Here is more about The Pittsburgh Promise. This is a HUGE deal. The city is expecting that after UPMC donates it's 100 million, many more charities will follow with UPMC as a catalyst. Already the Pittsburgh Public Schools are meeting to discuss aggressive ways to fund-raise to match UPMC. They have a goal of 250 million which can then sustain the program with 15 million in interest alone per year.
This is phenomenal news in the hopes to help alleviate population loss. Statistics have shown that students who stay or come from out-of-state and pursue higher education in Pittsburgh are way more likely to stay after graduation. Will this reverse population loss? Well, I don't know about that, but it certainly won't hurt.
This article has a fantastic Q&A that I will post for the blurb.
'Promise' campaign to recruit charities - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Quote:
The Details
Q: Who's eligible?
A: Pittsburgh Public Schools students who have been enrolled in the district and have lived in the city continuously since ninth grade.
Q: How do you enroll?
A: Students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, known as FAFSA, their senior year and every year of post-secondary education so the Pittsburgh Promise's yearly contribution can be calculated.
Q: How much is the benefit?
A: Up to $5,000 a year for up to four years of tuition. Students who already have scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition could be eligible for up to $1,000 a year to cover books, supplies and room and board. The school district intends to work with state education officials to begin a state graduation exam by 2012. Those who pass the exam could get $10,000 a year for up to four years. Those who don't pass, but still graduate high school, would be eligible for $5,000 a year.
Q: What does tuition cost at state system colleges and universities?
A: The average tuition for a four-year college in Pennsylvania is about $8,410 a year, according to a 2005-06 study from The College Board, a nonprofit based in New York City.
Q: Which colleges are eligible?
A: There are 96 public and private colleges and universities and trade schools in Pennsylvania eligible to receive Pittsburgh Promise scholarship money. For a complete list, visit: Pittsburgh Public Schools
Q: Are charter and cyber school students eligible?
A: School district lawyers are still reviewing whether charter and cyber school students who live in Pittsburgh will be eligible, Superintendent Mark Roosevelt said.
Q: Now that UPMC is leading the way, will other foundations, nonprofits and corporations contribute?
A: That's uncertain, but 90 percent of UPMC's $100 million gift to the program depends on raising matching funds from other charities. To donate, visit the Pittsburgh Foundation's Web site at HOME - The Pittsburgh Foundation.
Q: Do high school students have to live up to some moral code to be eligible, such as abstaining from drugs and alcohol and not being convicted of a crime?
A: No. However, the Pittsburgh Promise's board of directors has final review of all cases and could deny scholarships to students. Students graduating in 2009 are required to attend 85 percent of school days to qualify. Beginning in 2010, students must have 90 percent attendance.
Q: What happens if a participant drops out of school after two years? Does the grant become a loan?
A: No, students don't have to repay any money. While attending a college or school, students must maintain a 2.0 grade-point average and progress toward a bachelor's or associate's degree, or an equivalent two-year degree.
Q: What about students who wait to enroll in an institution of higher learning? When does the clock run out for using Pittsburgh Promise money?
A: Students have five years to use the scholarship money to pay for four years of education. That allows for taking a year off before or during college. Deferrals are available to those in the military.
Q: Are students required to try to get other college aid or loans before taking money from the program?
A: Yes. The Pittsburgh Promise is a "last dollar" program. That means its funds are applied only after students receive all other forms of scholarship support.
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12-05-2007, 03:17 PM
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