Promise Scholar News

All Promise-eligible students who have completed their FAFSA and are enrolled in classes with MCC or Baker will be eligible for a $500 book, supplies, and materials stipend for winter 2025, no appeal needed. There is a second stipend for students who take summer classes (including guest students).

FAQ

1. Do I have to do the FAFSA? Yes - you cannot use any Promise money if your FAFSA isn't done.
2. Can I get more than $500 in a semester? - No, there is a max of $500 per semester and $1000 per school year.
3. When will I get the stipend? - We are currently working with each college on the process. You should see it in your account for the start of Winter 2025.
4. What can I use it for? - Books, eBooks, course supplies and fees not already covered, lab equipment, scrubs, money toward software or a laptop needed for class. There are a lot of possibilities. Check with your financial aid office to see what is normally an allowable books & supplies cost.
5. How do I make sure I get the award? - Accept the Promise once each school year. Complete the FAFSA for the correct school year. Check in with Promise staff or your financial aid office if you are unsure if you have done these.

1. Your college email (every day)
2. Your financial aid portal (especially at the beginning of the semester)
3. Your online course manager (Blackboard or Canvas)

College departments, like financial aid, finance, and registration will communicate with your by college email and student portals. They expect you to read them. If you aren't checking, you could miss something important like FAFSA verification, missing financial aid, a change in class location, or unpaid charges.

• Scholarships that need to be renewed or reapplied for at your current college
• Transfer scholarships on your current or future colleges' scholarship pages
• The Community Foundation of Muskegon County scholarships Due January 21 (if you are done using the Promise)
• Other scholarships (check your Xello account for links to more scholarships)

You should see the Muskegon Area Promise in your financial aid portal before classes start. Colleges will list the Muskegon Area Promise, but the scholarship will not be applied until after the add/drop period is over and the Promise is billed.

You are responsible for paying the difference in cost between your scholarships/grants and the remainder of your college costs. If you are unsure what your balance will be, check with your financial aid or finance offices.

549 Promise students have already earned their associates, bachelors, or master's degree since we started awarding scholarships 10 years ago. 1669 students have accepted the Promise and are at least 2 years post-high school graduation.

• Use your FSA ID that you created last year. (Remember, this is a once per lifetime account.)
• Get your parents/guardians to do their part. (They are a contributor until you are 24, have a bachelor's degree, or are married).
• List the college that you plan to attend in 2025-2026 first. This is where any State of Michigan money will go starting fall 2025.