Michigan Workforce Empowerment Foundation (MWEF)
Our Programs
At Michigan Workforce Empowerment Foundation (MWEF), our programs are designed to create real, sustainable employment opportunities for unemployed individuals, youth, and underserved communities across Michigan.
We focus on practical skills, employer partnerships, and direct pathways to jobs—not temporary assistance
At Michigan Workforce Empowerment Foundation (MWEF), our programs are designed to create real, sustainable employment opportunities for unemployed individuals, youth, and underserved communities across Michigan.
“We focus on practical skills, employer partnerships, and direct pathways to jobs - not temporary assistance”
1. Employment Pathways Program
From unemployment to real jobs
This program connects job seekers directly with employers through structured employment pathways that lead to long-term, stable work.
Program components include:
Job readiness assessments
Resume and interview preparation
Direct employer referrals
Placement into verified employment opportunities
Follow-up support during the first 6 months of employment
Employer Wage Partnership Model:
To support successful job placement and retention, MWEF operates a shared-wage employment model:
MWEF covers 50% of the worker’s wages (Maximum supported wage of $20 per hour), for up to six months,
Participating employers cover the remaining 50% of wages only,
No additional financial obligations are required from participating companies.
This model encourages employer participation while providing job seekers with real work experience, income stability, and a clear pathway to permanent employment.
“Program availability and wage support are subject to funding, eligibility, and employer participation”
2. Youth Career Opportunities Program
Creating real opportunities for Michigan’s youth
Are you an out-of-school youth, 16-24?
If you are 24 years old or younger, currently out of school, or planning to work during the summer while school is out, and you’re interested in job placement, MWEF can help you take real steps toward achieving your employment goals and successfully entering the workforce.
We work to provide meaningful career opportunities for young people, especially those facing limited access to employment.
Program components include:
Career exploration and mentoring
Entry-level job placement
Paid training opportunities (when funding allows)
Partnerships with local employers and training centers
Who it serves:
Eligible youth ages 16-24 seeking their first job or career direction.
Employer Wage Partnership Model:
To support successful job placement and retention, MWEF operates a shared-wage employment model:
MWEF pays 100% of the participants’ wages at Michigan’s minimum wage throughout the summer employment period.
Participating companies bear no financial cost, offering only training and hands-on work experience.
This program helps develop a skilled future workforce, gives young people early exposure to career environments, and supports long-term job readiness.
“Program availability and wage support are subject to funding, eligibility, and employer participation”
3. Skills Training & Workforce Development
Skills that lead to employment
MWEF offers workforce training programs aligned with current labor market needs to ensure participants gain skills that employers are actively seeking.
Program areas may include:
Workplace readiness and soft skills
Industry-specific skills training
Certification preparation (based on funding and partnerships)
On-the-job training in collaboration with employers
Who it serves:
Job seekers needing skill development to secure employment.
4. Employer Partnership Program
Supporting employers while strengthening communities
We collaborate with employers to help them find qualified, prepared workers while supporting community workforce development.
Program components include:
Workforce matching services
Employer-driven training alignment
Support for hiring unemployed or underemployed workers
Ongoing collaboration to meet workforce needs
Who it serves:
Michigan employers and local businesses.
5. Community Workforce Support Services
Removing barriers to employment
We recognize that employment success requires more than a job offer. This program supports individuals in overcoming barriers that prevent workforce participation.
Support may include:
Employment guidance and coaching
Referral to supportive services
Workforce navigation assistance
Ongoing case support (as resources allow).
Expected Benefits
Support for small and medium-sized businesses by funding 50% of the wages of workers placed through the program, significantly reducing payroll expenses and increasing profit margins.
Business expansion and increased hiring capacity, as reduced labor costs allow companies to grow, open new branches, and hire more workers, directly contributing to lower unemployment rates in the city and the state.
Strengthening the local economy by supplying trained, motivated workers and stimulating the production and service sectors across Sterling Heights and Michigan.
Reducing financial burdens on the state, as the funds typically allocated for cash assistance and food stamps can instead be redirected as temporary wages for six months.
After this period, participants no longer rely on state benefits, resulting in:Fewer individuals receiving public assistance
Significant annual savings for the state budget
A shift from Michigan being a provider of aid to a supporter of productive employment
Transforming public assistance into a productive investment, turning a consumption-based support system into an economic engine that strengthens the workforce.
Increasing labor force participation by integrating new groups of workers into the job market after real-world training.
Lowering crime and social issues, as employment is strongly linked to reduced criminal activity and improved social stability.
Strengthening family stability, since stable employment improves the economic, psychological, and social well-being of households.
Improving service quality and productivity as companies gain access to newly trained workers eager to prove themselves.
Increasing state tax revenues once participants enter the workforce. Instead of the state paying financial assistance to unemployed individuals and their families, these individuals will become productive workers who pay income taxes, transforming them from financial liability into a genuine source of revenue for the state.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure fairness, transparency, and effective use of resources, Michigan Workforce Empowerment Foundation (MWEF) applies clear eligibility guidelines for both employers and workers participating in its programs. Eligibility may vary based on program availability, funding, and partnership requirements.
Employer Eligibility
Employers participating in MWEF workforce programs must meet the following general criteria:
Be a legally registered business operating in the State of Michigan
Demonstrate a commitment to providing real, paid employment opportunities
Offer positions that comply with applicable wage, labor, and employment laws
Agree to participate in the shared-wage employment model when applicable
Commit to providing a safe and lawful work environment
Cooperate with basic reporting and employment verification requirements
Participation is subject to program capacity, funding availability, and employer alignment with MWEF’s mission and values.
Worker Eligibility
Individuals seeking participation in MWEF programs must generally meet the following criteria:
Be legally eligible to work in the United States
Be unemployed, underemployed, or seeking workforce re-entry
Reside in Michigan or be eligible to work within the state
Demonstrate readiness and commitment to employment participation
Meet program-specific eligibility requirements when applicable
Youth-focused programs may include additional age-related criteria based on funding guidelines and program design.
Non-Discrimination Statement
MWEF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.
Important Notice
Eligibility does not guarantee program placement, employment, or wage support. Participation is subject to availability, funding, and final approval by MWEF and participating employers.
Get Involved
Whether you are:
A job seeker
An employer
A partner organization
A donor or grantor
Our Commitment
All MWEF programs are designed to:
Promote economic stability
Support self-sufficiency
Create measurable employment outcomes
Strengthen Michigan’s workforce and communities
We welcome collaboration to expand opportunities and create lasting impact
“ Together, we will build Michigan FREE of unemployment “