Student Body President Advocates for the Michigan Tuition Grant

In the midst of state budget cuts, Grace Christian University Student Body President, Robert Kilgo, urges lawmakers to bring back the Michigan Tuition Grant even though as an out of state student, he is not eligible for the grant.

The Michigan Tuition Grant program is available to undergraduate Michigan residents with financial need who plan to attend or are attending independent, degree-granting Michigan postsecondary institutions. Awards pay up to $2,400 per year. It is estimated that nearly 17,000 students across the state benefit from this grant every year.

People across the state waited with bated breath when the Michigan Tuition Grant was removed affecting several public and private university students across the state who rely on the grant to help pay for college. Kilgo understood the gravity of the loss of the funding to his fellow classmates and decided to take action by writing a personal letter to his state representative.

What ensued speaks to the character of state representative, Tommy Brann, who called Robert directly and shared his desire to see the grant reinstated. From that point on, Robert and representative Brann formed a unique friendship that included several calls from Brann updating Robert on the progress of the legislation, and a personal invite for Robert to spend a day with Brann at the capital and on the House of Representatives floor.

On Tuesday, Dec 3 Brann called Robert immediately after the bill had passed and the grant reinstated, letting him know personally that the governor planned to sign the bill. "Robert met with me on the veto of the tuition grants and the stress it was putting on students," said MI State Representative Tommy Brann. "Robert did not give up and it is a positive lesson in participating. Good job Robert and Grace Christian University." Kilgo stated that the experience has "made me appreciate the leaders around me and the friendship I was able to develop with State Representative Brann."

Kilgo is currently a Senior at Grace Christian University pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Human Services with a concentration in Criminal Justice. He aspires to go into politics and pursue his Masters in Organizational Leadership at Grace.