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Dear President:
I am writing to provide advance notice, that in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will provide food assistance benefits to eligible low-income college students who are enrolled at least half time in an occupational program under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).
Effective May 4, 2020, the definition of an eligible student under Michigan’s Food Assistance Program (FAP) has been expanded to include students identified as enrolled in a career and technical education (CTE) program leading to employment, as per Perkins V. Additionally, CTE students must also meet all other FAP eligibility requirements.
This new FAP definition provides LEO and MDHHS the opportunity to support the institution’s current efforts to combat rising food insecurity on college campuses, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to ensure Perkins CTE students can focus on their education without the added burden of worrying about meeting basic food needs.
Verification of enrollment in a Perkins CTE program is an eligibility requirement that may be provided to MDHHS by the student or the institution. LEO-WD Perkins Postsecondary staff may reach out to the Occupational Contact at the institution to secure verification, when necessary.
Thank you for your continued partnership to provide students with credentials that ensure pathways to high-wage, high-skilled, and in-demand careers. Students interested in applying for food assistance can find eligibility information at Michigan.gov/MIBridges. Please contact us with any questions you may have by email at LEO-MiCC@michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Beckhorn, Director
Office of Employment and Training
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
SB:KW:as
cc: Perkins Occupational Contact, Postsecondary Institutions
Marcia Black-Watson, Division Administrator, Industry Engagement
Keenan Wade, Administrative Manager, Work-Based Learning
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