PITTSBURGH -- Superintendent Mark Roosevelt announced the program called The Pittsburgh Promise Wednesday Morning.

"Our goal with The Pittsburgh Promise is to help our children and their families plan, prepare and pay for education after high school," said Superintendent Roosevelt.

The Pittsburgh Promise would make higher education achievable for all Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) students regardless of need or income. It also would enhance the economic development of the City.

"To advance the economic vitality of the city of Pittsburgh, we need to invest in our neighborhoods, create a business-friendly environment and strengthen our school district," said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

The Pittsburgh Promise anticipates making funds available to Pittsburgh Public School graduates for tuition at an accredited post-secondary institution within the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students would be required to make regular progress toward the completion of a degree or certification-seeking program and remain in good standing at the post-secondary institution.

It is expected that The Pittsburgh Promise will be funded through an endowment and an annual fundraising campaign from private donors. An official cost analysis is currently under way.

They hope to start this program with the graduating class of 2008.