Study:Results favorable to Kzoo Promise

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - The first major academic research on the Kalamazoo Promise shows generally favorable results for the program.

The Upjohn Institute researchers found that twice the number of Kalamazoo students have shifted their college choice in-state for those in the study.

"They saw an improvement in behavior that was shown in a decrease in the number of days suspended," said Michelle Miller-Adams from the Upjohn Institute. "They saw an increase in the number of credits attempted, and they saw for the African-American students that were a part of this sample, they saw an increase in their grade point average."

The only negative in the study was the perception of Kalamazoo Public Schools. Experts said changing perception normally takes time.