News Summary
Grand Rapids has announced an expansion of its Promise Zone Scholarship, providing significant financial aid for local students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. Eligible students who complete their associate’s degree at Grand Rapids Community College will have access to up to $14,000 per year for their continued studies at Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University. This initiative aims to improve educational support and retention rates while strengthening employability within the community. The expanded funding model also includes additional support for housing and transportation expenses.
Grand Rapids has announced an expansion of its Promise Zone Scholarship, allowing local students to obtain significant financial aid for their bachelor’s degrees. This development means that aspiring university students, like Alexsandra Aguilar-Delgado, will have access to up to $14,000 per academic year after completing their associate’s degree at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). The enhancement of the scholarship aims to specifically aid those transferring to Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University (GVSU).
The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship originally provided tuition-free community college education to eligible students within city limits, focusing on support for local high school graduates. With the new changes, students who complete their GRCC degrees will be able to apply for additional financial aid for their bachelor’s studies, marking a significant step in regional educational support.
As part of the agreement, which is noteworthy for being the first city-wide collaboration among public, public charter, and private schools in the area, students can apply for financial assistance starting with the Class of 2021. The funding from the scholarship functions as a “last dollar” program, meaning it steps in to cover remaining tuition and fees after other need-based federal and state grants have been applied. Additionally, both Ferris State and GVSU are set to provide supplemental financial aid up to $7,000 per academic year, increasing the overall financial support available to students.
Since its establishment, the Promise Zone Scholarship has positively impacted over 2,000 students, helping them earn their associate degrees. The program was created through a combination of private and corporate donations, which initially funded the GRCC portion of the scholarship. Beginning in 2022, the funding model was expanded to include tax increment financing from the City of Grand Rapids’ State Education Tax, securing an ongoing source for the program.
To qualify for the Promise Zone Scholarship, students must be residents of the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of 25 eligible high schools. Moreover, they are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and utilize the funds within five years of their high school graduation. Each semester, students also receive $500 stipends to assist with books, supplies, and other academic expenses, enhancing the overall support structure.
Recent legislative changes have further allowed Michigan Promise Zones to cover additional expenses beyond tuition, including housing, transportation, and daycare. This expansion not only supports educational pursuits but also addresses broader needs that students may encounter while completing their studies. According to institutional leaders, the Promise Zone aims to improve retention and completion rates among students, an essential component of higher education success.
The ultimate goal of the Grand Rapids Promise Zone is to strengthen employability within the local community by expanding educational opportunities for residents. With the expansion of the scholarship to include bachelor’s degree funding, the program underscores its commitment to fostering a more educated workforce, thereby benefiting individuals and the local economy as a whole.
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HERE Resources
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GRCC Kicks Off the New Academic Year in Grand Rapids
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Additional Resources
- MLive: GR Promise Now to Cover Bachelor’s Degrees for Grand Rapids Students
- WZZM13: Grand Rapids Free Tuition Development Plan Set for Approval
- Rapid Growth Media: Expanded GR Promise Zone Scholarship Boosts Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Promise Zone
- Fox 17 Online: The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Adds More Help for Students
- Google Search: Promise Zone Scholarship Grand Rapids
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.
