The Battle Creek Promise Zone is a Michigan Promise Zone Authority that helps local graduates afford college and career training. It aligns with state law to offer last‑dollar scholarships, support student success, and leverage a share of future State Education Tax growth to sustain awards.
NOTICE: PROMISE ZONE OPEN MEETING
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
3:00 p.m.
Community Room
Battle Creek Community Foundation
32 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek
At A Glance
Service area
Public and private schools located within the Battle Creek Public Schools District boundary (must also reside within the District).
Core award
Tuition & mandatory fees at in‑state partner colleges (after Pell/State aid)
Supports
FAFSA help, stackable supports
Funding
State education tax (SET) increment
Governance & Compliance
Board
11 members; 9 local appointees + 2 from state legislative leaders; max 3 public officials.
Plan & Reporting
Treasury‑approved development plan, annual reports (recipients, credits completed, graduation outcomes), amendments reviewed within 60 days.
Transparency
Open Meetings Act, FOIA, and published plan on the initiating entity’s website.
What is a Promise Zone?
Under Michigan law, an eligible local entity may create a Promise Zone Authority to offer a “promise of financial assistance” for postsecondary education to local graduates. The Authority adopts a Development Plan, raises private dollars first, and—once awards begin—can qualify for a share of future State Education Tax (SET) growth to help sustain scholarships.
Eligible expenses: Tuition and required fees; plans may include books, supplies/equipment, licensing costs, disability‑related costs, and limited study‑abroad costs.
Michigan‑only: Scholarships support in‑state postsecondary institutions and vocational programs.
How the SET capture works: After the base year is set, the state captures one‑half of the annual increase in State Education Tax collections inside the zone. Starting two years after the first awards are paid, those captured funds are paid to the Authority. Up to 15% of captured SET may be used for administration (not including direct student‑facing personnel).
Funding Ladder
Private & other revenues pay scholarships first.
Set base year for SET inside the zone.
State captures ½ of yearly SET growth into a restricted fund.
Two years after first awards, captured SET is paid to the Authority (≤15% admin use).