CHANGING LIVES. TRANSFORMING OUR REGION.

Changing
Lives.

Transforming
our Region.

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:

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

See the impact in action. Follow us on Facebook. 

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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
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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 #ThankYouImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

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!
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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!Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment
2 weeks ago

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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

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 RockfordImage attachmentImage attachment+8Image attachment

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