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Hazel Park Promise Zone leaders launched the "100 Community Strong" campaign to match a generous challenge grant. Saginaw Promise Sets Target The Saginaw Promise Zone Authority hopes to raise $400,000 before launching its scholarship program in the fall of 2012. (Saginaw News, October 10, 2011) Alro Steel invested in the future of Jackson and its workforce with a $50,000 donation to the Jackson Promise. (August 31, 2011) |
Welcome to PromiseZones.org — the organization dedicated to the success and replication of Michigan’s Promise Zones.
Inspired by the success of The Kalamazoo Promise, which began guaranteeing full-tuition scholarships to students in 2005, Michigan is the first state to promote the creation of local place-based scholarship programs. Launched in 2009, the Promise Zone model is demonstrating that Promise programs do not have to rely on the generosity of a handful of major donors.
Today in 10 communities across the state, Promise Zones are blazing a new trail to create a pervasive culture of learning—an essential ingredient for education success. Dedicated community and school leaders are making Promise Scholarships a reality. Three communities are already awarding them, with others soon to follow. While no panacea, the Promise Zones speak directly to some of the most critical challenges in our society. These include closing the achievement gap, helping cities attract and retain middle-class families, and bringing knowledge-based businesses to distressed urban communities.
PromiseZones.org is committed to helping Michigan’s Promise Zones create successful place-based scholarship programs in their communities. However, if Michigan, despite its economic challenges, can make Promise Zones work, other states can surely follow suit. Communities across our country will benefit when we unlock the promise of educational opportunity for all
