The state's now highest-in-the-nation unemployment rate of 14.1% has made a college scholarship program helping adult workers find new jobs "more meaningful than ever," Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union said Tuesday.

"We are honored to be able to award our members who are trying to move forward in their careers," explained Peter Gates, president/CEO of the $1 billion CU located in Clinton Township, a Detroit suburb. "Whether a member is changing positions, or their job is changing, or they are just returning to the workforce, Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union is here to help make the transition easier."

As it has for the past three years, Michigan Schools said it is offering $2,000 scholarships under its "Adults Moving Forward" program, in which it gives out nonrenewable stipends to adult or college students attending a Michigan college, university or vocational school or undergoing accredited certification.

The CU said its adult scholarships are being offered in addition to its other educational scholarship programs. All told, the 62,000-member Michigan Schools offers some $50,000 in scholarship grants, a spokeswoman said.