The Churchill Community Education Center, located at 707 Girard Avenue in Royal Oak, offers an alternative high school and adult programs for students 19 and under. (Royal Oak School photo)
Royal Oaks School received a portion of $3 million in state funding intended to help adults 23 and older earn their high school diploma to launch a career training program.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced Tuesday that the grants will go to 13 adult education high school diploma programs across the state.
“The data is clear: The more we learn, the more we earn,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. All Michiganders are eligible.”
This funding will help more state residents achieve financial independence and build a brighter future for Michigan families and businesses, Whitmer added.
In Royal Oak, the grant money will be used at the district's Churchill Continuing Education Adult Education Center, 707 Girard Avenue.
Joy Zug, coordinator of Churchill's continuing adult education program, said this is the third time the program has won state funding.
“We are grateful for this funding to help people who have not finished high school,” Zug said. “Our partnerships with training institutions like Oakland Community College, Macomb Community College, and Michigan Works are stronger than ever.”
Churchill has two programs. One is her alternative high school for students 19 and under. The other is the Adult Trail program, which allows upperclassmen to earn their high school diploma.
“We are working on life-changing work, and this grant will help people get better-paying jobs,” Zug said. “Our graduates are truly transformed people pursuing careers they never thought possible.”
She added that the grant will also help the local economy, as Churchill supports skilled worker graduates who enter needed jobs.
“If you or someone you know is in need of a high school diploma, please contact us at 248-588-5050,” Zug said.
Educators and economists estimate that high school graduates earn about $7,800 more per year than non-graduates.
The largest grant from the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is $2.1 million to the Graduation Alliance.
The Graduation Alliance works in partnership with educators, government agencies, and community leaders across the country.
Since 2007, the Alliance has worked with more than 650 state agencies, school districts, community colleges, and labor boards in the United States to re-enroll, educate, and mentor students.
Graduation Alliance's diploma completion programs are supported by recruitment, technology, mentoring, and other support services.
Adult Education 23+ High School Diploma Program grants will help state LEO departments implement initiatives that close equity gaps, remove barriers, and set people on track for their goals . LEO Director Susan Corbin described the path to economic prosperity in a statement.
“Earning a high school diploma is an important first step for Michiganders to earn the degrees and certifications they need to secure good-paying jobs and financial security,” Corbin said. .