Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Wednesday "Futures for Frontliners", a plan to provide tuition-free educational opportunities to those working the frontlines during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wood TV 8 reports that according to Gov. Whitmer's statements at the April 29 2020 press conference, the program is aimed at hospital and nursing home workers, grocery store employees, child care workers, those manufacturing personal protection equipment, first responders, sanitation workers, those delivering supplies, and other essential workers.

Through "Futures for Frontliners" Gov. Whitmer said in a release, workers can get technical certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees:

“The Futures for Frontliners program is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who have risked their lives on the front lines of this crisis. This program will ensure tuition-free college opportunities and give these dedicated Michiganders an opportunity to earn a technical certificate, associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree. I want to assure all of our workers we will never forget those of you who stepped up and sacrificed their own health during this crisis. You’re the reason we’re going to get through this.”

The program is the first of its kind in the U.S.; it was inspired by the GI Bill created after World War II.

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