Detroit Launches Free Community College Tuition Program

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - High school graduates in Detroit will be able to attend two years of community college tuition-free under a new program.

Mayor Mike Duggan's office says the city has created a permanent funding source for students who want to continue their education at a two-year college.

Duggan Tuesday afternoon released details of the "Detroit Promise," which — in partnership with the city's Detroit Promise Zone, the Detroit Scholarship Fund, administered by the Detroit Regional Chamber  —  the city says, "ensures that any Detroit-resident student graduating in the spring of 2016 from a high school in the city of Detroit will have a tuition-free path to an associate degree or technical certificate at any one of five participating community colleges."

[View an informative flier for details].

The Detroit News reports that the city is able to use some state education taxes to fund scholarships. The Detroit Regional Chamber will work with the city on the program.

The newspaper says scholarships will cover college tuition and other costs not covered by grants.

High school graduates can attend Henry Ford, Wayne, Oakland or Macomb community colleges or Schoolcraft College.

Other cities with similar promise zones include Battle Creek, Lansing, Muskegon and Pontiac.

[Learn more about the Detroit Promise, including about how to apply, at this link].

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.