remain ineligible may automatically have their application submitted to Michigan Reconnect.
 
The State's support for Frontliners and Reconnect includes:
  • Hiring Navigators to help applicants through the enrollment process.
  • Leveraging MCAN advisors to assist.
  • Having a single point of contacr at NMC.
  • Scholarships
  • More flexible NMC course offerings.
Wraparound services include pre-enrollment writing, math and technology support, academic and career advising, and success coaching and tutoring.  Employment readiness assistance is also available in conjunction with Michigan Works.
 
Todd's PowerPoint presentation is available here.