Breaking Generational Limits

Tuscola Co. – Kelly came into the Tuscola service center looking for assistance in paying for her education in November of 2021. Kelly heard that GST Michigan Works! assists college students and was interested in seeing if she could qualify for the grant. After screening and testing, Kelly’s career coach was happy to inform her that she qualified for the program and GST was excited to assist her.

Kelly, a first-generation college student, was attending Saginaw Valley State University, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing. In her last two years of education, she found it increasingly more challenging to work full-time and juggle her rigorous school schedule and studies. She worked as a driver for Grubhub when she could, making just over minimum wage. GSTMW! was happy to help relieve the financial burdens that plagued Kelly’s mind and allowed her to focus more on what matters, her education. 

“I had a huge financial burden, being that I had to work to support myself and pay for myself to go through school. GST Michigan Works! helped relieve that burden with the scholarship I received and was able to help me support myself during this time.”

In December of 2023, Kelly graduated with honors from Saginaw Valley State University with her bachelor’s in nursing. Not long after graduation, Kelly found the job she had been working hard for. “I knew what position I wanted to apply for, and having the confidence to apply to any hospital at any location to chase the job I’ve been working so hard for was how I accepted the position, ” Kelly said. She accepted a full-time nursing position in the Neuro Trauma ICU unit at Ascension Genisys Grand Blanc. “The relief I feel now that I’m finished and can say I have a financially stable job is something I’m still processing as I’ve never quite felt that security before. It’s overwhelming in the most joyful way possible.”

“I am so thankful for this program; it is incredibly helpful. It truly allowed me an opportunity to break generational limits by being the first in my family to graduate from university and complete a nursing degree. I am so truly blessed for this program.”