FLINT, MI -- The City of Flint, University of Michigan-Flint and GST Michigan Works! are joining forces.
The three organizations announced a new partnership Wednesday that will combine each of their job training and education programs into one “seamless” effort, beginning with an open house for Flint residents to receive assistance in finding jobs and earning degrees.
The “Back to Work, Back to School” open house will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 22 at UM-Flint’s University Pavilion on the downtown campus.
The event is free and open to the public. It will offer area residents a chance to learn about programs offered by Flint, UM-Flint and Michigan Works! that can help start a career. Those interested can register on the GST Michigan Works! website.
Specific resources that come together for the community include financial assistance for returning to school, childcare, technology and transportation assistance, and guidance from career and education professionals, according to a news release from the partnership.
“Financial instability can be crippling,” GST MI Works! CEO Jody Kerbyson said during a press conference held at Flint City Hall to announce the partnership. “But we know that it is not just as simple as going out and finding a job. We have things going on in our lives.”
Career coaches and UM-Flint staff will be on-site at the event to answer questions related to the workforce and education.
“We recognize education to be a very important part of getting people back to work -- not just in jobs, but in meaningful, life-sustaining careers,” UM-Flint Provost and Vice Chancellor Sonja Feist-Price said.
This partnership demonstrates the commitment that the city and its partners have to supporting its residents, Mayor Sheldon Neeley said.
“Families will benefit as a byproduct of these partnerships,” Neeley said. “These partnerships speak to the livelihood of our community.”
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