Rockford Promise received 281 applications for its scholarships to attend Northern Illinois University (NIU) for the 2022-2023 academic year. This is up from 2021, the first year for the NIU option, in which Rockford Promise received 266 applications.
Rockford Promise is a location-based scholarship program transforming the lives of students, their families and neighborhoods by providing full-tuition scholarships to outstanding Rockford Public School District #205 (RPS) graduates to attend Rock Valley College, Rockford University, and Northern Illinois University.
The NIU scholarships are made possible thanks to a landmark partnership between Rockford Promise, NIU and the City of Rockford. The City of Rockford has committed $1.5 million annually to fund qualified tuition and general fees to Rockford Promise Scholars attending NIU.
In the first year of the NIU option, 98 RPS graduates accepted the Rockford Promise – NIU Scholarship and started full-time college in the fall of 2021. Of those, 11 made the Dean’s List for having a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the first semester.
“I am incredibly proud of the City’s investment in Rockford Promise,” Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said. “We’re telling our youth that we believe in their ability to pursue higher education and the opportunities it can unlock for themselves,, their families and our community.”
NIU is one of three higher education partners for Rockford Promise. Application deadlines for both NIU and Rockford University have passed. The Rockford Promise – Rock Valley College application deadline is March 1. The 2022-2023 scholarship recipients will be announced in May.
With the growing number of Rockford Promise applications for all three higher education partners, Rockford Promise needs volunteer mentors to support Scholars. To sign up to become a mentor and support the 2022-2023 cohort of Scholars, go to rockfordpromise.org/become-a-mentor/.
Ticket sales close THIS THURSDAY! 🎟️
We’re just over a week away from the Platinum Promise Gala, and if you’ve been thinking about joining us, now is the time to grab your ticket!
On September 24, we’ll gather at the Rockford Public Library to celebrate 20 years of Rockford Promise—from the people who helped build the Promise to those experiencing its impact today—and look ahead to how we ensure it continues for generations to come.
Join us for live storytelling, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, unique silent auction experiences, and an evening celebrating what Rockford has built together.
We’re getting close, and we would love to have you in the room with us.
🎟️ Get your ticket before sales close:
bit.ly/PlatinumPromise …
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
It’s National School Picture Day, so naturally, we had to dig into the archives. 📸
Before we were board members, staff members, fundraisers, and advocates, we were students, too.
And we have the school pictures to prove it.
For 20 years, Rockford Promise has been built by people who believe in what can happen when a student has the opportunity, support, and people in their corner to keep moving forward.
On September 24, we’re bringing some of those stories together at the Platinum Promise Gala as we celebrate where Rockford Promise started, the people who helped build it, and the Scholars at the center of where we’re going next.
Consider this our contribution to National School Picture Day — questionable hairstyles and all.
Join us for the Platinum Promise Gala on September 24 at the Rockford Public Library.
🎟️ bit.ly/PlatinumPromise …
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
DID YOU KNOW? 💡
A Rockford Promise scholarship is just one part of the support Scholars receive.
Every Scholar is assigned a Scholar Support Coordinator who is with them throughout their college journey, helping them navigate challenges, connect to resources, and stay on track. Additionally, each first-year Scholar is also paired with a mentor, providing another layer of encouragement, connection, and guidance during that critical first year.
Last year alone, our team and mentors spent 1,741 hours directly with Scholars.
And through workforce development opportunities, Scholars are also building the skills, experiences, and connections they need for what comes after graduation.
Because Rockford Promise is about more than getting students to college — it’s about helping them succeed while they’re there and prepare for what comes next. …
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
…
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Don’t wait—get your tickets to the Platinum Promise Gala today! 🧡
Join us on September 24 at the beautiful Rockford Public Library for a night 20 years in the making. Together, we’ll celebrate two decades of opening doors, hear powerful stories from the people who have shaped Rockford Promise, and look ahead to the exciting future of our work.
We would love to have you there for this unforgettable evening!
Get your tickets today: www.bit.ly/PlatinumPromise
Thursday, September 24
Rockford Public Library …
Learn More
Platinum Promise Gala
www.bit.ly
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate 20 years of opening doors, changing lives, and building brighter futures through education and…0 CommentsComment on Facebook
It's National College Colors Day!
Today, we're celebrating the schools where our Scholars are learning, growing and building their futures. Whether you're repping Rockford University, Northern Illinois University or Rock Valley College, we want to see your college pride.
Join us in celebrating by wearing your college colors and showing your school spirit! …
1 CommentsComment on Facebook