Promise News Special Edition

All Promise students now have up to 10 years to use Promise funds for their post-secondary education. That's an extra 5 years to complete your training or college education.

Starting Fall 2025, Promise Scholars can choose to attend NUVO College of Cosmetology or one of the State of Michigan approved career training centers in Muskegon County. We continue to support students attending Baker College of Muskegon and Muskegon Community College.

Students who have completed their Associate's Degree or maxed their 72 credits can now get help paying for their Bachelor's Degree! Students attending Baker College of Muskegon can use Promise funds to complete their Bachelor's Degree earning up to $2750 per school year starting fall 2025. Promise funding ends once you have 120 credits. FAFSA is required.

Summer 2024 was the first summer that Promise students could access Promise funds as guest students. This is continuing this summer. Save time and money by taking summer classes at MCC as a guest student and transfer them back to your full-time college. Read more about summer guest status.

Not new, but...

Promise students have access to tuition and fees while earning a certificate, certification, or associate's degree. The annual amount allowed depends on where you choose to attend. Please be sure that all classes that you take are listed in your program of study. If you aren't sure, please check in with counseling and advising. This level of scholarship ends once you have an associate's degree or 72 credits, whichever comes first.

Baker College of Muskegon - $5500 for tuition and mandatory fees per school year for students working toward their associate's degree or for students below 72 credits. FAFSA required.

Muskegon Community College - there is no annual cap. FAFSA required.

NUVO College of Cosmetology - There is currently no annual cap if you complete your FAFSA. $2000 for tuition and mandatory fees per school year if you don't complete your FAFSA.

Other Career Training - $2000 for tuition and mandatory fees per school year, no FAFSA required.

Promise and pre-Promise students will have more access to activities designed to increase your readiness and success for post-secondary education. This includes the hard work of the MAISD Career and College Readiness Team and support for students beginning their post-secondary training. Career coaching, college advising, and success mentoring will be at the forefront!

Starting with winter 2025 semester, Promise-eligible students will receive a stipend up to $1000 a year in addition to tuition and mandatory fees. This stipend can be used for other college costs like books, college supplies, equipment, study abroad, and more.

FAQ:

1. Am I eligible? If you are eligible for the Promise you are eligible for the Promise stipend.

2. How do I use the stipend? The stipend will be in your college financial aid sent to the college on your Promise acceptance form. Check with your financial aid office for details on how to use it. You will receive $500 each semester for a max of 2 semesters a year.

3. Do I have to use it at the college store? Your college store is probably the easiest way to use it; however, to use it elsewhere, you will need to work with your college about reimbursement timelines.

We are excited to share that as of Tuesday, January 14, 2025; students that graduate in the class of 2025 or after will need a 2.500 cumulative GPA.

FAQ

What about my graduating class?

• Class of 2025 - 2.50 or higher at your high school or home school
• Class of 2024 - 3.00 or one of the acceptions (CTC or top 30%)
• Class of 2023 - 3.25 or one of the acceptions (CTC or top 30%)
• Class of 2022 - 3.40 or the CTC exception
• Class of 2021 - 3.50
• Class of 2020 - 3.50