Gov. Granholm's proposed Michigan Promise not worth the stipulations
Gov. Jennifer Granholm is proposing to reinstate the Michigan Promise Scholarship in the 2011 state budget.
But the suggestion doesn’t come without strings attached. Students will only qualify for the scholarship after they get a degree and work for a year in Michigan after graduation.
The new qualifications for the Promise are aimed at keeping college graduates in the state while stimulating the economy.
However, with the shortage of jobs in the state for college graduates, there’s little sense in bringing the Promise back under such conditions. Students won’t stay here for an extra $4,000 once they have their degree.
Requiring students to work in Michigan for a year after graduation is Granholm’s hope young people will find a career and not leave the state. According to Michiganfuture.org, nearly half of all graduates leave the state once they have their degree. The same study lists the lack of a job or an employer as the number one reason why most graduates leave the state. People aren’t going to stay in the state if there are no jobs, and this proposal does not address that issue.
The new distribution guidelines also deserve a closer look. It makes little sense to award students $4,000 after they have graduated. Many students depend on scholarships and grants to help make ends meet. Surviving through college is an achievement all in itself and can be equally as hard as passing every class. Getting the scholarship up front alleviates some of the stress that comes with surviving day-to-day.
Some students don’t take out student loans or can’t qualify for them, and depend solely on scholarships and grants. If more scholarships are used as a tax credit after graduation, it will eliminate access to college for some young people.
The Michigan Promise alone won’t keep young people in Michigan. The amount of student debt that comes with a degree is generally so much that $4,000 seems insignificant. And if there’s a job opening in another state that offers more stability and pay, there’s no incentive to stay in Michigan.
Even if a students does decide to stay, it will probably only be for the one year period to collect the scholarship. Once they’ve done their time, they’ll hit the road.
If Granholm really wants to bring back the Michigan Promise with these new guidelines, real and viable jobs for young people have to be established in Michigan. Access to careers will help young people put down long-lasting roots in the state.
Give the $4,000 to college students while they’re in college. Bring jobs that people can support themselves with. The stipulations in this scholarship are not the route to take.
