Detroit Promise

Detroit Promise is a scholarship program that provides University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University tuition-free education to eligible Detroit Public Schools Community District graduates, in partnership with College for Creative Studies, University of Detroit Mercy, and Marygrove College. The program aims to increase access to higher education for Detroit students, with support from Kresge Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Ford Foundation. By collaborating with Michigan Colleges Alliance and Michigan Association of State Universities, the Detroit Promise seeks to improve educational outcomes for students attending Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College, and Oakland Community College.

Introduction

The Detroit Promise is modeled after similar programs, such as the Pittsburgh Promise and Say Yes to Education, which have shown promising results in increasing college enrollment and graduation rates among urban students. With the support of Quicken Loans, General Motors, and DTE Energy, the program provides a unique opportunity for Detroit students to pursue higher education at institutions like Eastern Michigan University, Western Michigan University, and Central Michigan University. The program's goals align with those of the National College Access Network and the College Board, which aim to increase college access and success for underrepresented students, including those from Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

History

The Detroit Promise was launched in 2013, with initial funding from The Skillman Foundation and The Hudson-Webber Foundation. The program's development involved collaboration with Detroit Regional Chamber, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and Michigan Department of Education. Since its inception, the program has grown to include partnerships with Oakland University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, and University of Michigan-Flint, providing students with a range of academic options. The program's history is also closely tied to the efforts of Mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan, and Governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, who have worked to revitalize the city's education system and economy, with support from Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Eligibility_and_Benefits

To be eligible for the Detroit Promise, students must graduate from a Detroit Public Schools Community District high school, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible students can attend one of the participating colleges or universities, including Washtenaw Community College, Schoolcraft College, and Jackson College, and receive a tuition-free education, with support from Federal Pell Grant and Michigan Tuition Grant. The program also provides academic support services, such as mentoring and tutoring, to help students succeed in college, through partnerships with National Mentoring Partnership and America Reads.

Impact_and_Outcomes

The Detroit Promise has shown promising results in increasing college enrollment and graduation rates among Detroit students, with support from National Center for Education Statistics and Institute of Education Sciences. According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse, the program has helped to increase the number of Detroit students attending college, with a significant proportion of students enrolling in STEM fields, such as University of Michigan College of Engineering and Michigan State University College of Engineering. The program's outcomes are also being tracked by MDRC and American Institutes for Research, which are evaluating the program's effectiveness in improving educational outcomes for urban students, including those from Detroit and Flint, Michigan.

Funding_and_Partnerships

The Detroit Promise is funded by a combination of public and private sources, including The Ford Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and The W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The program has also received support from Corporate partners, such as Quicken Loans, General Motors, and DTE Energy, which have provided funding and resources to support the program's operations, including Detroit Regional Chamber and Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the program has partnered with Michigan Colleges Alliance and Michigan Association of State Universities to provide students with a range of academic options, including University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Michigan State University.

Program_Details

The Detroit Promise program provides students with a range of academic and support services, including Academic advising, Mentoring, and Tutoring, through partnerships with National College Access Network and College Board. The program also offers students the opportunity to participate in Internships and Career counseling, with support from Detroit Regional Chamber and Michigan Economic Development Corporation. By providing students with a comprehensive support system, the Detroit Promise aims to help students succeed in college and beyond, with support from National Center for Education Statistics and Institute of Education Sciences, and institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Category:Education in Detroit