There is a solution — a free online program, called LEARN. The program is a collaboration of Michigan-based Maria Madeline Project, Inc., the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, five local library systems and WJBK, Fox 2, Detroit.

LEARN provides university-level e-learning and career re-branding courses for unemployed and underemployed Michigan baby boomers with the goal of preparing more than 100,000 unemployed Michiganders to re-enter the workforce in a new career. LEARN’s initial online class, Redefining You through a Career in Health Care, will launch on March 1, 2010, at www.50plusprime.com.  

LEARN career re-branding courses are free and focus on the following industries: health care, government and non-profit, emerging technologies and entrepreneurship. LEARN is the product of Maria Madeline Project of Lathrup Village. 

“Remember, many Michiganders have lost manufacturing jobs after decades of working the same job for the same company,” said Tony Fama, president of Maria Madeline Project. “They will need a caring, detailed, step-by-step guide to starting all over from scratch. LEARN will be there every step of the way. ”
 
LEARN online instructors prepare Michiganders whose manufacturing jobs have ceased to exist for careers in the new economy. LEARN career re-branding courses are developed by Lynn Wooten, PH.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Strategy, Management and Organizations at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business in collaboration with Maria Madeline Project.
 
“I think this initiative is necessary, especially here in Michigan, because the economy is shifting,” said Wooten. “We are no longer a manufacturing economy. We are becoming a service and knowledge economy. However, at the same time, we have not invested in retraining our executives, professional workers, and skilled laborers to adapt to this shift in the economy. So for the state of Michigan, I believe retraining our workforce will give us a new competitive advantage.”
 
LEARN is the bridge between a former career and a new one. LEARN helps unemployed and underemployed older workers navigate their new career, first by helping them identify their strengths and interests, and then by guiding them in what it takes to be successful in their new line of work. It details job requirements and the criteria needed to successfully seek employment in the new economy industry of their choice. Also, LEARN identifies the community colleges Michiganders can attend to secure the education necessary for their new career.
 
LEARN classes also include lessons on basic and intermediate computer skills, and on how to develop and maintain a positive and upbeat frame of mind in the new marketplace, based on the book “Positivity,” by Barbara Fredrickson, PH.D., formerly of the University of Michigan, and currently of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

While the majority of LEARN classes help Michiganders re-brand their careers, the balance assist Michiganders in living successfully beyond the job. These classes include financial planning, healthy diet and being a successful caregiver for aging parents.
 
LEARN courses are also available online at libraries in southeast Michigan, including Grosse Pointe Public Library, Salem-South Lyon District Library, Ann Arbor District Library, Dearborn Public Library and Dearborn Heights City Libraries.
 
Each LEARN course includes both an online instructor-led and online independent study portion. For example, each participating Michigander will watch online from at home or their community library, with his or her own participant guide, and follow an instructor using a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation detailing the industry of their choice. The student will then be able to access the online independent study portion of the course at home or back at the library at their convenience, working at their own pace. LEARN courses are available 24/7 at www.50plusprime.com.

“The Ann Arbor District Library welcomes the opportunity to partner with LEARN as a workforce development resource in order to better serve the unique needs of individuals seeking new career paths in our community, said Terry Soave, manager of Outreach & Neighborhood Services, Ann Arbor District Library. “The growing curriculum of LEARN and its ease of accessibility through aadl.org  and other community partners, lends a refreshing approach to what can oftentimes be a very daunting experience, to change careers. AADL is happy to be on board.” 
 
WJBK Fox 2, Detroit, is LEARN's broadcast partner. "We are committed to programs that improve the quality of life for people living in Metro Detroit," said Jeff Murri, Vice President and General Manager, WJBK Fox 2. "LEARN is an ideal partner for Fox 2. As the television station that works for you, we're partnering with LEARN to assist Michigan residents in identifying new careers and getting back to work."

Maria Madeline Project, Inc., founded in 1999, is named for Fama’s mother (Maria) and grandmother (Madeline). “Growing up, I remember each of them teaching me to be aware of people's needs, and addressing those needs before a request was made for help,” said Fama. “Mom and grandma would say that if ‘someone had to ask you for help, you had waited too long.’ Maria Madeline Project, in being named for these women, works to reflect the same depth of compassion in supporting baby boomers, while keeping alive the boomer notion that together we still can make the world a better place.”

Media contact: Vanessa Denha Garmo, Denha Media 248. 702. 8687 or 248. 830. 8607