The Grand Rapids Promise Zone represents the first city-wide partnership between public, public charter, and private schools in Grand Rapids’ history. Today, the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority has one goal: To sustainably remove financial barriers to higher education for ALL Grand Rapids students.

On January 16, 2018, the Grand Rapids Public Schools. (GRPS) Board of Education adopted a resolution declaring its intention to establish a Promise Zone throughout the geographic boundary of GRPS pursuant to Michigan Promise Zone Authority Act (Act 549 of 2008). The adopted resolution and corresponding affidavits of proper notices and publications were submitted to the Michigan Department of Treasury on February 15, 2018. On July 9, 2018, the Michigan Department of Treasury confirmed Grand Rapids’ designation as a Michigan Promise Zone.

In taking the next step toward establishing a Promise Zone Authority, the GRPS Board of Education appointed 9 members to the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority Board. Two additional members were appointed by Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate. On September 11, 2019, the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority Board held its first meeting, during which board members took the constitutional oath of office, elected a chairperson, and established the expiration dates for each member’s term.