UPDATED ON WEDNESDAY, NOVERMBER 18TH
Governor sends letter to Pomise students encouraging families to contact their house and senate representatives to support Promise Scholarship funding.
 |
I am writing today to let you know about important recent developments affecting the Michigan Promise Scholarship.
As you may have heard, the Legislature, despite my strong objections, eliminated all funding for the Michigan Promise Scholarship in the budget for the fiscal year that began October 1. Therefore, all Promise payments for all class years, beginning with the Class of 2007, will be suspended. This suspension will apply to both installment and final payments. No new rosters/lists of eligible students will be forwarded to colleges and students will no longer be able to certify their awards.
Just under 100,000 students were expected to use up to $4,000 from the Michigan Promise Scholarship to pay for college or technical training this year and an even greater number are eligible to use it in the future. Regardless of which group you are in, the Michigan Promise Scholarship was a commitment to you and your future that the Legislature has chosen to break.
I have heard from many young people in our state who are justifiably angry about this broken promise. They have asked me, what can we do to keep the Michigan Promise Scholarship alive?
Fortunately, on September 30th, the Michigan House of Representatives took an important first step by passing a bill (HB 5403) that would restore the Michigan Promise Scholarship for this academic year. But today, this bill awaits action inthe Michigan Senate.
I have spoken loudly and clearly about the need for the Michigan Promise Scholarship, but my voice alone cannot bring it back to life. You can easily share your views with your Senator by clicking on the find Your Senator link on the Michigan Senate's website at http://senate.michigan.gov or by calling (517) 373-2400.
Bi-partisan majorities in both houses of the Legislature answered my call for the creation of the Michigan Promise Scholarship in 2006. Since then, it has become even more important to Michigan's future. Promises are meant to be kept, not broken. I hope you will add your voice to the many who are speaking out on behalf of the Michigan Promise Scholarship.
 |
Updated on Thursday, November 5th.
At this time the State of Michigan's 2009-10 Higher Education Budget does not include funding for the Michigan Promise Scholarship. This affects more than 90,000 Michigan college students and families---not just students enrolled at Alma College.
Alma College is committed to assisting families with options through this process in the following ways:
1)Â Families will be allowed to make monthly payments to Alma College on any Promise shortfall in aid across several months without interest and/or late fees (details forthcoming).
2)Â No student will be held for pre-registration due to a balance caused by lack of Promise funding.
3)Â We will assist families explore a range of private loan options, the majority of which do not require payment while the student is in college, if needed.
The Higher Education Budget did provide funding ($2,100) for the Michigan Tuition Grant. Available to Michigan students with demonstrated FAFSA need who are enrolled at a Michigan private college.
Alma College encourages families and students to contact their State Representative and express how this funding is critically needed, and thank them for their past support of private higher education.
Should you have questions or would like to discuss your financial aid status, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 989-463-7347.
Regards,
The Student Financial Assistance Office
