Why should this be offered to the lakeshore community?

1. Studies have shown that education is the key to having a vibrant economy.

2. It provides all students with the opportunity for higher education (college or vocational schooling).

3. As results of the Kalamazoo Promise are released the impact of a scholarship program can have a significant, positive impact on a community (short term and long term).

4. The opportunity for our community's children to attend college or vocational schools will create opportunities for their current and future families.

Why does a new income tax have to be implemented for the funds to be raised?

1. This is a significant financial investment in our community.  A small contribution by many can raise as much as a few very large donors. (1.0%-1.5% personal income tax would raise the sufficient funds for the scholarship program). 

2. The state has a difficult time balancing the current budget...waiting for this to balance and find additional funds for a scholarship program may take a long time if not indefinitely.

3. It would be wonderful to have the donors similar to those that started the Kalamazoo Promise.  Unfortunately no one, or group as of yet has stepped forward to donate the large sum of money needed for and endowment (400-600 million dollars).

4. When this is done by a community we can earmark 100% of the funds to go directly to the program, and not have any of it redirected elsewhere.

Which students qualify for the lakeshore promise?

1. Every student that lives in a qualifying community that passes the lakeshore promise proposal.  (This could be determined by townships or school ditricts.)

2. Proposed communities are Filmore Township, Holland City, Holland Charter Twp, Laketown Twp, Olive Twp, Park Twp, Port Sheldon Twp, Zeeland City, and Zeeland Twp, or by school district Holland school district, Zeeland school district, West Ottawa school district, Hamilton school district.

3. This is not limited to any boundaries.  If you area would pass the proposal your children would qualify.

4. Public and Private schools qualify as long as your area passes the proposal.

How would the tuition be pro-rated for length of residency?

1.  100% tuition is covered if the family has been a resident for all 12 years during which their children attended an accredited area school public, private, charter or home school.

2. If fewer years as a resident, the percentage of tuition offered is pro-rated accordingly (12 years - 100%, 11-10 years - 95%, 9 years - 90%, 8 years - 85%, 7 years - 80%, 6 years - 75%, 5 years - 70%, 4 years - 65%, 3 years or less - 0%).

3. This designed after the Kalamazoo Promise to encourage long term residency in the lakeshore community.

Are their additional requirements after the initial scholarship award?

1. Student must be enrolled as a student in good standing.

2. Student must complete 12 credit hours in the prior semester (as required by the post-secondary institution they attend).

3. Student must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 or higher.

What happens if the student fails the above requirements?

1. The student can be reinstated if they bring their G.P.A. above a 2.0 and are in good standing.  (ex. G.P.A. falls below a 2.0 then the next semester is not paid for.  When the G.P.A. does rise above a 2.0 the student is eligible for their next semester to be funded by the promise).

Does the scholarship have to be used immediately after graduation?

1. No. If this mirrors the Kalamazoo Promise the student would have 10 years to make use of the scholarship, which pays for up to 4 years of post secondary education.

 What if my question is not answered?

1. Great question!  Feel free to click on the "Your Comments" tab above and send us an email with you question!

Thank you very much to the Kalamazoo promise website as many of the questions and answers are taken from their website (www.kalamazoopromise.com)