1. What is NWLB?

2. Who may be eligible for NWLB?

3. Where do I sign up for NWLB?

4. Can I take training in any area I want?

5. Is there a limit on training costs?

6. What does the $5,000 cover?

7. What are the requirements of the program?

8. 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?

9. I'm currently getting unemployment. Do I still qualify for the $10,000?

10. 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.

11. 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?

12. 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?

13. 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.

14. What things can the free tuition be used for?

15. Do I have to be a full-time student to be in No Worker Left Behind?

16. Can I register for classes prior to going through the required assessment at the Michigan Works! Agency, and if so, will I be reimbursed for tuition costs?

17. What is considered a high demand occupation?

18. Can I continue to collect my Unemployment Insurance while going to school?

19. How long will the process take?

20. I was denied No Worker Left Behind funding, what can I do?

21. What types of documents will I need to provide?

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.

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 the 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 may be eligible for NWLB?

• Any person who is currently unemployed, or
• Any person who has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment, or
• Any employed 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 within the last two years (or be between the ages of 18 and 23 and have received their GED within the last two years) and must not be full-time college students (this applies to 18 – 23 years old only). (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.)
• The starting point for determining eligibility and completing the assessment for No Worker Left Behind is your local Michigan Works! Agency office.

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 (9675) or visit their website at www.michiganworks.org.

4. 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 Center staff are available to help participants identify high demand occupations in their region. For an idea of the types of training that may be eligible in your region visit www.mycareereducation.org. You should also visit the No Worker Left Behind website at www.michigan.gov/nwlb. Michigan Works! has the final determination regarding eligible/allowable training programs.

5. 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 up to $10,000 per person.

6. 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.

7. 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 Center staff will be able to help participants identify high demand occupations in their region.

8. 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?

Potentially; you should work with your local Michigan Works! office to pursue training opportunities as there is a guarantee of employment. Michigan Works! has the final determination regarding eligible/allowable training programs.

9. I’m currently collecting unemployment. Do I still qualify for the $10,000?

Receiving unemployment is not an eligibility factor for No Worker Left Behind. Any person who is currently collecting unemployment may qualify for No Worker Left Behind. Local Michigan Works! offices are responsible for determining eligibility.

10. 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. Please check www.mycareereducation.org for potentially eligible online programs of training.

11. 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 busy schedules.

12. 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?

There is no maximum age limit. The minimum age limit for participants is 18.

13. 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, under No Worker Left Behind, providing resources for childcare expenses is allowable. Each Michigan Works! Agency determines if they will be covered and to what level.

14. 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).

15. Do I have to be a full-time student to be in No Worker Left Behind?

No, the program guidelines require that participants complete training within four years of starting the program.

16. Can I register for classes prior to going through the required assessment at the Michigan Works! Agency, and if so, will I be reimbursed for tuition costs?

No Worker Left Behind is not a tuition reimbursement program. All tuition is paid directly to the training institution by the Michigan Works! Agency. The starting point for determining eligibility is your local Michigan Works! Agency.

17. What is considered a high demand occupation?

High demand occupations are determined by the local Michigan Works! Agency, in collaboration with educational/training institutions, current labor market Information, and employers. High demand occupations vary across the state. For a list of high demand occupations in your area please visit www.michigan.gov/nwlb click on the button on the top left that states “What are the high demand jobs in my area” then click on your county.

18. Can I continue to collect my Unemployment Insurance while going to school?

Individuals may be eligible to collect any unemployment benefits they are entitled to while in school. A request for "Waiver of UI Requirements" has to be made to the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) and approved by UIA. To obtain this waiver please visit your local Michigan Works! Agency.

19. How long will the process take?

No specific time can be given, there are 25 Michigan Works! Agencies that over see 100 offices across the State. While the services they offer are the same the processes do vary from location to location. Michigan Works! agencies and workers are doing their best to ensure that everyone who wants to take advantage of NWLB will have the opportunity to do so. However, the system is currently strained and individuals will have to wait either for orientations, to meet with case workers or for funding.

20. I was denied No Worker Left Behind funding, what can I do?

Michigan Works! make all eligibility and funding decisions for the NWLB program following NWLB guidelines, requirements of the funding source, and local policies. If you receive a determination that you do not agree with Michigan Works! has a grievance process available. Inquire at your local Michigan Works! office.

21. What types of documents will I need to provide?

Please realize that processes vary from one Michigan Works! office to another however most funding sources require the following documentation.

If you are unemployed you must provide all of the following:
Birth certificate, proof of Michigan residency (Drivers License or I.D. Card), Social Security Card, verification of lay-off or termination (letter from employer or unemployment determination), pay stub or proof of employment from most recent employer. Males born on or after January 1, 1960 must provide proof of Selective Service registration. All military Veterans must provide a copy of their DD-214.

Michigan Works! can provide further details on documents required.

If you are employed and your annual household gross income is less than $40,000 you must provide the following:
All of the above, plus documentation of the previous 6 months family earned wages. Examples could include pay stubs or electronic print outs from employer.

For further information please contact your local Michigan Works! Agency.