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The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority, Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University have partnered to provide funding for Promise Zone students who graduate with an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College to complete a bachelor’s degree from either university.

Beginning in January 2026, Promise Zone students become eligible for up to $7,000 per academic year at either Ferris or Grand Valley after earning an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College. This funding can be applied toward the cost of tuition, fees, and on-campus housing as they pursue a bachelor’s degree.

In addition, each four-year institution will provide up to an additional $7,000 per academic year if there is a gap in tuition and fees.

Before any Promise Zone funds are applied at the four-year partner institution, students must first use all available state and federal need-based grants by completing the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, excluding student loans and work-study funding, as well as any merit-based aid from the four-year partner. Any Promise Zone funding applied to remaining cost of tuition, fees, or on-campus housing expenses will be paid directly to the four-year partner institution and will not be refundable to the student.

Students are eligible for funding toward a bachelor’s degree at the four-year partner institution; as long as they use their scholarship within five years of high school graduation, upon earning an associate degree from GRCC. To access their funding, scholarship recipients must complete an intent to enroll form each semester and may be required to provide additional documents if needed. 

 Additionally, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and academic good standing, as defined by the partner institution, to remain eligible.

Once you have worked with your advisor and determined you’re ready to graduate, you will need to apply to graduate.

You will need to complete a transfer admission application to the 4-year college/university of your choice.

• Ferris State University Admission Application

• Grand Valley State University Admission Application

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to be eligible for the Promise Zone Scholarship. Be sure to include your 4-year transfer college/university!

Don’t be concerned if you get selected for FAFSA verification. Turn in the additional documents requested right away.

Get started at StudentAid.gov.

* We realize not everyone can file a FAFSA. If you have concerns about filing a FAFSA or you are unable to complete a it, please contact us via email at promisezone@grcc.edu or by phone at (616) 234-4321.

Once you apply to graduate from GRCC, you will receive an email with the Intent to Enroll form. This, along with a signed data sharing agreement, is required in order to receive your Promise Zone funds at Ferris or GVSU.

Complete any additional enrollment steps required by your college/university. This may include:

• Orientation

• Course registration

• Paying for classes

• Registering for on-campus housing

If you have questions on next steps, please contact your college/university or reach out to the Promise Zone for additional assistance.

What does the scholarship cover at Ferris or GVSU? 

Promise Zone students become eligible for up to $7,000 per academic year at either Ferris State or Grand Valley after earning an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College. This funding can be applied toward the cost of tuition, fees, and on-campus housing as they pursue a bachelor’s degree.

In addition, each four-year institution will provide up to an additional $7,000 per academic year if there is a gap in tuition and fees.

Does the scholarship expire? 

Students have up to five years after high school graduation, or until they reach 72 attempted credit hours (whichever comes first), to use the Promise Zone scholarship at GRCC. The transfer portion of the scholarship at Ferris or GVSU must also be used within five years of high school graduation.

When will students be eligible for the transfer scholarship at Ferris or GVSU? 

This partnership will launch for the Winter 2026 (January 2026) semester. Students who have previously graduated from GRCC and still have scholarship eligibility, will be contacted directly. 

How do I enroll in the Promise Zone?

Eligible Promise Zone students will need to complete the GRCC enrollment steps and FAFSA*. Once enrolled in courses at GRCC, Promise Zone funds will be applied. 

*Students who are undocumented or DACA are exempt from this requirement. 

What do I need to do to maintain my eligibility? 

Student must maintain satisfactory academic and financial aid standing as defined by the partner institution.

What if I want to attend another college/university?

Promise Zone students enrolled at another college or university can use their Promise Zone scholarship as a guest student at GRCC. This allows students to earn credits at GRCC and transfer them back to their home institution to apply toward their degree. At this time, Promise Zone transfer partnerships are only in place with Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University.