The work we do
The Hazel Park Promise Zone is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the Hazel Park community by building a skilled, educated workforce and ensuring the city is an attractive destination for families. We do this by offering college and career planning and success services to ALL Hazel Park School District students, their families, and alumni. We are proud to be one of thirteen Promise Zones in Michigan.
As a Promise Zone, we are most well-known for offering a tuition-free path to an associate's degree at Oakland Community College to resident graduates of Hazel Park Schools. We also offer scholarships for graduates who attend other Michigan trade schools, colleges, and universities that accept federal financial aid. Students can also obtain reimbursement for mandatory textbooks and materials for their college courses or career programs. We also provide many other services to support the educational and career journeys of our Vikings.
As a Promise Zone, we believe that:
Postsecondary education includes many pathways and should be accessible to all
College is any education beyond high school, including apprenticeship programs, licenses and certificates, Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees, and professional and graduate programs.
Success depends on meaningful, ongoing support
Everyone is more likely to persist to graduation when they receive personalized, responsive guidance along the way.
The ability to further one’s education is a public good worth collective investment
Education strengthens individuals, communities, and our democracy.