Be Part of the
Promise.
Help Shape
Rockford’s
Future.
Rockford Promise is more than a scholarship – it’s a movement – and when you give your time, your voice, or your resources, you are opening doors to brighter futures.
Become a Corporate Sponsor.
Fuel Opportunity. Power Community.
When your company supports Rockford Promise, you’re giving deserving students the chance to succeed – and you’re investing in the future of our city’s workforce, economy, and leadership.
“As a corporate sponsor of Rockford Promise, we see it as one of the smartest investments we can make—supporting local students today builds the skilled, motivated workforce our company and community will rely on tomorrow.”
XYZ CEO
WHY ROCKFORD PROMISE IS GOOD FOR YOUR BUSINESS
- Fuel Local Talent
Your sponsorship directly funds full-tuition scholarships for RPS 205 graduates—empowering the next generation of Rockford professionals, innovators, and leaders. - Grow a Stronger Workforce
Rockford Promise Scholars are more likely to live and work here – giving your company access to skilled and motivated talent. - Elevate Your Brand
Aligning your company with a high-impact, community initiative like Rockford Promise demonstrates your commitment to strengthening our region’s economy by expanding access to higher education.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Annual sponsorships
- Event sponsorships such as FORE the Promise and Promising Futures
- Workplace giving or matching programs
- In-kind donations
- Promise Career Connections including mentorships, job shadows, site visits
Become a Mentor.
Share Your Time. Change a Life.
Rockford Promise provides more than just scholarships—we offer support that helps Scholars succeed in college and beyond. Mentors play a vital role in that journey, offering guidance, encouragement, and professional insight to help students thrive.
“Being a Rockford Promise mentor has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Watching my Scholar grow in confidence, navigate college, and plan for their future reminds me why community support matters so much.“
ABC Mentor
Why Mentorship Matters
- Support First-Gen College Students
Many Scholars are the first in their families to attend college – your guidance helps them navigate new territory and stay on track to graduation. - Build Meaningful Connections
Mentors are matched with Scholars based on shared interests and career paths, forming relationships that often last well beyond college – and help shape future careers. - Give Back in a Personal Way
Mentorship is a direct and rewarding way to support a Scholar’s growth and impact the talent pipeline here in Rockford.
What We Ask of Our Mentors
- Attend one-time mentor training and occasional check-ins
- Be an advocate for your Scholar and the Rockford Promise mission
- Maintain regular contact—at least two touchpoints per month during the school year and one during summer
- Help Scholars build professional networks and explore career paths
- Host a one-time in-person informational interview
- Complete brief reports and communications to support program tracking
support the Promise.
Every gift helps a student succeed – and strengthens the future of Rockford
Make a Donation
Whether it’s a one-time contribution or a recurring monthly gift, your support opens doors to higher education for local students. Every donation makes a difference and is tax-deductible. (EIN: 26-0388141)
Sponsor an Event
Align your organization with a mission that matters. Sponsoring a Rockford Promise event boosts your brand visibility and shows your commitment to education and local talent.
Sponsor a Scholar
Make a direct, life-changing impact by funding a “Named Scholar.” Your gift covers full tuition and opens the doors to a brighter future.
- $10,000 supports a Rock Valley College Scholar
- $20,000 supports a Rockford University Scholar
Leave a Legacy
Ensure your commitment to education lives on. Naming Rockford Promise in your estate plans helps future generations of Rockford students achieve their college dreams.
Advocate for the Promise.
Use Your Voice to Grow the Movement.
You don’t need a lot of time or resources to make a difference. By helping spread the word, you expand the reach and impact of Rockford Promise.
Easy Ways to Advocate:
- Invite Rockford Promise to speak at your business, church, or club.
- Host a mini fundraising or info session.
- Share Scholar success stories and news on social media.
Ready to Make a
Difference?
Let’s talk! Call or email us to talk about how you can help power 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.
There are just 2 weeks left before RPS 205 goes on Winter Break!
Remember, you must file for FAFSA or the alternative financial aid AND apply to Rockford University, Rock Valley College, Northern Illinois University, and/or Saint Anthony College of Nursing BEFORE submitting an application for a Rockford Promise Scholarship!
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We love when middle schools reach out to us for events at their school!
Today we spent time with 150 RESA Middle School students for “The Road to Rockford Promise,” a motivating session designed to inspire students working hard toward their goals.
Our amazing guest speaker, Rebecca Francis, shared a powerful message: “Choose your hard.”
It’s hard to try, and it’s hard to fail- but choosing the hard that leads to growth, confidence, and better opportunities makes all the difference.
We’re proud of these students and excited to keep cheering them on toward a bright future! 🧡 … See MoreSee Less
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This Thanksgiving, we’re feeling extra grateful for the incredible community that makes Rockford Promise possible – our dedicated board, hardworking staff, inspiring mentors, generous donors, and the amazing educators and counselors who support our Scholars every step of the way. Most of all, we’re thankful for our community, whose belief in the power of education continues to open doors and create brighter futures.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Rockford Promise! 🧡 … See MoreSee Less
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It only takes a dash of generosity to change a Scholar’s life.
Your support helps more than 500 Rockford Promise Scholars turn dreams into degrees — fueling our region’s future leaders.
🔗 Give today: bit.ly/RockfordPromiseAppeal
#RecipeForSuccess #RockfordPromise #FinalWeek #InvestInRockford #FutureLeaders … See MoreSee Less
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