Universal, Place-Based Scholarship Programs:A New Model for College Access

Michelle Miller-Adams, W.E. Upjohn InstituteShelley Strickland, University of MichiganChuck Wilbur, Office of the Governor

Presentation at 2009 Michigan Pre-College & Youth Outreach Conference, November 16, 2009

Presentation Overview

Intro to Kalamazoo Promise & Promise Zones The New Philanthropy

Donors as Change Agents Private v. Public Scholarship Funding Implications for Partnerships

A New Scholarship Model The Kalamazoo Promise Promise Zones

Issues for Replication Q&A

The New Philanthropy

Philanthropic efforts are central to both the Kalamazoo Promise and Promise Zones

Both exemplify a new approach to scholarship funding

Understanding this approach requires a rethinking of our assumptions and misunderstandings about philanthropy and privately funded scholarships.

Donors as Change Agents

New “Golden Age of Philanthropy”

“Transformational” donorsresearch an organization create rather than simply support

projectsseek out institutions to supportlegacy during lifetime innovative approaches to societal issues

Donors as Change Agents

Until recently, scholars had attempted to explain philanthropy through a “utility” theory emphasizing exchange

New interdisciplinary research holds promise for explaining altruism

Even so, because of the unpredictable human dimension, giving is not fully rational

Donors as Change Agents

The distinction between the public or private benefit to donors becomes blurred with the Kalamazoo Promise & Promise Zones, just as the lines between public and private monies blend

Privately Funded Scholarships

Philanthropy is integral part of U.S. economy Scholarships date back to colonial days Investments in human capital, the “American

Dream” Predicting philanthropy’s role in the economy

is critical, especially if replacing public funding Donors hesitant on crucial pipeline funding

because ambiguous and hard to measure None compares in size to federal, state and

institutional aid

Privately Funded Scholarships

The I Have A Dream (IHAD) scholarship program Begun by New York philanthropist Eugene LangFinancial, academic and social support to public

school sixth graders~200 US sites place philanthropists as mentors

Involvement is non-traditional, but giving is still for traditional direct services

Becomes as much about donors’ needs and expectations as students’

Implications for Partnerships

Promise-type programs offer a new paradigm for scholarship support: Systemic change Influence the system by investing in

individualsIndividual assistance but community

responsibility for success Roles for public, private, nonprofit

institutions – need for coordinated response

Implications for Partnerships

Blurring of sectors, with an increasing emphasis on public-private partnerships

“Promise Zones” and other Promise-type programs require an understanding of philanthropic potential

These partnerships hold the potential to encourage other innovations in financial aid and scholarship programs

A New Scholarship Model

Traditional Model: merit or need-based aid New Model: place-based, universal Blend of educational and economic goals Creates potential for broad buy-in and

community transformation Requires community engagement, working

across sectors

The Kalamazoo Promise

Funded by anonymous donors Flexible and generous terms Scholarship program as catalyst, changes

incentives for many actors Potential for creation or enhancement of

human, social, and economic assets Financial investment in community

transformation

The first comprehensive account of the Kalamazoo

Promise, based on three years of research.

Published by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment

Research, 2009.

The Kalamazoo Promise:Initial Impact on School District

Dramatic increase in enrollment Increase in low-income students from 62% to 67%

First new school construction in 37 years

Redistricting with the goal of greater socioeconomic balance

Cultural shift within district 71% increase in AP courses taken over 2 years

25-year KPS enrollment trend

9000

10000

11000

12000

13000

14000

15000

Fall Headcount

Aca

dem

ic Y

ear

Kalamazoo Promise Announced

The Kalamazoo Promise:Initial Impact on Students

Scholarship usage rising 1,522 students have used funds 1,103 currently enrolled % of eligible students using Promise 1st semester after

graduation has risen from 73% in 2005 to 81% in 2009

Strong pattern of local college attendance Kalamazoo Valley Community College (38%) Western Michigan University (29%) Michigan State University (13%) University of Michigan (10%)

Low persistence rates at 2-year institutions Class of 2006: 83% university, 26% community college Class of 2007: 84% university, 34% community college Class of 2008: 84% university, 50% community college

A Catalyst for Community Transformation:Four Strategic Priorities

Promise Zones

Michelle’s suggestions for these slides: [basic structure and purpose of Promise Zones] [potential/anticipated impact] [role of philanthropy – private resources required to

access public funding] [community engagement, cross-sectoral work required] [like KP, holds potential for community trasnformation] [like KP, unites education and economic renewal goals]

Issues for Replication:The Need for Community Alignment

Scholarship money alone does not lead to cultural, economic, or social transformation

Community engagement and alignment are essential

Key elements of community engagement: Ensure that every student is “college-ready” Connect education and workforce systems Strengthen community alignment around broader

goals of scholarship program

Issues for Replication:The Need for Trust and Persistence

Philanthropy can make a positive difference Private & public funds can complement one

another Immediate gains are intangible, related to

identity, reputation, and mobilization A long-term commitment and horizon are

required

For more information:

http://www.upjohninstitute.org/promise/index.htm/http://www.kalamazoopromise.com/[is there any web source of info re: PZs?]

Comments, Questions, or Suggestions:

Michelle Miller-Adams : miller-adams@upjohn.orghttp://www.michellemilleradams.com

Shelley Strickland: srstric@umich.edu

Chuck Wilbur: [does Chuck want his e-mail listed?]