LANSING – State Representatives Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland) and Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) today threw their support behind Michigan college students at a rally at the State Capitol to save the Michigan Promise Scholarship. The scholarship, which has made college affordable and accessible for nearly 100,000 Michigan families, is in danger of being eliminated due to budget cuts proposed by the Republican-controlled Senate.
"There are more than 235,000 unfilled jobs in Michigan because we do not have workers qualified to take them," LeBlanc said. "If we want to get our state moving again, we're going to need a highly educated workforce. That's why we have to make sure our students continue to have access to programs like the Michigan Promise Scholarship in order get a degree and land these good-paying jobs."
The Michigan Promise Scholarship awards Michigan students with a total of $4,000 after they complete two years of community college, university or vocational training with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Nearly 100,000 students rely on the Promise Scholarship every year.
LeBlanc and Corriveau attended today's rally that included students from universities around the state, lawmakers and residents who understand how important education is to Michigan's future.
"In order to attract businesses to our state and revitalize Michigan's economy, it's imperative that we have the best-educated workforce possible," said Corriveau, a member of the House Education Committee. "Michigan Promise scholarships are the best way to ensure that our students are prepared to compete in the 21st century global economy. We cannot turn our backs on the future by depriving our kids of the opportunity to succeed."