Kalamazoo Promise

On November 10, 2005 the Kalamazoo Promise was unveiled to the public. It was created for the future economic well being of the population of Kalamazoo.

A group of anonymous donors have given hundreds of millions of dollars to the children of Kalamazoo. It is far too much for any child to responsibly spend, but like a good parent the anonymous donors have invested it in these children’s college funds.

The endowment is estimated to be valued between 200 and 250 million dollars. It is amazing that someone would sacrifice so much anonymously for the benefit of strangers. Fortunately for the community of Kalamazoo some individual values the well being of Kalamazoo and its future enough to donate the massive amount of funding.

There is a catch to this however. The recipients of the benefits of the Kalamazoo Promise must be residents of Kalamazoo and attend Kalamazoo Public Schools. It is a welcomed relief to parents that are unable to afford the private school tuitions that are miniscule compared to the amount that college tuitions currently cost.

The only other communities in the United States to have created similar programs to catalyze future and current economic growth are Newton, Iowa and Denever, Colorado.

Parents should not get too excited yet, however, students that were in first grade or further at the time that the Kalamazoo Promise was enacted are required to pay the following amounts based on the length of attendance in the Kalamazoo Public School System:
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
None
11-12
None
12-12
None

It is nearly impossible to find a single resident of Kalamazoo that does not praise the Kalamazoo Promise.

When the promise was first enacted many were in disbelief of the generosity. When asked how she felt upon hearing of the Kalamazoo Promise Monalise James said, “Disbelief. I went to church on Sunday and one of the students that I was mentoring came up to me and said ‘MonaLisa, I can go to college now.’ I have never seen so much hope before. Kids who have always wanted to, but never had the opportunity can go to college now. Kids who never had the opportunity for academic or athletic scholarships. Seen the kids becoming more focused on school and schoolwork. The Promise has inspired them and they have inspired me. It is unlimited what can happen. Parents can show their kids that they can make it. I live in Kalamazoo and have no children, but if I decided to have children, I would consider moving to Kalamazoo for the Promise. Thinks that KPS needs to change academically to prepare students for college before she would send her children there.” The story of a hopeful child and an adult that appreciated the help that this endowment provided to the community is motivation for children and parents alike to strive for greater goals.

Although the Kalamazoo Public School System did not directly receive funding James recognizes the changes that have occurred in the way the organization is run. James said, “New programs for students in KPS. Still tossing around other ideas about how to better serve the community in light of the Promise.” Many others in the community feel the same way about the motivational changes that have occurred from the new hope offered to the children of Kalamazoo. Bronson hospital has, according to James, “Started new programs. Is talking with other organizations in the community to determine how Bronson can support the community. Bronson will still continue to have an annual scholarship for the sons and daughters of Bronson employees that are interested in going into the healthcare field.” Perhaps other major Kalamazoo organizations will follow suit to provide a renewed hope for Kalamazoo. Prior to this the outlook was bleak for many of the students. Michigan’s house foreclosure rate is at an all time high. Michigan’s unemployment rate is increasing. Michigan business are relocating. All of these factors decreased the likelihood that the less fortunate residents of Kalamazoo would be able to achieve and obtain a college education.

The principle of Woodward Elementary School, Victoria Ichungwa, had similar praises to speak of the Kalamazoo Promise. When asked about the indirect economic effects she said the Kalamazoo Promise will, “bring more families to the city, improve the economy, increase jobs and job opportunities enhance access to higher education.” The increased population that is moving to Kalamazoo to take advantage of the Kalamazoo Promise has created unique problems for the school system. When asked what Kalamazoo School systems have had to do to offset the increased number of students Ichungwas said they have had to, “Add more staff and provide a more diversified and improved way to teaching. This is because, the more children we have, the more creative we become.” Fortunately for the students the Kalamazoo School system has proved very resourceful.

The Kalamazoo Promise has opened the door to many Kalamazoo students and removed the burden of a difficult economic situation. With many people having less money to spend, especially those that send their children to Kalamazoo Public Schools, there is a general sense of relief for the philanthropic effort. Most importantly, the students, the children, are the future of Kalamazoo and fortunately for the community they are receiving the education that is the hallmark of successful cities.