Rochester Christian University offering scholarships to qualified students graduating from City of Detroit high schools

Rochester Hills, Mich., March 21, 2018 – In an effort to provide more students with the opportunity to advance their learning, Rochester Christian University has entered into a partnership with Detroit Promise, offering scholarships to qualified Detroit-resident students graduating from a high school in the city of Detroit, beginning spring of 2018.

“We want all students to be able to pursue a postsecondary education if that is what they want to do,” said Dr. Brian Stogner, president of Rochester Christian University. “Getting an education should not be only for the privileged few, but a choice available to students regardless of their financial capabilities. We are honored to partner with Detroit Promise, which is helping to make dreams a reality for so many students, and encouraging them to go after their passions.”

For its first year involved in the program, Rochester Christian University is a limited partner, which limits the total number of students whom they can support through Detroit Promise funding.
To qualify for the four-year university track, students must:

• Attend all four years and graduate from any Detroit high school
• Reside in Detroit for all four years of high school
• Obtain a 3.0 cumulative GPA as of Feb. 15 in their senior year
• Earn a score of at least 21 on the ACT or at least 1060 on the SAT (some institutions require a 1070 or 1080 score)

If the student meets these qualifications they can apply to the Detroit Promise program, subsequently applying to any of the participating four-year universities.

“We are honored to have Rochester Christian University on board to participate in this true collaboration among the state, the city and our university and philanthropic partners,” said Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of Detroit Regional Chamber. “These partnerships allow for all Detroiters to attend college tuition-free, no matter their economic status.”

To remain eligible for funding, students must maintain a minimum 2.5 overall GPA, remain on track to complete a degree within four years, and be enrolled as a full-time student successfully passing and completing at least 24 credits per school year (12 credits per semester).

In 2011, Governor Rick Snyder announced his intention to provide Detroit high school graduates with a tuition-free path to an associate degree or technical certificate. Since 2013, the Detroit Regional Chamber has administered the Detroit Promise, which is funded by the Michigan Excellence in Education Foundation and university partners to fulfill the Governor’s pledge. In 2016, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan enacted the Detroit Promise Zone authority, which dedicates a portion of tax dollars to assist in funding the scholarships. Through this funding, the program ensures that any Detroit-resident student graduating in the city of Detroit will have a tuition-free path to an associate, technical certificate or bachelor’s degree at participating community colleges and four-year universities.

For more information on Detroit Promise please visit: http://www.detroitchamber.com/econdev/education-and-talent/detroit-promise/.