Grand Rapids Reporter

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced that $1.5 million in prize money will be given away to celebrate Michigan Education Trust’s (MET) 35-year anniversary.

Citizens of the state can enter to win one of 100 $15,000 prepaid tuition rewards, a recent press release from the governor’s office said.

“The idea behind the giveaway is to help make 100 dreams come true by reaching more families and helping more children achieve success through higher education,” state Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, who also serves on the MET Board, said in the release. “We are excited to shine a $1.5 million spotlight on MET and show parents, grandparents and others how it’s a safe, secure and flexible way to make sure their loved ones meet their future education and career goals.”

Whitmer noted that this giveaway would not be possible without the vision of former Gov. JIm Blanchard, and she encouraged families to consider enrolling in the MET program.

Blanchard, who initially proposed the MET plan in 1986 in his State of the State address and signed it into law that same year, was on hand with Whitmer in the announcement.

“A lot has changed over the past 35 years, but one thing still holds true today — a family’s desire to help put their children on the path to a bright and successful future,” Blanchard said in the release. “Back then, parents and grandparents didn’t have a lot of options to save for a child’s higher education. We created MET, and it has been a key that has helped unlock opportunities for tens of thousands of Michiganders to receive the education, training and skills that lead to better jobs, social mobility and economic security. I’m proud of the lasting impact MET has had on so many.”

Other state officials on hand for the announcement at Riddle Elementary School in Lansing included former state Sen. William Sederburg and Lansing School District Superintendent Ben Shuldiner, along with members of the community; the release said.

“As the only school district in Michigan that offers free pre-K to all students living within our boundaries regardless of family income, the Lansing School District is committed to enriching our young learners by building a strong foundation for lifelong curiosity and well-being,” Shuldiner in the release. “But that foundation is just one part of the equation. Pursuing higher education can be financially unattainable for many students.”

Shuldiner added that the giveaway was intended to provide children with a $15,000 head start toward their future.