Team Kinexus recognizes that the ever-increasing need for workers in the agricultural fields of Michigan's Great Southwest brings with it the responsibility to help seasonal farm workers and/or their dependents to continue their education without disrupting their earning power as they work to obtain a GED certificate.
As a result, the crew at Benton Harbor-based Kinexus is partnering with Michigan State University's High School Equivalency Program (MSU HEP) to bring those educational opportunities for eligible agricultural workers in the tri-county area of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties.
Luis Alonzo Garcia is Director at MSU HEP. He says, "This effort brings MSU HEP instruction right to the migrant, seasonal farm worker and/or their dependents so they lose minimum income while they earn their GED.” He points out, “We will work closely with Kinexus to provide quality educational experiences to eligible participants.”
MSU considers outreach a fundamental part of its academic mission. With that, MSU HEP offers individuals with migrant or seasonal farm work backgrounds a unique opportunity to obtain a General Educational Development certificate (GED).
Charity Garcia is Director of Vocational Programming and Center Services at Kinexus. She tells us, “There is a passion from both Kinexus and MSU HEP to provide what people need in the way that it works for their lives.”
This new collaboration makes it easier for HEP participants to maintain income, receive on-site instruction that is close to their homes, and allows them to earn their GED.
Kinexus CEO Todd Gustafson says, “We are excited to partner with MSU HEP’s instructional project.” He adds, “Together with our facilities and follow-through services, we will have a program that better positions agricultural workers and their dependents for sustainable career opportunities.”
For more information you can contact Charity Garcia, Director of Vocational Programming and Career Services at (269) 927-1064, ext. 1404 or garciac@kinexus.org or Haida Lopez, MSU HEP Associate Director at (517) 432-9900 or lopezhai@msu.edu.
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Kinexus is a nonprofit organization, based in Benton Harbor, that invests millions in funding each year in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties through integrated business, workforce, and community development.
