NO WORKER LEFT BEHIND (NWLB) offers workers who are either unemployed or have a family income below $40,000 per year the opportunity to be retrained or reeducated for new jobs.  The program is offered by Michigan Works!

NWLB HOTLINE 1-517-335-1319      

Address: Kent County Michigan Works!  Service Centers         

                1560 Leonard NE                                121 Franklin SE          

                Grand Rapids 49505                            Grand Rapids 49507

                      Phone: 616-336-4040                          Phone: 616-336-4040

NWLB offers free tuition (including books, materials, fees etc) up to $5000 per year for two years for any college or university or other approved training provider for both in person and online classes.

Workers may also choose to finish an associate’s degree, bachelor’s, or master’s degree if it can be completed in 2 years.

All education must lead to a job in the high demand sector, emerging job sector, or entrepreneurial endeavor.  (70% of the fastest growing jobs in 2010 will require postsecondary training or degree). www.michigan.gov/nwlb website gives a listing of high demand jobs in Michigan.

Participants are given assessments to see if they have the aptitude to succeed in their desired training program. If they do not complete the program they do not have to pay back the money.

Workers must be 18 years or older and not have graduated from high school within the last 2 years. (Workers may qualify for Michigan Promise if they have graduated within 2 years)

Interested individuals must sign up in person at their local Michigan Works! office for the next available orientation and have an active resume on the Michigan Talent Bank.  Please be sure to bring a current state ID or driver’s license to the sign up location.

Workers receive a pre registration packet and a checklist at orientation.  The checklist must be embossed by the presenter at the end of the orientation.  The checklist outlines what needs to be done to find a training program or school, apply for federal funding etc, and must be brought to the case worker appointment within 90 days of the orientation. 

There are several other programs through the Workforce Investment Act, Employment Service Grants, and Community Service Employment for Older Americans that also help in training, retraining, and job placement.  See the Dept. of Labor website at www.dol.gov/recovery

Updated January 2011