The Muskegon Area Promise to benefit hundreds more graduates
The Muskegon Area Promise has increased economic growth and promoted life-changing success, by funding two years of college at Baker College of Muskegon and Muskegon Community College for area graduates who meet certain academic criteria. Since 2015 the Muskegon Area Promise has given over 1,200 scholarships to Muskegon area graduates funding millions of dollars in scholarships. After years of financial discipline and community support, the Promise Zone Authority Board is able to expand, offering life-changing benefits to more graduates. Beginning with this year’s 2022 graduating class, the GPA (grade point average) requirement to become a Promise Scholar will be lowered from 3.5 to 3.4. Additional expansion opportunities include adjusted Career Tech Center eligibility and an extended deadline window. The Promise Zone Board anticipates positive results with these expansions and will consider even greater expansion in years to come.
This expanded Promise announcement comes during a month when many graduates participate in “Decision Day” celebrations. The “decision” oriented celebrations during the month of May focus on graduating seniors informing colleges about their plans to enroll.
“We are excited that hundreds of additional graduates have a winning decision to make, with the expansion of the Promise,” said MAISD Superintendent Dr. John Severson. “This is all about the Future of Muskegon. We want our scholars to graduate from a strong Muskegon County school, and stay in Muskegon to help us continue to build a thriving community,” he remarked.
Letters to 625 eligible 2022 graduates have been sent, many arriving at homes this week. 82 more scholars are eligible for The Promise because of the expanded criteria.