Dynamic Partnership Creates Powerful Opportunities for Flint and the Region

Dynamic Partnership Creates Powerful Opportunities for Flint and the Region

Flint, Michigan – July 21, 2021: A newly-formed partnership between the City of Flint, GST MI Works! and the University of Michigan-Flint is aimed at getting local citizens back to work and back to school this fall.

On Thursday, July 22, the first Back to Work, Back to School Open House will be held at UM-Flint’s University Pavilion from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the downtown campus. The event is free and open to the public and offers guests the chance to learn about all the ways that they can receive assistance for finding work and earning a degree from UM-Flint.

“We are excited to be working with our UM-Flint partners to upskill the local workforce. Employers are looking to hire as many qualified applicants as they can, and with this partnership, we will be able to answer their call even better than before,” said GST MI Works! CEO, Jody Kerbyson. “Whether it’s a recent graduate looking to enter the job market for the first time, or someone who took some training to become more valuable in the workplace, we are ready to help them get to work!”

The partnership brings together several resources available to the community, including:

  • Financial assistance for returning to school, including scholarships and grants
  • Additional assistance for childcare, technology, transportation, and other items that can sometimes hinder people from finding work or getting their education
  • Guidance from career and education professionals to answer questions and offer options to get started

Career Coaches from GST MI Works! will be available at the event to discuss funding and career opportunities. They will also be available to assist individuals interested in a skilled trade with taking that first step to becoming certified in their industry of choice.

At the event, UM-Flint staff will highlight the multiple ways available to help students make their university experience affordable. Blue For You: Empowering Your Future is an initiative that offers a wide variety of scholarships, grants and support services, including the Go Blue Guarantee which offers free tuition for qualified students.

“The combined resources of this partnership will have an impact on the lives of prospective students, the regional workforce, and the community,” said Chancellor Deba Dutta. “UM-Flint is working collaboratively to help increase the number of college graduates in our state, and to prepare these students for the diverse career fields of the present and future.”

“This partnership opens the door to higher education and a better future for our community,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “The City of Flint is committed to providing the resources needed to help increase a highly-skilled workforce that will drive economic development.” Anyone interested in learning more about the event and registering can find information here.

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