Muskegon Area Promise
Who is Eligible
for The PROMISE?
Tuition free PROMISE scholarships are
available to students attending the following 16 high schools:
Calvary Christian Schools
Fruitport Community Schools
Holton Public Schools
Mona Shores Public Schools
Montague Area Public Schools
Muskegon Catholic Schools
Muskegon Covenant Academy
Muskegon Public Schools
Muskegon Heights Public School Academy
North Muskegon Public Schools
Oakridge Public Schools
Orchard View Schools
Ravenna Public Schools
Reeths-Puffer Schools
Western Michigan Christian
Whitehall District Schools
What Do You
Need To Do?
LIVE within the boundaries of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD).
GRADUATE with a cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher from a high school located within the boundaries of the MAISD.
APPLY for student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete the verification process as requested each year (www.fafsa.gov).
ENROLL at either Muskegon Community College or Baker College of Muskegon.
No scholarship application is needed for the Promise award. Rather, students will be notified with a letter of eligibility and asked to accept the award in writing each spring. Annual acceptance is required for all students (new and returning) by July 1 of any given year.
Students must successfully complete their coursework to maintain eligibility. Each college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policies apply.
Why do YOU need to
further YOUR education?
In days 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 53% of Job postings require a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.*
By 2025, this number is projected to rise to 64%.**
Of Muskegon’s current workforce, only 34.8% have these types of post high school degrees.***
This is where the Muskegon Area Promise comes in.
* W.E. Upjohn Institute 2014 ** Talent 2025 *** Stronger Nation, Lumina Foundation 2019
You Can Be Part of the Promise!
Invest today! Click the icon below to donate
and search for 'Muskegon Area Promise".
Investing in the Promise: Quick Facts Infographic
How Does The
PROMISE Work?
Scholarships will fund either a certificate program, a two-year associate degree or the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at Muskegon Community College or Baker College of Muskegon. The Promise provides the financial assistance necessary to obtain a two-year degree or its equivalent when used in conjunction with federal, state and institutional grants.
Students are encouraged to apply for all scholarship opportunities available to them. Other scholarships and grants will be awarded first before the Promise Scholarship is awarded. Some restrictions may apply.
The Promise covers tuition (valued at the current Muskegon Community College rate) and mandatory fees for full time or part time students.
Students will have a maximum of four years from high school graduation to use their Promise Scholarship award. Based on any revised financial aid information, the amount of the Promise Scholarship may be adjusted each year.
See Scholarship Terms at a Glance
For more information contact:
Megan Byard-Karaba
College Access Specialist
Phone: 231-767-3623
Email Megan Byard-Karaba
Muskegon Area Promise Zone Authority Board
Muskegon Area Promise Plans
Development Plan
Amended Development Plan
Amended Development Plan - 04/21/20
Member Name | Organization Represented |
Aaron Maike | Baker College of Muskegon |
Holly Hughes | Community Representative |
Cindy Larsen | Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce |
John Severson | Muskegon Area Intermediate School District |
Gary Nelund | State Farm Insurance |
Dale Nesbary | Muskegon Community College |
Steve Parker | LongView Management Consulting |
Laurel Zwit | Greenridge Realty |
John Swanson | Swanson Pickle Company |
Christopher Dean | Muskegon Heights Fire Department |
Keith Guy | Muskegon Public Schools |
Megan Byard Karaba | Muskegon Opportunity/Promise Zone Coordinator |
Muskegon Area Promise Zone Meeting Dates & Minutes
2022 - Meeting Schedule - click on the meeting date for a copy of the minutes.
01/18/22 - Cancelled
01/21/22 Retreat & January Meeting - Agenda; Minutes
02/15/22 - Agenda; Minutes
03/15/22 - Agenda; Minutes
04/19/22 - Agenda; Minutes
05/17/22 - Agenda; Minutes
06/21/22 - Agenda; Minutes
07/19/22 - Agenda; Minutes
08/16/22 - Agenda; Minutes
09/20/22 - Agenda; Minutes
10/18/22 - Agenda; Minutes
11/15/22 - Agenda; Minutes
12/20/22 - Agenda; Minutes
2021 - Previous Year Minutes may be obtained by contacting the superintendent's office at 231-767-7201 or by email request to Barbara Irey.
Thank you Gold Level Donors:
THANK YOU to our Muskegon Area Promise Phase One donors for making this free 2-year scholarship a reality!
Phase Two Promise fundraising has begun and we need everyone. Invest today to be part of the Promise!