Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)

Children’s Savings Account Program Request for Proposals The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) recently announced two new funding opportunities to support organizations dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for Michigan’s children through Children’s Savings Account (CSA) programs. CEDAM is a partner organization of LEO's Poverty Task Force with the mission to support low-income Michiganders. Available Funding Opportunities: 1 ) New CSA Program Development and Administration This RFP is for organizations looking to develop, launch and manage a new CSA program. The initiative focuses on expanding economic opportunities for Michigan’s children by fostering postsecondary aspirations and turning them into achievable goals. 2 ) CSA Program Innovation & Sustainability This RFP is for organizations with established CSA programs aiming to enhance their long-term sustainability and impact. While proposals can include innovative approaches, the primary focus should be on addressing immediate needs to ensure accessibility, effectiveness and financial sustainability. Important dates: ? CSA Innovation & Sustainability Proposal Deadline: April 18, 2025 ? New CSA Program Proposal Deadline: May 2, 2025 ? Funding Period: June 1, 2025 - Aug. 31, 2026 Learn more and apple here: bit.ly/42nYbTW #MILEO #PovertyTaskForce

??Check out our very own LEO Director, Susan Corbin on the Shelley Irwin Show with WGVU Public Radio. As we continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth, Director Corbin shed light on workforce development efforts that LEO is doing to attract more women in registered apprenticeship programs. She informed listeners about critical issues being tackled by our Michigan Women’s Commission and Michigan Talent - The State of Michigan's Office of Employment & Training. She also emphasized LEO's support in STEM education via our hashtag #MiSTEMNetwork and how we are aiming to get girls into STEM programs sooner so they can be set up for success at an early age. Listen here: bit.ly/4c7Nyrv #MWC25 #MiSTEM

??Check out our Labor team's insightful Coffee Chat exploring the vital link between physical fitness and mental health in the workplace. Randall Harrison, LEO’s State Assistant Administrator for the Office of Labor, talks with Mike Stack, founder and chair of the Michigan Moves Coalition, who shares how they’re working with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) to create a comprehensive physical activity plan for Michigan. Michigan business leaders are encouraged to get involved in shaping strategies to improve physical activity across the state. Learn more at MIMOVES.org! Subscribe to the Labor department newsletter: bit.ly/4j0YYjP #MILabor #LaborCoffeeChat #WorkplaceMentalHealth #MDHHS

First-time filers for unemployment can participate in a virtual Spanish-language Coaching Session to get information about the filing process. It’s one of four group sessions offered by the Unemployment Insurance Agency that make learning about unemployment benefits accessible to Michiganders. The First-time Filer session teaches claimants how to apply for benefits using the easy-to-follow steps in the UIA Claimant Roadmap as a guide. Other sessions address the Monetary Determination letter, protest and appeal rights, and seeking work/registration requirements. Sign up for a session today at: https://bit.ly/3Y5hIWF

Michigan is home to many brilliant women who are making history in STEM careers and guiding the next generation of women in STEM. Today the MiSTEM Network would like to highlight two women-led-and-run programs in Michigan that are helping to cultivate the next generation of women in STEM: the Michigan Council for Women in Technology and the Michigan Girls Collaborative Project! Women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. Their low participation is often due to a lack of encouragement and persistent misconceptions. Supporting young girls in STEM is vital to fostering their interest and building a more inclusive workforce. Each year, the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT) runs Camp Infinity, a technology camp for fourth to eighth graders where girls are able to gain skills in App Inventor, SPIKE Prime, HTML and many others. The National Girls Collaborative is committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue careers in STEM. It collaborates with other organizations in their efforts and works to guide the next generation. Organizations like these and others that continue to foster STEM interest in girls are exciting catalysts for the future workforce! #WomensHistoryMonth #MiSTEM #WomenInSTEM #WomenInTech #WomenInScience #MichiganSTEM

PRESS RELEASE: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), has awarded $1.9 million in State Apprenticeship Expansion grant funding to workforce development partners. This investment will directly benefit 287 Michiganders by providing access to earn-as-you-learn Registered Apprenticeship programs that offer life-changing career opportunities and pathways to high-demand, good-paying jobs. Read the press release: bit.ly/4kXBKMG #LEOPress

PRESS RELEASE: Michigan Economic Development Corporation and LEO's MiSTEM Network launched the latest round of funding in their partnership to support preK-8 STEM education. Approximately $2 million of strategic investments will expand hands-on learning, introduce young students to high-demand industries, and create more opportunities for career exploration in STEM fields, ensuring Michigan’s future workforce is prepared for success. Read the release: bit.ly/4ioNwht #LEOPress #MiSTEM #LEOProsperity

?? As we continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth, Director Corbin sat down to talk with WJR radio to highlight our critical work to remove barriers and support women in the workforce through key initiatives by our Michigan Women’s Commission, MiSTEM Network and MichiganReconnect programs, calling out the importance of getting women – and younger girls – on a path to equal opportunity in the workforce. Listen in at the 10:05 mark: bit.ly/4bPjiS9 #MWC25 #MILEO

?? Federal Employees in Michigan: Have you recently been terminated from your job? As a reminder, the Unemployment Insurance Agency has launched a webpage which organizes the information you need throughout your unemployment process. Find helpful links on topics like the Claimant Roadmap (a six-step guide on filing for unemployment), how to schedule an appointment with the UIA, and how to certify for benefits. There also are links to important community resources. Find this information and more at https://lnkd.in/ey6JQDHY #MIUIA #LEOPress

??Michigan’s workforce system is #1 in the nation for adult credential attainment, reports the highest earnings in the country for individuals with disabilities, is #3 for helping adults get employed and is #4 in active registered apprenticeships. Good-paying jobs, in-demand careers and educational opportunities are on the rise nearly one year after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released the first-ever Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan, a comprehensive roadmap with ambitious strategies to ensure all Michiganders have the skills, opportunities and support they need to make it in Michigan. The plan includes three core pillars: ? 1 - Help more Michiganders earn skills certificates or degrees ? 2 - Increase opportunities to grow the middle class ? 3 - Grow businesses to make Michigan a top 10 state for labor force participation To communicate the goals and strategies of the three pillars and build a collaborative network, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity met with all 16 Michigan Works! Agencies and held roundtable discussions with stakeholders in every region of the state. Read the press release: shorturl.at/NFwlZ Learn more about the Statewide Workforce Plan: shorturl.at/uCNUL #MILEO #StatewideWorforcePlan #LEOPress