education

Michigan Launches $4,000 Scholarship To Boost Skilled Workforce: Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship Opens Doors To In-Demand Careers

In response to the escalating demand for skilled professionals, Michigan introduces the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship, which is a game-changer for aspiring students. 

With industries like healthcare, IT, manufacturing, construction, and automotive requiring increasingly specialized talents, the scholarship aims to bridge the skills gap. Graduating high school students in Michigan can now access up to $4,000 over two years to enroll in eligible career training programs. 

To qualify, applicants must be Michigan residents, high school graduates or equivalency achievers in 2023 or later, and without a prior associate or bachelor’s degree. This initiative not only propels students into rewarding careers but also bolsters Michigan’s position in the competitive landscape of skilled labor. 

For more information, visit: Michigan.gov/Achievement.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Beware Of Phone Scams: Recognizing Common Tactics And Protecting Yourself

Phone scams are on the rise this holiday season, presenting varied threats and promises. Recognizing their tactics is crucial for safeguarding your finances and personal information. 

Scammers often falsely claim you’ve won a prize, urging payment for a reward that doesn’t exist. Beware of impersonations, where callers pose as law enforcement or government agencies, threatening arrests or fines unless immediate payments are made. Legitimate businesses allow time for decision-making; don’t succumb to pressure. Avoid paying with cash, gift cards, or wire transfers, as scammers often choose methods that prevent fund recovery. 

Be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting sensitive information, and remember, government agencies don’t call for confirmation. Familiarize yourself with common scams, such as imposter, debt relief, and prize scams, to stay vigilant and protect against fraudulent schemes.

To file a consumer complaint or get additional information, contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Unleash The Future By Preserving The Past At Digitization Day In Capac Library

On Thursday, December 7th, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm Capac Library will be hosting its Digitization Day. 

Many of us have some of our most cherished memories locked behind old technology or maybe older photos that are now showing signs of wear and tear over the years, this program offers a way to retrieve those memories and preserve them digitally. 

Secure a 15-minute time slot to digitize your cherished documents, photos (up to 11×17 size), VHS tapes, and 8mm films directly onto your flash drive. Don’t worry if you don’t own a flash drive; the Capac Friends of the Library will have them available for purchase that day.

Be part of this transformative event, where technology meets nostalgia to ensure your memories last a lifetime. 

To participate, email: bwallace@sccl.lib.mi.us to reserve your time slot.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Economic Development Corporation Grants $500,000 To SONS Outreach, Fueling $750,000 Capital Campaign For Building Renovation

In a significant boost for Port Huron’s SONS Outreach, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has allocated a generous $500,000 grant. This grant kick-starts a $750,000 capital campaign aiming to renovate the recently acquired former Harrison Elementary School building. 

SONS Outreach, owning the property outright thanks to community support, plans to utilize the funds to address immediate needs like a security system, roof replacement, ADA-compliant restrooms, and parking lot renovation.

The campaign, initiated in October 2023, seeks to secure funds for future maintenance, working in collaboration with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. The MEDC grant underscores the state’s recognition of SONS Outreach’s vital youth programming, motivating ongoing efforts to meet the campaign’s January 31st, 2024 deadline.

For information on how to donate, visit: sonsoutreach.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4’s Jessica Brown Honored As A Notable Leader In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion By Crain’s Detroit Business

In a remarkable achievement, Jessica Brown, Chief Diversity Officer at St. Clair County Community College (SC4), located in Port Huron, has been named a 2023 Notable Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by Crain’s Detroit Business. 

This recognition acknowledges Brown’s exceptional leadership in SC4’s DEI Office, recruitment efforts, the TRIO program, the Strive Mentorship initiative, Women in Sports panel discussions, and her contributions to the adaptive wheelchair basketball team. 

Brown’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity has left a lasting impact on the college community. The prestigious accolade from Crain’s Detroit Business highlights Brown’s significant role in advancing DEI initiatives at SC4.

For more details, visit: crainsdetroit.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Learn A New Skill As Michigan Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, Michigan takes pride in its status as a leader in Registered Apprenticeship programs. These programs provide participants with paid work experience, relevant classroom instruction, and a nationally recognized credential from the United States Department of Labor (USDOL). 

Michigan, ranking among the nation’s top states for such initiatives, is committed to broadening access to Registered Apprenticeships, particularly for underrepresented populations, including individuals with disabilities.Registered Apprentices not only earn a paycheck from day one but also benefit from hands-on training in high-wage, high-skill career pathways under the guidance of experienced mentors. 

The state encourages all interested individuals to explore the opportunities and resources available, emphasizing inclusivity in apprenticeship programs. Learn more about Registered Apprenticeships and how to kickstart your journey at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell