Pursuing his Passion

Maurice's story

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Maurice's story

As a middle school student in Saginaw, Maurice discovered his love for computers. Today, he’s pursuing a degree in computer information systems at Saginaw Valley State University.

“The Saginaw Promise is a great thing for students who are looking for scholarships within the Saginaw area. It allows me to have some of my college tuition paid off and it’s great to meet a lot of the people that are behind the Saginaw Promise. This program will benefit high schoolers for many years to come.”

His advice for high school students that want to move on to higher education?

“Develop a specific routine for studying. It will help tremendously when first entering college.”

A future physical therapist

Brianna's story

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Brianna's story

After graduating high school in 2012, Brianna joined the inaugural class of Saginaw Promise scholars.

Today, she is on the verge of graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in kinesiology. Her goal is to become a physical therapist.

“At first I was pre-nursing coming into Michigan State. When I realized exercise science and physiology was more interesting and appealing to me, I switched my major. My grandmother has permanent nerve damage in her knee and has to use a cane for life.”

Thanks to scholarships like the Saginaw Promise, Brianna will be able to graduate and begin her career with less student loan debt. She intends on pursuing graduate school after graduation.

Be willing and ready to work

Jacob's story

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Jacob's story

Unlike most college freshmen who start college in the fall, Jacob began his studies in the summer at the University of Michigan. What would he share with high school students about his college experience so far?

“It’s not easy. Be willing and ready to work.”

In 2015, Jacob began his collegiate studies with the ultimate goal of becoming a doctor. The Saginaw Promise is there to help him succeed.

“The Saginaw Promise Scholarship reduces the financial burden on me, as schooling and preparation for medicine are so expensive.”

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Saginaw Made a Promise

The Saginaw Promise is a last dollar, place based scholarship program, designed to serve as a catalyst in Saginaw for economic development and retain and attract new families and businesses to the community through a focus and support for post-secondary education*.

By 2020, economists project that 65% of jobs (almost two-thirds) will require some form of postsecondary education.  source

*Postsecondary education refers to education beyond high school and includes technical or trade school, community college or university. 

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Upcoming Events

Power Of A Promise

October 27, 2022

Horizons Conference Center
6200 State St
Saginaw, MI 48603

In case you missed our “Power of a Promise” Luncheon on October 27, 2022, you missed a powerful address from keynote speaker, Pete Kadens. Pete Kadens is the founder & Co-Chairman of “Hope Chicago” and has been featured on the television program 60 Minutes, not once, but twice for his vision and for the work “Hope Chicago” is doing. They have committed to fund postsecondary education for 30,000 students from 5 Chicago High Schools and a parent or guardian of each of the students to affect change. Due to multiple requests from individuals who want to hear Pete’s comments again or from those who heard about his powerful message, we are happy to post and share Pete’s keynote address here to advance the importance of postsecondary education investment and its power to change a community, its economy and lives.

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Swinging for the Promise

August 17, 2023
10:00am
Saginaw Country Club
4465 Gratiot Rd
Saginaw, MI 48638



Enjoy a great day of golf and fun this summer on a beautiful course! “Swinging for the Promise provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy 18 holes of golf, a lot of fun, while supporting a great cause!”

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