The Kalamazoo Promise

• Work hard in school
• Graduate
• Earn a Promise scholarship
• Be successful in life

The Kalamazoo Promise is the only scholarship of its kind. The program provides resident graduates of the Kalamazoo Public Schools with to up 100 percent of their tuition and mandatory fees for four years at Michigan's public universities and community colleges[1].

Eligibility

All students who graduate from KPS, are residing in the district, and have been KPS students four years or more. (Enrollment and residency must be continuous.)

Extent of Benefits

The tuition benefit will be graduated on the basis of length of attendance in the Kalamazoo Public School system.

Terms of Scholarship

1. Admitted to and enrolled at any public State of Michigan university or community college and:
   1. Making regular progress toward a degree or certification
   2. Maintaining a 2.0 grade point average at the post-secondary institution
   3. Completing a minimum of 12 credit hours
2. If the GPA drops below 2.0, a student may be reinstated if he/she is able to bring their GPA back to at least a 2.0.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the Kalamazoo Promise be available?
The Kalamazoo Promise is set up to go on in perpetuity.

How is enrollment calculated if the student leaves the KPS system and then later returns?
From the date of most recent enrollment.

What is the application process?
Applications are completed in a student’s senior year.

Can the scholarship be transferred to a private college or out-of-state institution, out-of-state community college, or out-of-state vocational training program?
No.

Are vocational schools eligible?
All certification or degree programs in the trades at state supported community colleges are qualified. Private apprentice programs are not eligible.

If the award is not needed due to other academic scholarships, can the award be applied to room and board fees?
No.

Will students who live in a neighboring district and apply to KPS under the Schools of Choice Agreement be eligible for this award?
No.

Are application fees covered?
No — However, many institutions will waive the application fee if it is requested because of financial hardship.

How will funds be disbursed?
Funds will be paid directly to the educational institution each semester of eligibility.

Are deposits required to secure enrollment covered?
If a deposit is required it is the student’s responsibility.

Does the scholarship have to be used immediately following graduation?
No. Eligibility ends 10-years from graduation.

If graduate school enrollment starts prior to the end of the 4-year deadline is it covered?
No.

Is summer school covered?
Yes.

Is there an appeal process?
An appeal process has been developed and has been implemented. However, appeals are for exceptional circumstances. All appeals must start with the Kalamazoo Promise Executive Administrator through the Kalamazoo Promise web site or by phone at (269) 337-0037.

Contact The Kalamazoo Promise

Bob Jorth, Executive Administrator
125 W. Exchange Place
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 337-0037
www.kalamazoopromise.com.

[1] Qualified Colleges and Universities

Alpena Community College, Bay de Noc Community College, Delta College, Gogebic Community College, Glen Oaks Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, Great Lakes Maritime College – Division of Northwestern Michigan College, Henry Ford Community College, Jackson Community College, Kellogg Community College, Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University, Kirtland Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Lansing Community College, Lake Michigan College, Macomb Community College, Monroe County Community College, Mid Michigan Community College, Mott Community College, Montcalm Community College, Muskegon Community College, North Central Michigan College, Northwestern Michigan College, Oakland Community College, Schoolcraft College, St. Clair County Community College, Washtenaw Community College, Wayne County Community College, West Shore Community College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan, University of Michigan Dearborn, University of Michigan Flint, Western Michigan University, Wayne State University