(FLINT, Mich., Jan. 27, 2018) High school seniors in the Class of 2018 can soon apply for the Flint Promise (#flintpromise) scholarship, beginning March 1.
To prepare students and parents for registration, a town hall meeting was held today highlighting how the new scholarship program will work.
“We’re excited to launch Flint Promise with the Class of 2018,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, which administers and operates the scholarship program. “This program goes a long way to make college more accessible. As a result, more young people will be better prepared for the 21st-century workforce.”
The Flint Promise scholarship will be available to eligible students who reside in Flint, and either graduate from a high school or complete a GED program located in Flint in 2018 or later.
The number of years a student has lived in and attended school in Flint determines what percentage of college tuition, books and fees will be covered. Flint Promise is a “last-dollar” scholarship, which goes into effect after grants and other scholarships have been applied, and will cover up to 100 percent of a student’s costs.
“The Flint Promise Fund was established because of the foresight and generosity of Tom Gores and the Consumers Energy Foundation,” said Isaiah Oliver, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. “It is fulfilling to know that more Flint graduates will have the opportunity to pursue their dreams through post-secondary education.”
Scholarship recipients may attend Mott Community College for up to three academic years as they pursue a certificate or an associate degree.
“Flint Promise will open doors, allowing more students an opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals,” said Michael Freeman, Chairman of the Mott Community College Board of Trustees. “When our students succeed, our city and our county prosper. That is why Mott Community College is committed to Flint students and Flint Promise 100 percent. We want to help ensure that a promise made is a promise kept.”
Once a student earns an associate degree or transfer certificate from Mott Community College, he or she is eligible for automatic acceptance to the University of Michigan-Flint. There, the student may extend the Flint Promise scholarship for up to three academic years as he or she pursues a bachelor’s degree.
“Flint Promise represents opportunity – the possibility for Flint students to earn a Michigan degree regardless of financial situation, and the chance to invest in our community through increased access to and promotion of higher education,” said University of Michigan-Flint Chancellor Susan E. Borrego. “UM-Flint is proud to be a partner in Flint Promise and remains committed to making a college degree more accessible for our community.”
Similar scholarship programs exist in cities including Kalamazoo, Detroit and Lansing, to name a few. Research from the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research shows that these Promise programs can help strengthen local school districts, increase graduation rates and improve the education levels of the local workforce.
In recognition of the new scholarship and the positive impact it will make, the City of Flint today issued a proclamation designating March 1, 2018 Flint Promise Day.
“Flint Promise is a long-term investment in the City of Flint and in our youth,” said Mayor Karen Weaver. “We know our youth are worth the investment therefore, it is important that we as parents, teachers and leaders do what we can to make them aware of this wonderful opportunity and how they can make the most of it.”
Flint Promise was established through $2 million in combined gifts from the Consumers Energy Foundation and Tom Gores, Founder of FlintNOW.
Enrollment for the scholarship will begin March 1, with a deadline of July 16 for first-year students enrolling in the fall semester.
For more information, including a full list of eligibility requirements, visit theflintpromise.org and download the FAQs.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Izzi Joseph
Flint & Genesee Chamber
(810) 600-4071
Mary Jo Herbig
Community Foundation of Greater Flint
810-767-8439
Dawn Hibbard
Mott Community College
(810) 762-0592