News Summary
Grand Rapids is broadening its Promise Zone Scholarship to now cover tuition for eligible students aiming for bachelor’s degrees at Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University. This initiative, which initially provided funding for associate’s degrees, aims to support local students, particularly those from communities with high childhood poverty. The changes, effective from January 2026, will include up to $14,000 in annual support alongside contributions from both universities, helping to address educational inequalities in the region.
Grand Rapids is set to expand its Promise Zone Scholarship to cover tuition for eligible students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. Previously, this scholarship provided a tuition-free associate’s degree at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) for students living within city limits. The expansion of this program will significantly aid students who have earned an associate’s degree at GRCC and wish to continue their education at Ferris State University or Grand Valley State University.
The Promise Zone, a city-wide collaboration among public, charter, and private schools in Grand Rapids, aims to enhance educational opportunities for local students. Tom Dejonge, chair of the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority Board, has indicated that this expansion could be the first of its kind in Michigan. The aim of this initiative is not only to advance educational goals but also to address challenges faced by communities with high childhood poverty rates.
Since the inception of the Promise Zone scholarship five years ago, approximately 2,000 students have benefited, receiving funding primarily for associate’s degrees. Starting in January 2026, qualifying students will be eligible for up to $14,000 per academic year towards their bachelor’s degrees. This financial aid is structured as a “last dollar” funding model, meaning it will cover any remaining tuition costs after all federal and state need-based grants have been utilized.
Students planning to attend Ferris State University or Grand Valley State University can receive additional financial support, as both universities will contribute up to $7,000 annually towards students’ tuition. However, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and be in good standing to continue receiving these scholarship funds.
About the Promise Zone Initiative
The Grand Rapids Promise Zone was officially established in 2018 as part of a state initiative that began in 2009, aiming to provide scholarships to communities facing high levels of childhood poverty. The scholarship program currently covers up to 72 credit hours at GRCC and provides a $500 stipend for books and supplies.
Broader Educational Context
In conjunction with the expansion of the Promise Zone, the Grand Rapids Public Schools recently passed a budget totaling approximately $17 million less than the previous year. This budget has led to reductions across multiple spending categories, though salary spending was the only area that received an increase. The approval of this budget raised concerns among board members and community members regarding the equity of resource distribution within the schools.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is also involved in the educational landscape, working to develop into an educational hub with a focus on accessibility and community involvement. The museum is collaborating with Grand Rapids Public Schools to provide hands-on learning experiences through a unique design-thinking school located within the museum. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, GRPM has significantly increased its learning initiatives, offering after-school programs and field trip opportunities.
Local businesses, such as Rocks Trash Service, have been proactive in supporting community needs, hosting events like the Back-to-School Fair to distribute essential supplies for families. However, there remains ongoing concern among community members regarding funding for school meals and ensuring safety in classrooms, reflecting broader challenges faced by families in Grand Rapids.
The expansion of the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship is expected to provide additional resources to local students, contributing to their educational journey and ultimately improving economic opportunities for the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Expands Promise Zone Scholarship Program
GRCC Expands Promise Zone Scholarship for Bachelor’s Degrees
GRCC Reports Enrollment and Retention Increases
Grand Rapids Community College Kicks Off Fall Semester
Top Private K-12 Schools in Grand Rapids Revealed
GRCC Kicks Off the New Academic Year in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Celebrates 175th Anniversary Milestone
Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship Celebrates Five Years
New $38 Million Elementary School Planned for Grand Rapids
Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids Promise Now to Cover Bachelor’s Degrees
- Wikipedia: Promise Zone
- WZZM: GRPS Budget Passes Amid Community Concerns
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Public Schools budget
- Detroit News: GRCC President Resigns
- Google Scholar: Grand Rapids Community College
- Rapid Growth: Grand Rapids Public Museum Education Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Museum
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
