Purpose

The purpose of a Promise Zone is to support local efforts to promise a college education to K-12 students who reside within the zone. These funds would be available after all other student aid has been exhausted.

Organization

In April 2009, the Michigan Department of Treasury approved the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District's application to become a Promise Zone.

An Authority Board, representing different professions in the community, now meets regularly and is currently conducting research, planning, and evaluating the potential to raise the private dollars that must fund the Promise Zone for the first two years.

After the second year of distributing privately funded scholarships, a certified Promise Zone can then capture one-half of the growth in the state education tax to be used for a two-year associate's degree or up to a four-year degree for resident students.

Muskegon Area Promise Zone Authority Board

Member Name Organization Represented

Brian Barber                            Muskegon Opportunity
Lee Coggin                              Baker College
Robert Jacobs                         Community Shores Bank
Cindy Larsen                           Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce
Chris McGuigan                      Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Dr. Susan Meston                   Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
Gary Nelund                            State Farm Insurance
Dr. Dale Nesbary                    Muskegon Community College
Steven Olsen                          Northern Machine Tool Company
Steve Parker                           Pacific Steamex Corporation