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Wayne state makes free tuition pledge at cma

<p>Seniors Davion Stinson, Tyler Parker, Kristianna Montgomery, and Kahliah Baker receive their scholarships to Wayne State University.</p>

Seniors Davion Stinson, Tyler Parker, Kristianna Montgomery, and Kahliah Baker receive their scholarships to Wayne State University.

On the morning of Oct. 23, students attending Communication & Media Arts High School were the first students in the city to learn about a life-changing opportunity for Detroit youth.

The president of Wayne State University, M. Roy Wilson, announced that the college would guarantee free tuition for any graduating senior from Detroit.

Wayne State University has named this free tuition pledge “The Heart of Detroit.” 

The scholarship will cover any tuition and fees at Wayne State for four years that’s not covered by federal financial aid Pell Grants and other scholarships, such as the Detroit Promise, which is limited to students with a 3.0 grade-point average and a 1060 SAT score.

“The Heart of Detroit” scholarship has no minimum GPA requirement, just that the student earns a high school diploma.

Wilson announced the free tuition guarantee during an all-school assembly with students, 

Wayne State cheerleaders and the university’s marching band playing in CMA’s gym. He was joined by Wayne State University Provost Keith Whitfield, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Wilson said it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for any senior graduating from any school in the Detroit Public School Community District. The free tuition pledge also applies to Detroit students who attend a charter school, private school or school outside of the city, as long as they have a Detroit address.

“This pledge is our commitment to make Wayne State University affordable and accessible to anyone willing to work hard, to ask questions, and to explore all that our great university has to offer,” Wilson said. 

Many students and staff were overjoyed about the news — some were even moved to tears.

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