Why Fewer Students Are Applying for the Lansing Promise College Scholarship

LANSING, Michigan (WILX) – With college costs rising year on year, one might think that students would seek out every possible scholarship opportunity, but applications for the Lansing Promise Scholarship have declined.

“The best thing about the scholarship is really the people and the support network they give you,” said Undra Brown. “It constantly ensures that you are working with your success coach and that you are taking your class and planning breaks.”

Undra Brown received the Lansing Promise Scholarship a few years ago and attended Lansing Community College with it. Brown said it was best for him.

“It was extremely helpful in terms of a support network when I was in college, and it helped me explore and take different courses and figure out what my interests were,” Brown said.

The Lansing Promise paid up to 65 credits for his tuition, which allowed Brown to explore his diverse interests.

“The scholarship just shows that the Lansing people are thriving and giving back to the community, the people are taking care of the youth,” Brown said.

But that year the Lansing Promise saw a sharp drop in applicants for the scholarship. Executive Director Justin Sheehan said there were 110 fewer applicants compared to 2020 and he believes the main reason is the pandemic.

“It was really the lack of face-to-face contact, Lansing wasn’t face-to-face (at school) all last year,” Sheehan said.

Sheehan said the option of not attending schools to explain the scholarship opportunity really had an impact on the number of applicants.

“Nationally, the numbers were down by almost 50%. They call it a gap year that takes a year to figure out what they want to do and the reality is often a preoccupation because neither of us has the luxury of not working, ”Sheehan said.

The Lansing Promise Scholarship is only available to Lansing School District students planning to attend Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, or Olivet College.

The Lansing Promise accepts applicants for the spring and fall semester every year. Students should check with their school to determine when they are due.

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