There’s a growing movement among large corporations, local governments, and wealthy philanthropists towards helping hometown kids to reach for the stars. These “Promise” programs, not to be confused with the UPromise program, offer to pay for college for every kid graduating from a city’s public school system, usually only requiring the equivalent of a “C” average.
One of the most recent programs announced is the El Dorado Promise program, offered to graduating seniors of El Dorado High School in Arkansas. Depending on the length of attendance within the El Dorado Public School District, Murphy Oil Corporation will pay anywhere from 65% - 100% of the cost of an in-state public college education. If a student decides to attend college in another state, the cost will be paid for up to the equivalent public college education cost in Arkansas.
The best part is that the El Dorado Promise Program is not “needs based.” In other words, any student who attended school within the El Dorado Public School District since at least 9th grade would be eligible to get at least 65% of their tuition funded. The only grade requirement is a 2.0 GPA.
For more information on the El Dorado Promise program, call 870-864-5046 or visit www.eldoradopromise.com.
Other Promise Programs:
The West Virginia Promise – This program doesn’t just cover a city, but an entire state. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet certain core class requirements in Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Math. A minimum of one year of West Virginia residency is required to be eligible. Call 304-558-4417 or visit www.promisescholarships.org for more info.
The Kalamazoo Promise – Pays up to 100% of in-state tuition costs for students who graduate from the Kalamazoo Public School District in Michigan. A 2.0 GPA is required and students must attend a Kalamazoo Public School from at least 9th grade on to receive the minimum contribution of 65%. Call 269-337-0037 or visit www.kalamazoopromise.com for more info.
The Pittsburgh Promise – Offers to pay up to $5,000 per year (increases to $10,000 in 2012) for four years for students graduating with a 2.5 GPA from the Pittsburgh Public School District. Call 412-391-5122 or visit www.pittsburghfoundation.org for more info.
