Home - Rockford Promise

CHANGING
LIVES.

TRANSFORMING
OUR REGION.

ROCKFORD PROMISE

What if we could promise every graduate of Rockford Public School District 205 the encouragement, mentorship and financial support necessary to earn a college degree?

Every student would have a path to post-secondary education.

Potential residents would enthusiastically choose our community because of the opportunities for their kids.

Businesses would want to locate here because of the availability of a talented workforce.

That’s the vision of Rockford Promise, a non-profit 501(c)(3) location-based scholarship program modeled after promise programs around the nation.

$ 1,850,000

NEEDED ANNUALLY TO SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIPS AND SCHOLAR SUPPORT

800

ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS & SUPPORTERS

$ 131.81

LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT FOR EVERY $1 INVESTED

300

ACTIVE PROMISE SCHOLARS

Lizeth Martinez-Medrano

Jasyah Manasia Coleman

Ethan Singmouangthong

Alexis Vargas-Machuca

Alexis Phommavong

Alexander Larson

Vanessa Rosales

Uriel Fernandez-Saldana

Darielys Morales Ruiz

Josejulian Valdez-Perea

Julia Theien

Eh Tha Beh

Hannah Beach

Genell Butler-Jefferson

Galilea Urqizo-Delreal

Antonio Enrique-Flores

Laurita Uribe Aristizabal

O’Veyonce Jack

Melanie Ortiz-Manriquez

Julien Gomez

Carla Peoples

Alexa Zapata

Brenda Banuelos-Mendez

Htoo Htwe

Stephanie Ermilio

Angela Perez Dominguez

Cesar De La Rosa Marquez

Girana Worathepnuthas

Diana Sanchez-Arrieta

Celeste Torres

Carmen Mendoza

Arely Ibarra-Ceniceros

Araceli Martinez-Brito

Erica Bibalou

Not only did Alondra represent Rockford Promise well by graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Rockford University, she's now working as a Scholar Coordinator for the organization, helping other Scholars also successfully complete their programs.

Rebecca Conkling

Oscar graduated from Rock Valley College in May of 2019 and is now pursuing his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry.

Oscar Nieto-Perez

Nestor Moreno-Gonzalez

Magdaleno Mendoza

Kevin graduated from Rock Valley College in May 2020 and is now at Rockford University working on his 4-year degree.

Ariana Rodriguez

FEATURED SCHOLARS

Kerrigan Turek

''Receiving the Rockford Promise scholarship is a huge honor. I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to grow academically and socially in the community that built who I am today. Thank you to the Rockford Promise organization for believing in me and my ability to make a change in our wonderful community.''

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Aaron Saphanethong

''Before earning this scholarship my plan was to move to California where I would attend college and enjoy the nice weather. However, after I received the scholarship I have decided to stay local and attend Rock Valley College so that I can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. This scholarship means that my family and I will not have to worry about the burden of paying tuition, a weight lifted off both our shoulders. I will use my education to not only thrive in my future career, but to also show how hard word and dedication truly pays off.''

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O’Veyonce Jack

''Receiving the full tuition Rockford Promise Scholarship is a blessing that gave me that extra push that I needed to keep going while helping me realize how proud I am to be a part of the 815 community. I have always dreamed of pursuing a career in the medical field helping infants and/or adolescents, which is why I hope to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. I will be the first in my immediate family to start and finish a degree in the medical field, and I hope to make them and myself proud. My eventual goal is to own a child outreach program for less fortunate children so I can give them the hope and opportunity that Rockford Promise has given to me! Thank you!''

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Rockford Promise

2 days ago

We were so honored to celebrate Advancement Manager Cole Bathje as he completed his Leadership Rockford program today! Well done, Cole!

And thank you to Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce for another phenomenal year of Leadership Rockford! ... See MoreSee Less

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Congratulations and good job Cole

Congratulations, Cole!

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Rockford Promise

3 days ago

We love hearing from prospective mentor volunteers about their interests, and how these intersect with the work of Rockford Promise. So many great people out there wanting to give back to local youth! ❤️

If you are interested in becoming a Mentor Volunteer, please fill out your application today on our website: rockfordpromise.org/become-a-mentor/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Rockford Promise

1 week ago

Thanks Jess Liptzin and Eyewitness News for the coverage of last night’s contract signing!RPS students are awarded full tuition scholarships all thanks to a community non-profit. The students and families spoke about the life-changing money.

Rockford Promise RPS 205 Eyewitness News ... See MoreSee Less

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Rockford Promise

1 week ago

Dogs up! New NIU Huskies are in the house! Night 3 of Rockford Promise contract signing is complete. We are so pleased to welcome these new Scholars! ... See MoreSee Less

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Rockford Promise

1 week ago

Our very own Fund Development Manager, Cole Bathje, took a dive into the world of fundraising excellence this weekend at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) ICON conference!

Cole soaked up the latest and greatest in fundraising strategies, gaining valuable insights and best practices to supercharge our efforts here at Rockford Promise!

#fundraisingexcellence #AFPICON #rockfordpromise #EmpoweringFutures ... See MoreSee Less