SAULT STE. MARIE, MI -- Money for a program aimed at getting people back into the workforce is drying up.

The recently passed federal budget contained drastic cuts for Michigan Works and it will have a big impact on people trying to reinvent themselves.

"We’ve had the most serious threat that we've had for the workforce investment act in a very long time," said Gwen Worley, the director of the Eastern Upper Peninsula’s Michigan Works program.

Worley says the recently passed federal budget means her office will have to make 10 to 11 percent in cuts.  That's a $60,000 to $80,000 reduction in funding for youth and adult programs.

"The money we invest in people is life-changing money, it's an opportunity for them to go into a job they can be self-sufficient in," said Worley.

Michigan Works funds and helps people get back to school or to learn a trade.  With the cuts, they'll have to turn more people away and possibly pull the plug on some people in the middle of their schooling.

I caught up with a student at Lake Superior State University who uses Michigan Works funding.  She says it's not a short-term investment the state is making, but it's a long-term investment for the future of Michigan."

"It’s assistance, it's a wonderful assistance," said student Kori Cremeans.

Cremeans is a 30 year-old mother and is in year three of a four year nursing program at LSSU.  She uses Michigan Works assistance and what isn't covered, she pays with student loans.

"Once I graduate and work as an RN making average, I would have covered the state's investment, and given it back to them within four yeas of paying Michigan state taxes," said Cremeans.

Ron Delap, the Dean of the Engineering College, says he sees a lot of people coming in, and leaving better off.

“These students who do graduate our program with a tremendously increased skill-set," said Delap.

Worley says these latest cuts probably won't be the last.  The next budget for Michigan Works is expected to be even smaller.

Michigan Works currently assists about 400 people with career and skills training classes.

With the new budget, they say that number will drop to around 80 a year.