KALAMAZOO (WKZO) — Thousands turned out in Bronson Park Saturday to celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Promise. They enjoyed a free hot dog, checked out the colleges, listened to the testimonials of current and former Promise Scholars and what the scholarship program has done for them.
They also got to hear the first public message from the secret group of donors who have made the whole program possible, including the awarding of 670 bachelors degrees, 123 associates degrees and a number of other vocational certifications.
Over 4,000 students and their parents have received nearly $67-million to cover tuition bills, and many have graduated without the burdensome debt that has become a millstone around the neck of a generation of Americans. .
The donors thanked everyone in the community who have worked to help students graduate high school and go onto college, and re-committed to make sure the program is funded for generations to come.
The Message was read by Dr. Janice Brown, who is called “The Mother of The Promise” by other staff members.
She is reportedly the only one who knows the true identity of the donors.
She tells us that the scholarship program has exceeded her expectations in every way it could, and in some ways she never envisioned.
Dr. Brown says one of their priorities will be to track down the 800 KPS Students who have graduated since The Promise took effect, and still have eligibility to encourage them to take advantage of it while they still can.
Many of them may be unaware that they are eligible for up to ten years after they graduate to sign up for the scholarships.
