Sept. 23, 2025
The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority, Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University have launched a new partnership to help Promise Zone graduates take the next step after Grand Rapids Community College.
Beginning in January 2026, Promise Zone students who earn an associate degree from GRCC will be eligible for up to $7,000 per academic year to continue their education at Ferris or Grand Valley. This funding can be used toward the cost of tuition and fees. Each university will also provide up to an additional $7,000 per academic year if there is still a gap in tuition and fees.
“We firmly believe that students at Grand Rapids Community College are positioned to not just be in school, but to flourish, succeed and graduate into the world of work or a four-year university,” said Tom DeJonge, chair, Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority. “We could not be more thrilled about this partnership with Ferris and Grand Valley as it opens the doors to more opportunities while reducing the financial stress that often comes with seeking degrees in higher education. This creates a clear path for students to shape their future at these highly respected institutions of higher learning.”
To use the Promise scholarship at Ferris or GVSU, students must first complete the FAFSA and apply all available need-based aid (excluding loans or work-study). Students must also complete an intent-to-enroll form each semester and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
"Ferris State University has been a longtime partner with Grand Rapids Community College, so this partnership with GRCC and the Grand Rapids Promise Zone is a natural next step in a long relationship,” Ferris State President Bill Pink said. “We believe in the transformative power of education to open doors, elevate communities, and change lives. The Grand Rapids Promise Scholarship creates an incredible opportunity for students who have earned their associate degree at GRCC to take the next step toward a bachelor’s degree. We know that a Ferris State degree provides a great opportunity for our graduates to experience a living wage career path as acknowledged by the Carnegie Foundation’s ‘Opportunity University’ designation, and we look forward to our Promise Zone graduates participating in that experience."
"Today's agreement is part of GVSU's commitment to breaking down barriers to allow students to pursue their dreams," said Philomena V. Mantella, president of Grand Valley State University. "By investing in Promise Zone students, we impact not only the learners but also our community as a whole."
“The Grand Rapids Promise Zone has already opened doors for nearly 2,000 students to earn an associate degree at GRCC,” said Dr. Steven Triezenberg, interim president of Grand Rapids Community College. “With this new partnership, those doors open even wider – making a bachelor’s degree more affordable and achievable. For our students, it means more opportunity and greater confidence to reach their goals. And their success in achieving those goals is a win for our community as a whole.”
Since 2020, nearly 2,000 students have used the Promise to attend GRCC, with nearly 800 enrolled this fall. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, textbooks, and on-campus support at GRCC, and now offers a new pathway for students ready to continue on to a bachelor’s degree.