Rockford Promise and OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing recently announced a new partnership that will expand educational opportunities for Rockford Promise Scholars. The agreement, which will be available to Rockford Promise Scholars in 2025, adds OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing to the college options, joining Rockford University, Rock Valley College, and Northern Illinois University. This collaboration provides a fourth option for Rockford Promise Scholars and adds to our region’s ability to provide talent for the growing demands of the healthcare field.

“We are thrilled to partner with OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing to provide our Scholars with another pathway for their academic and professional growth,” said Kaylene Groh, Executive Director of Rockford Promise. “This partnership aligns with our mission to support the educational aspirations of Rockford Public School District 205 graduates by offering full-tuition scholarships and creating meaningful opportunities for their futures.”

With this new partnership, Rockford Promise Scholars will now have the option to attend OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing (SACN), known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to producing skilled healthcare professionals. Scholars attending SACN will be pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  

“Saint Anthony College of Nursing continues to build upon increasing the scope of our students”, said President Dr. Charlene Aaron. “I am very pleased about the partnership with Rockford Promise as it means Rockford area students will have an opportunity to receive funding and supportive services allowing them to have admission into our nursing program at SACN.  Partnerships such as this are in alignment with our OSF mission of providing high quality nursing education to all.” 

In order to be eligible under the terms of a Saint Anthony College of Nursing-Rockford Promise scholarships, students must meet the following criteria:

-Have completed the required college courses and qualify to enter Saint Anthony College of Nursing (SACN) program. 

– Have applied and maintained a satisfactory status with Rockford Promise in respect to any scholarship(s) and the requirements thereunder.

– Have completed and submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by application date and have listed SACN to receive their FAFSA information (School Code: 009987). 

– Have a qualifying cumulative GPA (unweighted high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or a 2.5 transferrable college GPA and a 2.7 transferrable science GPA).

– 58.7% Test of Essential Academic Skills(TEAS) score. The TEAS entrance exam is a review of the student’s knowledge and skills in Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.

– Be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) and have continued eligibility for all years of attendance. This is for students that are either full Federal Pell Grant or a partial Federal Pell Grant.

– Have applied to SACN by scholarship application date. Scholarships will open on the Rockford Promise website (www.rockfordpromise.org) on January 1, 2025.

Rockford Promise, a location-based scholarship program, offers full-tuition scholarships to deserving graduates of Rockford Public School District 205. In addition to financial support, Rockford Promise provides community mentorships, academic advising, and social connections to help Scholars thrive.

The partnership with OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing represents another significant step in Rockford Promise’s continued efforts to enhance educational opportunities and support the academic success of local students. By adding a fourth college option, Rockford Promise continues to Change Lives and Transform the Region.