November 15, 2007 - As part of her No Worker Left Behind initiative, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that $6,836,583 has been presented to Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs) to provide customized training to help welfare recipients obtain good-paying jobs and become self-sufficient. 

"Transforming Michigan's economy starts by ensuring all workers have the skills employers need now," said Granholm.  "This career training will help low income workers move off welfare by getting a good job and attaining financial independence." 

Governor Granholm announced the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) Program in August; an innovative plan to train 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high demand occupations and emerging industries or entrepreneurial endeavors.  NWLB gives Michigan workers the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to win good-paying jobs in today's global economy.  By reorganizing and augmenting federal funds currently used for workforce development, NWLB will provide up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university, or other approved training program for qualifying participants.

The Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) that oversees the NWLB program has increased the funding for this type of award by dedicating all available resources to training, including funds for the Jobs, Education & Training program (JET) that provides job training to Michigan's welfare recipients.  The JET program is a partnership between DLEG, the Department of Human Services and the MWAs.

The federal Workforce Investment Act is the primary funding source for the No Worker Left Behind program.  Funding for the JET program is provided by the State of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  A table is attached that provides the specific funding amounts for each MWA.  To view an interactive map of the state's 25 Michigan Works! regions and the counties included in each region, go to http://www.michiganworks.org

DLEG is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.

Jobs, Education & Training Program Funding
for October - Start of Fiscal Year 2008

Michigan Works! Agency                                                                                  Amount    

Area Community Services Employment and Training (ACSET) Council                    $397,471

Michigan Works! Berrien-Cass-Van Buren                                                            $190,776          

Calhoun Intermediate School District                                                                   $245,860

Capital Area Michigan Works!                                                                             $262,374

Career Alliance, Inc.                                                                                           $649,006

Central Area Michigan Works! Consortium                                                            $137,257

Detroit Workforce Development Department, A Michigan Works! Agency               $1,765,159

Eastern Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!                                                              $27,137

Michigan Works! The Job Force Board/Six County Employment Alliance                   $58,583

Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works!                                                              $227,625

Livingston County Michigan Works!                                                                        $16,022

Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!                                                                       $360,975

Muskegon/Oceana Consortium                                                                           $299,777

Northeast Michigan Consortium                                                                             $77,781

Northwest Michigan Council of Governments                                                        $109,623

Oakland County Michigan Works! Workforce Development Division                          $341,878

Ottawa County Michigan Works!/Community Action Agency                                     $42,231

Michigan Works! Region 7B Employment and Training Consortium                         $106,528

Saginaw-Midland-Bay Michigan Works!                                                                $385,026

South Central Michigan Works!                                                                           $158,944

Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) Michigan Works!                      $621,593

Thumb Area Michigan Works! Employment and Training Consortium                         $92,840

Washtenaw County Michigan Works!/Employment Training and Community             $121,896

    Services Group                                                                                                                        

Michigan Works! West Central                                                                               $99,086

Western Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!                                                              $41,135

Total                                                                                                           $6,836,583