Over 40,000 apply for Michigan Reconnect in first two weeks
![A woman in a jacket and scarf uses a laptop while sitting on stairs outside.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3775128-1024x682.jpg)
In the two weeks since launch, over 40,000 Michiganders have submitted applications to take advantage of the Michigan Reconnect program on their path to pursuing an associate degree or skills certificate though their local, in-district community college.
Moving Out into the World – A Success Story
![William smiles for the camera as he works on a car.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/William-Becker-Picture-999x1024.jpg)
William came to Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! as a participant in one of our Soft Skills classes in the Spring of 2019. We enrolled William in the beginning of May as an In-School Youth after discussing opportunities for advancement through our programs and services.
Students encouraged to explore education and career pathways during Career and Technical Education Month
![A person in welding gear uses a welding machine to weld metal.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pexels-pavel-chernonogov-2381463-1024x682.jpg)
With more than 529,000 Michigan job openings projected annually through the year 2028, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to proclaim February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.
Coffee with a Career Coach – TV 6 Interview
![Megan sits in front of a UP Michigan Works screen while being interviewed.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/MBoddy-TV6-1024x507.png)
Megan, a Workforce Services Manager with UP Michigan Works, sat down with Elizabeth from TV 6 to discuss our Coffee with a Career Coach event.
Michigan Dept. of Transportation On-the-Job Training
![A paved road stretches out into the distance.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pexels-max-andrey-1197095-1024x682.jpg)
Get ready to win with the Michigan Dept. of Transportation’s On-the-Job training program! Are you looking for a pathway to experience and job opportunities? Look no further.
Gov. Whitmer launches bipartisan $30M Michigan Reconnect program
![A MI Reconnect social graphic that says, "Eligible for free tuition?"](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/20-LEO-0383-Reconnect-OrganicSocial-Msg4-Static-1200x628-004_713235_7-1024x536.jpg)
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined today with Republican and Democratic legislators to announce the launch of the $30 million Michigan Reconnect program, the largest effort in state history to ensure that more than 4.1 million Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree will have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate.
Single Dad Overcomes Barriers to Provide for his Son – A Success Story
![Darelle poses in front of a Midwest Truck Driving Sign with his certificate.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Darelle-Ghormley-Picture-1024x741.jpg)
Darelle, a single father, was permanently laid off from his employer in February 2019. After months of searching for work, he was not able to obtain suitable employment. His struggles led him to U.P. Michigan Works (UPMW).
UPCI Small Business Cybersecurity Essentials Course
![A mouse hovers over text on a computer that says, "Security."](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pexels-pixabay-60504-1024x682.jpg)
Cybersecurity has become a hot topic in today’s work environment. Learning its essential has become an integral part of running a small business.
Adult Education Services Locator offers new onramp to careers
![Two women sit at a table and use a laptop computer.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pexels-christina-morillo-1181722-1024x682.jpg)
To assist Michiganders with Adult Education opportunities, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has launched a new online tool – the Adult Education Services Locator – which allows users to conduct custom searches and identify a variety of Adult Education programs, resources and high school equivalency testing centers available statewide.
U.P. Businesses Receive Grants from Going PRO Talent Fund
![A man stands up in front of a seated group.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/pexels-fauxels-3184317-1024x682.jpg)
Last week, at least 850 Michigan businesses were awarded grants from the Going PRO Talent Fund. Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! Business Services Manager, Holly Peoples, says there was no better time like the present to get this funding.