*Twenty years after launching, The Kalamazoo Promise eliminates the sliding scale that kept some scholars from full tuition coverage, guaranteeing 100 percent of community college tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students.*

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — In a Wednesday morning announcement at 11:30 a.m., The Kalamazoo Promise made a significant change to its scholarship program. Eligible students attending community college will now receive 100 percent of their tuition instead of the previously instituted sliding scale that ranged from 65 percent to 100 percent.

The program, established in 2005, has awarded over 9,000 students education benefits and given more than $250 million in scholarships since its inception. The change comes as The Kalamazoo Promise celebrates 20 years of service to students.

Bob Jorth, Chief Operating Officer of The Kalamazoo Promise, explained the reasoning behind the change.

"We are always looking for ways to remove barriers and open more doors for our scholars," Jorth said. "This change reflects what we have learned over the past 20 years and strengthens our commitment to meeting students where they are. Community colleges play a critical role in our ecosystem, and this ensures more of our scholars can fully access the opportunities available to them."

According to Jorth, if this model had been in place in 2025, 425 additional students would have received increased Promise scholarship support.

WHAT THE CHANGE MEANS

Beginning Wednesday, Kalamazoo Promise community college students, whether incoming or already enrolled, are now eligible for 100 percent of their tuition covered. The sliding scale eligibility is still based on how long a student attended a Kalamazoo Public Schools institution, but that is not changing.

KPS Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade commented on the expansion.

"...what really separates Kalamazoo Public Schools from any other district in the country is the fact that we have access, and I call it a golden ticket....that opens the door to the world," Slade said. "I just want to thank everybody involved with it. We're going to do our part and make sure that our students are prepared to accept this resource and do well and finish college."

The program covers tuition and mandatory fees on a sliding scale at over 60 eligible Michigan institutions, from colleges and universities to trade schools and vocational programs. Since 2005, the program has offered Kalamazoo Public Schools students up to 100 percent of tuition and mandatory fees paid for at any in-state public community college or university.

ELIGIBILITY REMAINS THE SAME

To be eligible for the scholarship, students need to meet specific requirements. They must live in the Kalamazoo Public Schools district, attend Kalamazoo Public Schools for at least all of high school, and graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools.

For application, students can fill out a two-page form as early as the fall of their senior year in high school, ensuring eligibility requirements and percentage for the scholarship are clear at the beginning.

The program is funded entirely by a small group of anonymous donors who have supported The Kalamazoo Promise throughout its two-decade history.

WHY COMMUNITY COLLEGES MATTER

Von Washington Jr., CEO of The Kalamazoo Promise, emphasized the importance of community colleges in the educational ecosystem.

"Community colleges play a critical role in our ecosystem, and this ensures more of our scholars can fully access the opportunities available to them," Washington said.

Jorth noted that they see the most challenges with success for scholars who attended community college. That is why this change will allow removal of more barriers to focusing on their education.

The Kalamazoo Promise has covered a wide range of educational institutions since its founding, including community colleges, trade schools, and vocational programs across Michigan.

THE BIG PICTURE

In November, the program celebrated 20 years of service to students. Now, with this expansion, The Kalamazoo Promise continues to lead the way in educational access and opportunity for Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates.

The change represents another step toward removing barriers that prevent students from accessing higher education. By guaranteeing 100 percent coverage for community college tuition, The Kalamazoo Promise is making it easier for scholars to pursue their educational goals without the financial burden that has historically limited access.

Sources:

  • The Kalamazoo Promise announcement at wwmt.com/news/local/kalamazoo-promise-scholarship-tuition-cover-up-to-100-education-for-all-access-higher-learning-trade-university-public-in-state-fees-announcement-kvcc-western-michigan