LANSING –In the midst of a nearly twenty-four hour session, the Michigan Legislature voted today to pass Senate Bill 482, legislation sponsored by Sen. John Gleason (D-Flushing) that will add social studies to the academic requirements for the Michigan Promise scholarship for higher education.

“In order to prepare our students for a successful future, we need to make sure that they are getting a well-rounded education that covers the curriculum needed to enter the workforce but also be an engaged and informed citizen,” said Gleason. “By adding social studies to the eligible curriculum requirements for the Michigan Promise, we can ensure that kids today understand the civics, politics, history, and geography that are all necessary to be a contributing citizen to society.”

The Michigan Promise scholarship provides up to $4,000 to high school graduates for successfully completing two years of postsecondary education, and serves as an economic incentive for students to achieve as well as pursue additional education or training beyond high school. Students must pass the Michigan Merit Exam to be eligible for this scholarship, and SB 482 adds that a qualifying score be met on the social studies portion of that exam to ensure students are receiving a proper education. The legislation now heads to Governor Granholm, who is expected to sign it into law shortly.

# # #