As part of the state’s School Aid Fund, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder today announced a $1 million designation for MI Bright Future, a program that allows students to connect with local employers to gain experience after high school.
The funding will help expand the program’s reach in southeast Michigan and other parts of the state. MI Bright Future uses online tools to connect students with learning opportunities, such as group company tours, job shadows, internships, and apprenticeships.
“The investment will help to expand our efforts statewide for students, and ready our future workforce with the in-demand skills businesses are looking for,” says Sarah Sebaly, senior program manager for MI Bright Future.
MI Bright Future’s site allows students to filter opportunities by job type, industry, and education level. The program aims to inform students of local opportunities in their own community and make them feel more comfortable in making education and career choices.
Emphasis is also placed on the importance of business applications and concepts.
“The best way for students to understand what we do, and careers in energy, is to experience it directly,” says Sharon Miller, Michigan Talent Architect for Consumers Energy. “We use this tool to engage with students, teachers, and counselors across the state.”
MI Bright Future, started by the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN) of Southeast Michigan in 2015, is currently in four Michigan counties. It is expected to reach 169,000 students at full launch.
