DETROIT (WXYZ) – One hundred million dollars in scholarships is available for Detroit adults looking to jump-start their careers. Funded by the American Rescue Plan, the Detroit At Work program will pay Detroiters an hourly wage to pursue a GED or skilled training.
Mayor Mike Duggan held a community meeting Monday to explain how it would work.
Duggan told the crowd, “We’re kicking off a $100 million program in scholarships that are going to be going to Detroiters over the next two years.”
Octavia is one of more than 100 success stories from Dunn Learn to Earn, a program to help adults at least three years out of high school earn their GED.
Dunn said, “Anyone who realizes it is too late is never too late.” “I received a high school diploma and today I have a new job at DPS because of Learn to Earn.”
The program pays $10 an hour for 20 hours a week while Detroiters work to earn their GEDs. It was Dunn’s daughter who helped her to the finish line.
“It meant the world to me,” Dunn said of her daughter’s help. “When I was ready to give up, she encouraged me to do so.”
The program, which pays for 20 hours a week, is one of several including the Skills for Life program, which pays $15 an hour for 40 hours a week. Three days are spent working for the city, and two days are spent learning a skilled trade.
“It was an excellent opportunity,” said Elisha Hines-Jones, who completed the Skills for Life program. “I know CDL (commercial driver’s license) classes can be anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 to $10,000.”
Hines-Jones earned her CDL and is now a truck driver for the city. She thanks the program for helping her do so and giving her a new career option with better pay.
Hines-Jones said, “It’s an excellent opportunity for people to get a good wage and a decent living and a good job in the city or in other industries.”
By sharing the information, the city hopes more people like Dunn will sign up. She was able to complete her GED in June, graduating the same year with her teenage daughter.
Dunn said, “When I had her, I always made a vow, ‘We’re going to finish together.’ My dream come true to earn.
You can find more information about these programs detroitatwork.com/career-guide or call 313-962-WORK.
