LANSING – House Democrats today passed legislation that will ensure access to higher education for thousands of Michigan students who wants to go to college. The Michigan Promise Zone Act will give communities funding mechanisms that would increase college education opportunities for graduates of Michigan's K-12 school system by providing free college tuition to in-state schools.
"Increasing access to higher education will benefit Michigan businesses and families and make our state a leader in the 21st Century," said State Representative Tim Melton (D-Pontiac), Chair of the House Education Committee. "Unfortunately, too many of our students lack the resources to afford college and we must give our children the best education possible and then provide them access to a world-class college education. In doing so, we will continue to make Michigan a great place to live, work and raise a family."
Modeled after the privately initiated Kalamazoo Promise, which guarantees graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools free college tuition at any university or community college in Michigan, the Michigan Promise Zone Act would authorize the creation of promise zones throughout the state in areas that have a high rate of poverty and unemployment.
During the first two years of the program, the promise zones have to raise funds through private donations.
Michigan Promise Zones can be created in cities, townships, counties, local school districts or intermediate school districts that have a high level of poverty. Participating communities would need to show a significant local financial commitment to qualify for the designation of the Promise Zone. Students must live within a designated Promise Zone to take advantage of this initiative.
The biggest obstacle I can see offhand is that some of these communities targeted might not be able to raise the funds to do this, but if it works, I'm sure they will find a way.
The second biggest obstacle is, of course, the Republican Senate. Will they make education a "priority"? Or do I have to dig out all those studies again that show we need more college graduates for our economy to thrive?
Time will tell...