LANSING – Michigan House Democrats won a major victory in passing the Michigan Promise Grant today. The award grants Michigan students $4,000, up from the current $2,500, after completing two years of community college, university or vocational training. Students would be required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 to receive the award.
"We have to make education accessible to all students to prepare them for the job market of the 21st century," said State Representative Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township). "Opening the door for our students to earn a college degree will build a stronger and smarter workforce and make Washtenaw College a magnet for businesses."
Democrats fought hard for years to pass a strengthened merit scholarship. In an April 2004 report, the Brookings Institution warned that America will not be able to hold onto the highest paying jobs in the world if the number of college graduates with degrees in physical sciences, math and engineering continue on a downward trend.
The graduating class of 2007 will be the first group eligible for the Michigan Promise Grant. The grant would not prevent students from receiving other federal or state awards.
"A lack of money shouldn't prevent our children from pursuing higher education," Byrnes said. "Having a highly educated workforce is vital to improving our state's economy."