What’s the value of a promise? In some economic development circles it’s good for $250 million.
A trend around the country is Promise programs, scholarship funds that front the college tuition bill for every student in a community. Kalamazoo kicked this off in 2005 when a masked group of donors pooled their funds to send students to Michigan colleges. Since then, other communities like El Dorado, Arkansas, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Denver, Colorado and Newton, Iowa are following suit.
Last week 80 communities gathered in Kalamazoo for PromiseNet, a conference for existing and prospective Promise communities to share best practices. Promise programs have been cited as leading to economic development turnaround, attracting developers and increasing college enrollment. El Dorado notes that home sales are up 10% since their program began in ’07, bucking state-wide and national trends.
It’s no question that these promises are incredible gifts. Still, it’s worth remembering that a Promise is a tool for economic development, not a silver bullet. I recently traveled with Ron Kitchens, CEO of Kalamazoo’s Southwest Michigan First, and Ron’s quick to point out to other Promise communities, “You bought a scholarship program, not a factory.”
But Promise communities want their investment to move the meter, and rightly so. What’s your opinion? How will Promise programs impact communities? Are you living in a Promise community and seeing results? What’s working and what’s not working. And just what do you think the legacy of these programs will be?
It’s nice to now finally locate a website where the blogger really knows what he is talking about.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.You have done a marvellous job!
I know this is really boring and you are skipping to the next comment, but I just wanted to throw you a big thanks - you cleared up some things for me!
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the latest stuff you post.
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
A thoughtful insight and ideas I will use on my blog. You've obviously spent some time on this. Well done!
A thoughtful insight and ideas I will use on my blog. You've obviously spent some time on this. Well done!
Hi buddy, your blog's design is simple and clean and i like it. Your blog posts are superb. Please keep them coming. Greets!!!
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real effort to make a good article... but what can I say... I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
I am really enjoying reading your well written articles. It looks like you spend a lot of effort and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
We just couldnt leave your website before saying that we really enjoyed the quality information you offer to your visitors... Will be back often to check up on new stuff you post!
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.
I just couldnt leave your website before saying that I really enjoyed the quality information you offer to your visitors... Will be back often to check up on new stuff you post!
Thanks very much for sharing this interesting post. I am just starting up my own blog and this has given me inspiration to what I can achieve.
I just couldnt leave your website before saying that I really enjoyed the quality information you offer to your visitors... Will be back often to check up on new stuff you post!
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
You made some Good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree.
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
I don't know if i agree, seems a bit weird?
Intimately, the article is in reality the sweetest on this worthy topic. I concur with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your forthcoming updates. Saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantasti c clarity in your writing. I will right away grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates. Pleasant work and much success in your business efforts!
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.You have done a marvellous job!
Wo Google mich den lieben Tag hinfuehrt :) Fabelhafte Page, ich werde wieder kommen.