Offers direct path to 2- and 4-year college degrees
(FLINT, Mich., May 8, 2019) Flint Promise students can now attend Kettering University and the University of Michigan-Flint immediately following high school, provided they meet the schools’ admission requirements.
The added pathways will be available starting with the fall 2019 semester and build upon the scholarship program’s established partnerships with Mott Community College and the University of Michigan-Flint.
“It’s exciting to see Flint Promise grow with these new and expanded partnerships,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. “The more options we can give our young people, the better we can prepare them for vocational and academic success, and help to grow the talent pipeline.”
Flint Promise first launched in 2018 through $2 million in combined gifts from the Consumers Energy Foundation and Tom Gores, founder of Flint NOW and chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity. Grants from the Flint Promise Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF) are awarded to the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, which manages the Promise program.
The program offers scholarships and support services to students who reside in the city of Flint and either graduate from a high school or complete a GED program located in the city of Flint, in 2018 or later. As a last-dollar scholarship, Flint Promise goes into effect after grants and other scholarships have been applied and covers up to 100 percent of a student’s college tuition, books and fees.
“As Kettering University celebrates its centennial anniversary in Flint, we’re proud to partner with Flint Promise,” said Kettering University President Dr. Robert McMahan. “We often say that our success is linked to the success of this city. By making Kettering’s world-class education more accessible to Flint students, we can invest in the future of both.”
Also new this fall semester is the option for Flint Promise students to enroll directly at the University of Michigan-Flint. Previously, students had to earn an associate degree or transfer certificate from Mott Community College before transferring to UM-Flint in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.
“The Promise partnership is a tremendous example of how collaboration can make a significant positive impact community wide,” said Kristi Hottenstein, UM-Flint vice chancellor for enrollment management. “We are proud to now become a full partner with the Promise Scholarship as part of our long-standing commitment to promoting a college-going culture and to make a University of Michigan education more accessible to Flint students.”
Flint Promise recipients may also use the scholarship at Mott Community College as they pursue a certificate or associate degree.
“Mott Community College is honored to continue its support of Flint Promise and its scholarship recipients,” said MCC President Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea. “This is an outstanding way to reach Flint students, including those who may not have previously considered college to be an option.”
The numbers reinforce that sentiment. In fact, of the 74 students supported by Flint Promise in the program’s first year, 34 percent are first-generation in their families to attend college.
By increasing access to college, programs like Flint Promise have the potential to significantly impact the community. According to research from the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, Promise programs can help increase college enrollment, strengthen local school districts and foster local economic development.
“Flint Promise ensures that all Flint students can graduate from high school knowing that a college education is accessible to them,” said Flint Mayor Karen Weaver. “That kind of assurance inspires hope and creates opportunity for the future. I look forward to seeing how our community grows from this long-term investment in our youth.”
Enrollment for the scholarship is now open, with a deadline of July 15 for first-year students enrolling in the fall semester.
“Flint Promise now provides increased access to three outstanding local colleges and universities,” said Isaiah Oliver, president and CEO of CFGF. “Thanks to the generous support of Tom Gores and Consumers Energy, an entire generation of Flint students has a clear pathway to higher education.”
For more information about Flint Promise, visit theflintpromise.org.
About Flint Promise
Established in 2018, the Flint Promise is a collaborative partnership between the Flint community and Kettering University, Mott Community College and the University of Michigan-Flint to ensure access to higher education for all Flint students. The Flint Promise Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint welcomes gifts to support Flint students. To learn more about the scholarship program, which is administered by the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, visit theflintpromise.org.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Izzi Joseph
Flint & Genesee Chamber
(810) 600-4071
Jeanne Polydoris
Kettering University
(810) 762-9562
Jim Peck
University of Michigan-Flint
(810) 237-6570
Dawn Hibbard
Mott Community College
(810) 762-0592
Mary Jo Herbig
Community Foundation of Greater Flint
810-767-8439