Scholarship Forum

Educators, elected officials and business leaders from around the country gathered in Kalamazoo Thursday to discuss community scholarship programs. Since the city started the 'Kalamazoo Promise' in 2005, at least 19 other communities have set up similar programs, and dozens more are exploring the idea. The Kalamazoo Promise offers in-state tuition to all students who graduate from Kalamazoo schools. A recent study shows the program has not only reduced dropouts and improved the graduation rate, it has also spurred economic development.