Imagine a future where every graduate of Rockford Public School District 205 and partner private schools is guaranteed the mentorship, support, and funding necessary to earn a college degree.
A future where:
Every student
has a clear path to higher education and a fulfilling career.
families
would enthusiastically choose to live in our community because of the life-changing opportunities available to their kids.
Businesses
would locate and thrive here because of our educated and talented workforce.
This is the hope of Rockford Promise,
a location-based scholarship program giving high school graduates the promise of a post-secondary education and transforming our region – one graduate at a time.
About
Rockford
Promise
Education unlocks opportunity, innovation, and community potential. Modeled after successful promise programs around the nation, Rockford Promise was launched in 2006 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) and awarded its first five full-tuition scholarships in 2016. Today, more than 200 Scholars join our program each fall, ready to pursue their dreams and shape our community’s future.
With the support of our higher education partners, volunteers, donors, corporate supporters, and community advocates, we’re working toward a future where every high school graduate in our city has a clear path to the college or career training program of their choice.
more than
200
Scholars join our program each fall, ready to pursue their dreams and shape our community’s future.
And we’re just getting started.
Meet our Scholars
Smart. Talented. Driven. Our Rockford Promise Scholars come from all walks of life – and they embody the strength, spirit, and potential of our city.
More Than a Scholarship
Financial support is just the beginning. Every Scholar is paired with a mentor and receives strong academic advising and meaningful community connections. This full-circle support means our Scholars have everything they need to be successful in college – and thrive in their chosen careers.
The results are outstanding. Rockford Promise Scholars are outperforming national averages in staying enrolled semester to semester, earning high GPAs, and graduating on time – and are setting the standard for other promise programs across the nation.
Real Impact is Happening.
The Rockford Promise Scholarship is already transforming lives and driving economic growth across our region.
We’re seeing results –
and so is the community.
Rockford Promise is driving:
- Powerful opportunities for students, residents, and Husinesses
- Higher graduation rates and stronger public schools
- A culture of achievement and higher educational attainment
- A skilled workforce that is prepared and talented
- Rising property values and strong neighborhoods
- A deeper sense of community pride
Together, We Power the Promise
Preparing our students for bright futures and long-term success for our region takes all of us. Donors, mentors, volunteers, and advocates are at the heart of ensuring we can deliver the Rockford Promise.
news & events
From Scholar achievements to big announcements, stay up to date on the exciting things happening.
May 12, 2025
Alyssa Giardono – Alumna of the Year
On May 4th, Rockford Promise held its third annual Promising Futures celebration. The event honored our newest cohort of Scholars, celebrated the accomplishments of our graduates, and recognized individuals and organizations that have made a meaningful impact on Rockford Promise and the broader Rockford community. One of the evening’s special
March 10, 2025
Rockford Promise Application are now Closed!
ROCKFORD, IL – The application period for the 2025 Rockford Promise Scholarship officially closed on March 1st and applicants will be notified of awards by the end of March. As we carefully review and verify all submissions, some exciting trends have already emerged. Stay tuned for more updates as we
January 21, 2025
Rockford Promise Scholars at RVC now have a tuition free transfer option to NIU
ROCKFORD, IL – Here’s some great news for current and future Rock Valley College (RVC) students: The Rockford Promise Program at Northern Illinois University will open next fall to qualifying RVC transfers. To qualify, students must be Rockford Promise Scholars at RVC who earn their associate’s degree with a cumulative
Follow the Movement
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Articles like this remind us why our mission matters. While rankings offer a snapshot of where things stand today, they don’t define where Rockford is headed next.
Rockford has incredible potential—but too many talented students still face barriers to earning a college degree or professional credential. Rockford Promise exists to change that. By covering the gap in tuition costs, we’re investing in our community’s future, building a stronger local workforce, and helping Rockford rise on lists like these for years to come.
Whether it’s a welding certificate from Rock Valley College, a nursing degree from Saint Anthony College of Nursing, or a teaching degree from Rockford University, we’re committed to creating life-changing opportunities for local students.
Education fuels growth—not only for individuals, but for entire communities. Let’s keep working together to build brighter futures for Rockford’s students.
If you’re passionate about transforming lives and strengthening our city, join us in supporting education and opportunity right here in Rockford. … See MoreSee Less
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A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us at FORE the Promise! ⛳️
Because of your incredible support, we raised over $20,000 — funds that will go directly toward transforming the lives of Rockford Promise scholars.
Events like FORE the Promise help Rockford Promise raise additional resources to open doors to higher education, brighter futures, and endless possibilities for students in our community.
We’re so grateful for every golfer, sponsor, volunteer, and friend who made this event such a success. Together, we’re changing lives and building a stronger Rockford!
#FOREthePromise #RockfordPromise #ChangingLives #ThankYou … See MoreSee Less
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What an incredible day at FORE the Promise – thank you to everyone who joined us on the course to support Rockford Promise! Huge thank you to all of our generous sponsors and golfers who made this event possible. Your support truly DRIVES the promise forward.
Stay tuned—more photos coming soon! … See MoreSee Less
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WHO’s READY FOR IRONMAN?!! Rockford Promise Scholars are here and ready to volunteer! We have 100 Scholars and staff ready to welcome visitors and support our community. So honored and excited to be part of the fun! IRONMANGo Rockford … See MoreSee Less
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