Kalamazoo Promise has paid out nearly $150-million for high education

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo Promise is marking its 15th anniversary this week.

Over 7,000 Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates have taken advantage of the scholarship program which allows any student who finishes high school in the district to get free tuition when they seek higher education.

Superintendent Rita Raichoudhuri says the anonymous donors behind The Promise have spent nearly $150-million dollars so far.

Kalamazoo Public School Board of Education President Patti Sholler Barber says it was the first and it’s still the best because it doesn’t just offer college scholarships, but also will funds apprenticeships and other vocational training.

Many other cities have created “Promise” scholarships but none are as generous or all-inclusive as Kalamazoo’s version.