Partnership with Grand Rapids’ Promise Zone helps more students reach Grand Valley

The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority announced an initiative with Grand Valley and Ferris State University that delivers a pathway to a bachelor’s degree from either of the institutions.

Grand Valley President Philomena V. Mantella joined Grand Rapids Promise Zone Chair Tom DeJonge, Ferris State President Bill Pink and Grand Rapids Community College Interim President Steven Triezenberg for the announcement on September 22 at GRCC. 

The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority assists students attending one of Grand Rapids’ 25 eligible public or private high schools. Promise Zone removes financial barriers for these students to attend GRCC, covering tuition, fee, textbooks and other costs. 

DeJonge said Promise Zone students who obtain their associate degree from GRCC are eligible for up to $7,000 per academic year to attend Grand Valley or Ferris State. Funding can be applied toward tuition, books or on-campus housing. 

Additionally, each institution will provide up to $7,000 per academic year, if there is a gap in tuition and fees. 

Promise Zone students are eligible for support beginning in January 2026.

“We make a promise to young people that they can fulfill their dreams, their mission and their purpose in life,” Mantella said. “Education is the fuel and the transformative power that will enable them to do that. 

“Access and resources should not and cannot be barriers because we need a talented populace that feels equally as passionate about their community and what is offered to them, and therefore what they can give back to it.”

Nearly 2,000 GRCC students have received Promise Zone Scholarship support since its launch in 2020. This fall, nearly 800 Promise Zone students are enrolled at GRCC. 

“It's really critical for us as a society to allow people to fulfill their promise with the opportunities that are rich around them,” Mantella said. “Grand Valley is so proud to join this. 

“These are the kind of models where everyone leans in — benefactors, the community colleges and the regional universities. Everyone leverages that for the benefit of the students.”