Pontiac, MI - Oakland County Michigan Works! has launched the Oakland80 Tuition Scholarship program to help eligible residents obtain the skills needed to flourish in a range of high-demand careers.
More than 650 tuition scholarships are available, each worth up to $2,000 with the possibility of additional funding through Oakland County Michigan Works!
The program is intended to help individuals interested in short-term career training that leads to a job in fields such as advanced manufacturing, construction, defense, healthcare or information technology. The funds also may help pay for tuition in a four-year degree program, if a student is finishing his or her last semester.
Funded through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's MiLEAP grant, the Oakland80 Tuition Scholarship aligns with Oakland County's goal of having 80 percent of eligible residents earn a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.
"Oakland County is committed to helping its residents take the next step in their careers and change their futures," said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. "The Oakland80 Tuition Scholarship will help our residents achieve their goals and obtain the credentials for the jobs they've always wanted. We hope many people take advantage of this opportunity."
To be eligible for an Oakland80 Tuition Scholarship, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States, 18 years old or older, a high school graduate or equivalent, and registered with the Selective Service (if applicable).
"The Oakland80 Tuition Scholarship will be a game changer for so many people who want a better education, but may lack the financial resources to do so," said Jennifer Llewellyn, manager of the Oakland County Workforce Development Division. "Eligible individuals may be able to bundle additional financial support to help cover related expenses as they return to school or participate in training programs."
Related expenses may include text books, classroom supplies, uniforms, and transportation needs. Those who wish to apply for an Oakland80 Tuition Scholarship should contact their nearest Oakland County Michigan Works! office. For more information, visit OakGov.com/MiLeap.
Oakland County Michigan Works! operates service centers in Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy, and Waterford, where they assist more than 105,000 job seekers annually. Services include career coaching, interviewing and job search workshops, placement assistance, training courses and job trend information.
The service centers also help more than 3,000 employers with talent recruitment, apprenticeship programs, job fairs, candidate pre-screening, hiring and training support, layoff support and labor market data.
Service center staff are available in-person or by virtual appointment. They provide one-on-one with job seekers to build resumes, prepare for job interviews and help address other needs. To schedule a meeting, call 248-858-5520 and select the office nearest to you. The service centers are hosting several virtual workshops for job seekers. A schedule can be found at OaklandCountyMIWorks.com.