American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Northwest Michigan Council of Governments was the recipient of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding. Programs and services were designed to align with the intent of ARRA: to jumpstart the economy, create jobs, and help Americans struggling to support their families.

ARRA funding was used for the Earn & Learn Summer Youth program. This program employed 323 young adults during the summer of 2009. These youth worked on various projects for local governments and non-profits. They also learned essential employability skills, including teamwork, communication, and appropriate workplace behaviors.

ARRA funding was also used for the UpSkills program, a remedial education class for adults. Participants in UpSkills earned a wage while improving basic math, reading, and computer skills. The purpose of this program was to prepare adults for an opportunity in the workplace and in continuing educational programs.

See the Success Stories page for a look at the impact of these programs in Northwest Michigan.