The mission of The Detroit College Promise is to strengthen the Detroit Public Schools and the City of Detroit by offering a financial incentive to students and families, simply for enrolling in DPS and living in Detroit. The incentive is a scholarship that can be used at any Michigan public college or university. Students can apply starting in Kindergarten, but must apply by December 1 of their 9th grade year to be eligible.

The Detroit College Promise is a tax exempt non-profit funded entirely by private donations.