1. Kalamazoo Promise
Purpose: Kalamazoo Promise will pay up to 100% of a
child’s tuition for 4 years of college if the student
graduated from a public school in the City and if he
attends a state public university or junior college.
Program started in November 2005.
Percentage of the tuition paid: depends on
how long the student attended a Kalamazoo public
school. All other expenses must be paid by someone
else.
Length of Attendance......Benefit
K-12.....................................100%
1-12.......................................95%
2-12.......................................95%
3-12.......................................95%
4-12.......................................90%
5-12 ......................................85%
6-12.......................................80%
7-12.......................................75%
8-12.......................................70%
9-12.......................................65%
10-12.......................................0%
11-12..................................... ..0%
12......................................... ..0%

2. Kalamazoo Promise
Estimation of what this will save if Child starts in
Kindergarten.

3. Kalamazoo Promise
Results:
One in three students are below the national poverty line.
One in 12 are homeless.
High School test scores improved four years in a row.
A higher percentage of African American girls graduate
than any other part of the State. 90% of high school
graduates go on to college.
High school test scores have improved four years in a row.
Suburban flight stopped after program was introduced.
Through August 2012 Kalamazoo Promise has paid out
$35-million for post secondary study for 2,500 students.
On average $4,000 was spent on each student per
semester. 500 have received degrees through program.
In the first year of the Promise added an additional 1,000
students enrolled in Kalamazoo Schools. Through fall of
2012 student population increased by 24% or 2,450
students.
39% of students are white and 44% are black.