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 businesses
- 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.
August 19, 2025
The Hidden Costs: How the Big, Beautiful Bill Could Negatively Affect College Students and Their Families
While the “Big, Beautiful Bill” has been praised for its sweeping reforms and promises of economic revitalization, some are raising concerns about its potential unintended consequences—particularly for college students and their families. Cutbacks to Financial Aid and Student Support One of the most troubling aspects of the bill is the
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
Follow the Movement
See the impact in action. Follow us on Facebook.
Today we celebrate our first-generation Rockford Promise Scholars – the trailblazers who are turning dreams into degrees and creating a new legacy for their families and community 🧡 … See MoreSee Less
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We are honored to share that Rockford Promise has been named one of three finalists for the 2025 Excelsior Award! This prestigious award celebrates organizations making a transformative impact in our region.
We are deeply grateful for this nomination and extend heartfelt congratulations to the other outstanding finalists. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community! 🧡 … See MoreSee Less
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This fall we have a lot to be thankful for!
Today, we’re feeling extra grateful for our incredible Rockford Promise Scholars – the heart of everything we do. Their drive, resilience, and commitment to their futures inspire us every single day.
#ThankfulThursday … See MoreSee Less
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Rockford Promise has helped almost 1,000 Scholars create their own path to success — and every great recipe starts with the right ingredients: opportunity, guidance, and YOU.
Your generosity helps more than 500 Rockford Promise Scholars currently pursuing their college dreams tuition-free, transforming families and our entire community.
🍲 Join us in keeping the Promise alive — add your ingredient today!
🔗 bit.ly/RockfordPromiseAppeal
#recipeforsuccess #rockfordpromise #rockfordproud #GiveBack #EducationChangesEverything … See MoreSee Less
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Today was our Promising Careers: Education event. Rockford Promise Scholars toured the RPS205 Administration Building and learned about the many support and leadership opportunities within our school system. We also got to visit Washington Elementary where students and staff made us feel so welcome and impressed us with their “house” pride! Finally, Scholars got to hear from other local nonprofit leaders on educational employment prospects outside of a traditional classroom setting. All in all, a full and impactful day! Thank you to RPS 205, Washington Elementary School, Goodwill Northern Illinois, Discovery Center, and Head Start Rockford for being amazing partners today! … See MoreSee Less
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