Class of 2027 Promise News

(If you are a parent of a senior, here we go. Stay tuned each month so you know what's next.)

Here are a few reasons:

• The checklist is helpful
• Tips and tricks for college, training, and scholarship applications
• Any news about the Muskegon Area Promise scholarship
• No fluff

All high school seniors in Muskegon County get this email to your student email. If you parent listed an email address in PowerSchool, they get a copy too. We also send it to high school counselors, community partners, and teachers. We send it out once a month from now to June.

You will miss any changes to the Promise scholarship. Examples from last 2 years:

• There is no GPA requirement for the Muskegon Area Promise
• We help fund more than traditional college degrees
• We have new training partners
• Students going away for college and career training can use the Promise as a guest student

You can use the Promise scholarship if you meet all of the following:

• Live in any school district that is part of the Muskegon Area ISD boundaries. You can check your address.
• Graduate with your high school diploma from one of our local school districts
• Apply for the Promise and the FAFSA (if your training location uses FAFSA).
• Enroll in an approved local vocational training center, Baker College, Muskegon Community College, or NUVO College of Cosmetology.

These are our approved school districts:

• Calvary Christian Schools
• Fruitport Community Schools
• Holton Public Schools
• Mona Shores Public Schools
• Montague Area Public Schools
• Muskegon Catholic Central
• Muskegon Lakeshore High School & Career Center
• 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
• registered homeschool student

Xello has a plan and goals space. You should login and update your future plan. You can have more than one plan if you are still figuring it out. Start with either a career that you are interested in or choose a plan based on your education after high school.

Why do it?

• Students with a written plan are more likely to follow through.
• This helps your counselor, college advisor, and Promise staff give better answers that are more specific to your future.
• The State of Michigan requires all 7-12th grade students to have and educational development plan (EDP) that includes written plans and goals for their future.

(Parents, you can see your student's career plans and goals by linking to their Xello account. Ask a high school counselor for help getting started.)

Your best starting point is always your high school counselor. If you attend CTC, you can also check in with Mrs. Wiles, the CTC counselor.

Some of our high schools have college advisors or other staff who help students get through the steps to be ready for whatever plan you have after high school.

I'm available to work with any potential promise student. You can schedule to meet online or in person at your high school (see below) if you need help. I also work with your high school counselors on many college-going activities.