Grand Rapids Promise Zone expands to GVSU, Ferris State

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A local scholarship program is expanding to make it easier for Grand Rapids students to move from community college to a four-year degree.

Starting in January 2026, graduates of Grand Rapids Community College with an associate degree will be eligible for up to $7,000 a year to attend Ferris State University or Grand Valley State University through the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority. Each university may provide up to an additional $7,000 if tuition and fees exceed that amount. The funding covers tuition, fees and on-campus housing, but students must first apply federal and state grants.

The Promise Zone program, created in 2020, has supported nearly 2,000 GRCC students. It is open to city residents who graduate from eligible high schools and maintain cont