The Kalamazoo Promise is an organization that gives financial aid to the Kalamazoo, Michigan School District due to the increase in college tuition. The Kalamazoo Promise provides an alternative method of paying for college for students in the Kalamazoo area. By using the funds donated by private donors, the program has changed how students in the area do school.
According to their brochure, a recipient must be a Kalamazoo student for 4 years or more, a resident of the Kalamazoo School District, accepted to one of the lists of acceptable colleges, and have at least a 2.0 GPA. Other factors also play into the amount of money given to the person deemed deserving of the scholarship. The amount of time spent in the school system can heighten the percentage of the tuition paid for, as shown in the table below.
| Length of Attendance | Benefit | Length of Attendance | Benefit |
| K-12 | 100% | 7-12 | 75% |
| 1-12 | 95% | 8-12 | 70% |
| 2-12 | 95% | 9-12 | 65% |
| 3-12 | 95% | 10-12 | None |
| 4-12 | 90% | 11-12 | None |
| 5-12 | 85% | 12-12 | None |
| 6-12 | 80% |
Source: The Percentage of Benefit Given Depending on Years of Attendance for The Kalamazoo Promise
According to Upjohn University, there was a 33% increase in college completion among Kalamazoo students. Before the Promise was activated, the percentage of students who earned any type of post credential was 36 percent, but now the percentage is 48 percent according to another study done produced by Upjohn University.The effects are shown in when the Kalamazoo Central High School won the national challenge presented by Obama.
The rising tuitions of colleges in Michigan as well as across the U.S. have forced many students to search for financial aid. In fact, Michigan has increased its average tuition for 4 years in a public college from $6,924 in 2005 to $12,464 in 2016 according to the College Board. The increase has not only affected one state, people are expressing their opinion on financial aid in all states.
“Expanding financial aid is important to give students equal opportunity to choose the schools they like,” American University Interim Vice President of Campus Life Dr. Fanta Aw said.
Obama’s visit shows a positive impact from the Kalamazoo Promise, other programs nationwide emulate the one in Michigan. College Promise Campaign helps students all over the country with financial aid similarly to the program in Kalamazoo. The future looks good because help exists as long as students choose to take it.