Promise Zone Widens Eligibility

Newaygo County Area Promise Zone Enhances Access with Adjustments to GPA Requirement

The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone, a steadfast advocate for higher education and training, is proud to announce a vital change to its eligibility criteria. Starting with the Class of 2024, Newaygo County high school graduates will be eligible for the Promise Scholarship with a 2.5 unweighted GPA or higher. This adjustment expands the opportunity for even more determined students to access their post-secondary goals and dreams. 

By modifying the GPA criteria, the Promise Zone aims to ensure that an even greater number of aspiring students can benefit from its invaluable support and resources. 
"The Newaygo County Promise Zone is excited to expand access to free higher education opportunities for our students,” shared Blake Prewitt, Promise Zone Chair.  “We understand that post-high school education is not just about paying for tuition; it's about providing the support necessary for our students to thrive in their educational journey and beyond. By introducing Success Coaches, we are committed to not only covering the costs but also ensuring our students' success in their pursuit of knowledge, better job opportunities, and increased job satisfaction."

The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone remains dedicated to its mission of empowering students to pursue their post-secondary aspirations without the burden of financial constraints.  By easing the financial strains that frequently impede educational pursuits, the Promise Zone is actively helping to change the cultural perception that college is too expensive and out of reach. Through the availability of the Promise Scholarship, many students are now embracing the belief that higher education is attainable and are proactively preparing for their future. 

Nathan Biegalle, a 2023 Promise Scholar graduate, recently shared that, “Without the Promise Zone I wouldn’t even be in college. Because of the Promise Zone I have decided to go even further with my education after graduating from MCC as I have learned that education gets you very far in life and a degree is a type of badge of honor in a way.”

The Promise Scholarship is available to students that:

• Graduate from a Newaygo County high school or a registered Newaygo County homeschool and reside in the NC RESA service area. Scholarship amount is awarded based on years attended, 100% is awarded if a student attends grades 7th–12th at a qualifying school. 
• Achieve a minimum final and unweighted high school GPA of 2.5 (or a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify for an apprenticeship program). 
• Begin using the scholarship within one year of high school graduation and complete the program within three years from beginning the scholarship. 
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for other scholarships. The Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship.

The Promise Scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees up to 62 attempted college credits at Muskegon Community College. Books are the responsibility of the student. Students must be enrolled at full-time status and attend a mandatory orientation to qualify. The scholarship application for the Class of 2024 will open online in early January 2024.


Since its inception in 2017, the Promise Zone has disbursed more than $2.5 million in tuition support, benefiting over 300 motivated Newaygo County students who have chosen to pursue their post-secondary aspirations. The Promise Zone is a forward-looking initiative committed to breaking down financial barriers for local students. By providing tuition assistance and fostering educational opportunities, the Promise Zone empowers students to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities. 

For more information about the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone visit www.promise.zone, email [email protected] or call 231-924-8888.