By Susan Fumo, Board President
This fall the City of Rockford is celebrating back to school in a big way. One hundred and fifty Rockford Public School Students will start college with full-tuition scholarships thanks to Rockford Promise. Rockford Promise is a non-profit organization that partners with Rockford Public Schools, the City of Rockford, Northern Illinois University, Rockford University, and Rock Valley College. They’ve been providing full-tuition scholarships since 2016 when they started with 5 Promise Scholars. Modeled after other Promise programs around the country, Rockford Promise aims to increase the educational attainment rate of the community, attract families and businesses to the city, and strengthen the public schools. Most Promise programs support students only at community colleges. Rockford Promise includes two four year universities as well as two year degrees and certificate programs at Rock Valley College. Promise Scholars also receive mentors and other supports to help them learn how to navigate the pitfalls of higher education.
As college costs have skyrocketed over the last decade, “Free College” has become a buzzword in the media. Whether you love or hate that idea, Promise programs don’t give anyone a free ride. Students are still responsible for books, room and board, extra program fees, transportation, and living expenses. Some Rockford Promise Scholars also work full time jobs to support their families. Many are first generation college students. Most say they want to ultimately make Rockford their home.
There’s a proverb that says “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Rockford Promise invests in the most precious resource that a community has – its young people. They are doubling down on workforce development so that they can truly transform Rockford into a city of the future.
https://www.northernpublicradio.org/wnij-news/2021-09-01/back-to-school-perspective-the-promise
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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