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

1. Universal, Place-Based Scholarship Programs:A New Model for College Access Michelle Miller-Adams, W.E. Upjohn Institute Shelley Strickland, University of Michigan Chuck Wilbur, Office of the Governor Presentation at 2009 Michigan Pre-College & Youth Outreach Conference, November 16, 2009

2. 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

3. 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.

4. Donors as Change Agents • New “Golden Age of Philanthropy” • “Transformational” donors • research an organization • create rather than simply support projects • seek out institutions to support • legacy during lifetime • innovative approaches to societal issues

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Privately Funded Scholarships • The I Have A Dream (IHAD) scholarship program • Begun by New York philanthropist Eugene Lang • Financial, 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’

9. Implications for Partnerships Promise-type programs offer a new paradigm for scholarship support: • Systemic change • Influence the system by investing in individuals • Individual assistance but community responsibility for success • Roles for public, private, nonprofit institutions – need for coordinated response

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

16. 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

17. A Catalyst for Community Transformation:Four Strategic Priorities Economic Development Student Support Urban Vitality Pre K-16 Education

18. 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]

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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.comShelley Strickland: srstric@umich.eduChuck Wilbur: [does Chuck want his e-mail listed?]