Muskegon Area Promise

Who is Eligible for The PROMISE?

Promise Scholarships are available to students who have graduated (2015 to present) from the following districts:

What Do You Need To Do?

• LIVE within the boundaries of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District.

• GRADUATE with a qualifying GPA from one of the eligible high schools or homeschool.

• APPLY for student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete the verification process as requested each year at fafsa.gov.

• ENROLL in an approved local vocational training center, Muskegon Community College, or Baker College of Muskegon.

Why do YOU need to further YOUR education?

In the past, the West Michigan job market offered a good living without college or even a full high school education. Today we live in a globally-oriented, knowledge-driven world where the majority of job postings require a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.*

By 2030, this number is projected to be 75%.**

Of Muskegon’s current workforce age 25-64, only 39% have these types of post-high school degrees.***  

* W.E. Upjohn Institute 2014

**Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity 2024 

***StrongerNation 2025

How Does The PROMISE Work?  

Promise Scholarships will fund either a certificate program, a two-year associate degree or even a portion of a bachelor’s degree at approved local vocational training centers, Muskegon Community College or Baker College..

The Promise Scholarship provides the financial assistance necessary to earn a high quality credential when used in conjunction with federal, state and institutional grants. Awards may be used for a variety of educational expenses as identified by Promise Zone law.

Eligible students can be enrolled as full time or less without a time limitation from their high school graduation date. Promise Scholarship awards will not expire or be forfeited until a high-quality degree or credential (Industry Recognized Certificate/License, Associate's or Bachelor's) is obtained by the eligible student. Based on any revised financial aid information, the amount of the Promise Scholarship may be adjusted each year.

See Scholarship Terms at a Glance