Great Lakes Wire

There will be $1.5 million in prize money given out in honor of Michigan Education Trust’s (MET) 35-year anniversary, a recent press release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office said.

Citizens of the state can enter to win one of 100 $15,000 prepaid tuition rewards.

Former Gov. Jim 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 state Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, former state Sen. William Sederburg, and Lansing School District Superintendent Ben Shuldiner, along with members of the community; the release said.

“This life-changing giveaway is an awesome way to celebrate 35 years of helping Michigan families save for higher education,” Whitmer said in the release. “It will help more students attain the education and skills they will need to achieve their career goals and bring us closer to meeting our goal of 60% of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030.”

Whitmer added that this would not be possible without Blanchard’s vision, and she encouraged families to consider the MET program.

“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 said in the release. “But that foundation is just one part of the equation. Pursuing higher education can be financially unattainable for many students. MET is a great resource to help families save for future higher education even if it’s just in small increments a little bit at a time. This giveaway can help provide a child with a $15,000 head start toward his or her future. I strongly urge families in Lansing and across the state to enter.”