Important TAP Notice: The UAW-GM Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP) was suspended on June 1, 2009. Applications for TAP benefits covering tuition and/or compulsory fees related to courses that begin on or after June 1, 2009, will not be eligible for vouchers or reimbursement. TAP applications with a postmarked date after May 31, 2009 will not be processed. Hard copy applications along with supporting documentation (proof of payment, itemized statement and completion/grade report) for courses taken prior to June 1, 2009, must be submitted by August 31, 2009.
Important DSP Notice: The UAW-GM Dependent Scholarship Program (DSP) was suspended on January 1, 2009. Any outstanding DSP applications for a term prior to this date must be submitted to TAP before March 31, 2009. All required documentation for DSP reimbursement requests for an application already approved must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2009 in order to be considered for payment. In addition, if the required documentation is not received by the deadline, your DSP reimbursement application will be cancelled. Applications for DSP benefits covering tuition and/or compulsory fees related to courses that begin on or after January 1, 2009, will not be eligible for vouchers or reimbursement.
The worsening economic climate faced by General Motors has caused the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources (CHR) to review funding levels for 2009 Joint Programs. Business conditions in the auto industry continue to deteriorate requiring further cutbacks in manufacturing volumes, more manpower reductions, and fewer hours worked in General Motors plants. Since CHR funding is based on hours worked, this unprecedented downward spiral has deepened our budget crisis. The UAW-GM Joint Activities Board, which has a fiduciary responsibility to preserve the CHR’s financial stability, recently evaluated joint program spending for the 2009 fiscal year to determine whether these programs can continue to be funded. Based on the projected decline in CHR revenue, it is apparent that suspension of the UAW-GM Scholarship Program for Dependent Children (DSP) for UAW-GM active, retired and spouses of deceased employees must be made.
DSP will be reviewed in the future to determine if funding levels are sufficient to consider this program for reinstatement.
NWLB Communication: With the above mentioned changes in the UAW-GM TAP, for those of you that wish to continue to pursue training opportunities please note the following.
Through the State of Michigan is a program called No Worker Left Behind. This program is designed to accelerate dislocated workers into good-paying jobs by providing up to two years of free tuition at any community college, university or other approved training provider.
Tuition covers up to $5,000 per year for two years for a total of $10,000 per person. Once approved, the funds are paid directly to the training facility and are not used for reimbursement.
Eligibility entails:
· Any person currently unemployed OR
· Any person who has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment OR
· Any employed person with a family income of $40,000 or less.
The first step in beginning to pursue the benefits of NWLB is to attend a NWLB orientation where you will be informed of the process and the step necessary to gaining access to these funds.
Given the State’s budget circumstances, please be advised that all programs are subject to change. Also, some high demand training programs may have a waiting period for entry. It is important to consider these two facts when thinking about your next steps and act accordingly.
