News Summary
Grand Rapids Community College has announced an expansion of its Promise Zone Scholarship, now covering tuition for eligible students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. Starting in 2026, recipients can receive up to $14,000 per year to support their transition to four-year institutions like Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University. More than 2,000 students have benefited from the program targeting local youth and improving employability in the region. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA and have attended a city-designated high school.
Grand Rapids – Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) has announced an expansion of its Promise Zone Scholarship, which will now cover tuition for eligible students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. This program will allow recipients to receive up to $14,000 per academic year to aid their transition from associate’s degrees at GRCC to four-year institutions such as Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University (GVSU).
The expansion, effective starting January 2026, aims to enhance educational opportunities for local students and improve their employability in the region. Currently, more than 2,000 students have benefitted from the existing Promise Zone Scholarship, which has provided funding for associate’s degrees at GRCC for the last five years. The program was initially designed with the intention of helping students continue their education beyond two-year degrees.
Eligibility and Funding Details
To qualify for the expanded scholarship, students must fill out the FAFSA form and must have lived in Grand Rapids while attending a city-designated high school. Eligibility for funding differs based on the duration the students were enrolled in an eligible school, with those who participated prior to 10th grade qualifying for 100%.
The scholarship works on a “last dollar” basis, meaning it will cover the balance of tuition and fees after other need-based financial aid has been applied. The new initiative will fund up to $7,000 per academic year at either Ferris State University or GVSU for students beginning with the Class of 2021. Additionally, Ferris State and GVSU will contribute up to another $7,000 annually to bridge any remaining tuition gaps.
Program Support and Implications
The Promise Zone initiative is projected to generate over $30 million in funding over its first decade. Initially financed through philanthropic donations, future funding will transition to tax increment financing, ensuring that there will be no adverse effects on Grand Rapids property taxes.
To maintain eligibility for scholarship funding while pursuing their degrees at GVSU or Ferris State, students must demonstrate academic progress consistently. For this fall, approximately 800 students are currently enrolled in the Promise Zone program.
Background on the Promise Zone
The Promise Zone scholarship program in Michigan was launched under a law enacted in 2009, aimed at providing state-backed scholarships in communities facing high childhood poverty rates. Grand Rapids was designated as a Promise Zone in 2018, joining other areas as the number of Promise Zones in the state increased from 10 to 15. The initiative fosters a unique partnership among public, charter, and private schools in the city, aligning educational goals to effectively support students.
The current Promise Zone Scholarship covers tuition for up to 72 credit hours, typically necessary for two years of college education, requiring students to enroll in a minimum of six credits during the fall and winter semesters. Additionally, recipients are eligible for $500 stipends for books and supplies, further aiding their educational journeys.
GRCC’s commitment to supporting students like Alexsandra Aguilar-Delgado, who aims to earn her associate’s degree and then transfer to Ferris State University without significant financial burden, exemplifies the overarching goal of this scholarship expansion. It represents an important step toward making college more accessible and affordable for residents of Grand Rapids.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: GR Promise Now to Cover Bachelor’s Degrees for Grand Rapids Students
- Rapid Growth Media: Expanded GR Promise Zone Scholarship Boosts Support for GRCC Students
- Michigan Independent: New Law Helps Disadvantaged Michigan Students with Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- WZZM 13: Grand Rapids Free Tuition Development Plan Set for Approval
- Gander Newsroom: 20 Free College Programs in Michigan That You Need to Know About
- Wikipedia: Education in Michigan
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship
- Google Scholar: Promise Zone Scholarship Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Aid
- Google News: Grand Rapids Education News
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.
