Call to Action
"Bob Cantrelle" was laid off from a manufacturing plant in Dowagiac, where he'd worked for 23 years. He's 48 years old and has a high school diploma, but he doesn't know how to operate a computer and he has few marketable skills relevant to the new economy. He wants a new career but can't afford to pay for vocational retraining.
"Chandra Johnson" is a 17-year-old high school dropout in Benton Harbor. She faces considerable challenges in her life, such as an unstable family, a crime-ridden neighborhood, poverty, and homelessness. She wants a second chance to finish her education but she doesn't have the tools.
There are thousands of stories like these in Southwest Michigan. The Michigan Works! Education Foundation was created in 1983 to supplement the traditional programs and services provided by Michigan Works! Programs that don't come close to meeting the demand for training and education in our region.
Who We Serve
Youth — Drop-out prevention services, Bridge Academy alternative school, work experience and on-the-job training
Adults — GED and literacy remediation, college and vocational training scholarships, transition assistance for displaced workers
Why Support the Michigan Works! Education Foundation
Michigan is in crisis. We have the opportunity for reinvention but our workforce is inadequately skilled. Our high school dropout rate is high and college completion is low. Our current workforce is aging, while talented youth flee to other regions and laid-off workers don't have the skills to compete in our new economy.
It is our responsibility to prepare our region for the future and we can't rely solely on government programs for solutions. We must unite as a community to prepare our workforce and revitalize our economy. Please help change someone's life and restore economic health to Southwest Michigan by donating today.
Education Foundation Vision
Each Southwest Michigan resident will have the skills and education to be productive employees, entrepreneurs, and citizens—all for the purpose of creating great communities in a strong, innovative, and vibrant local economy.