Rockford Promise, Rock Valley College (RVC), and Rockford University (RU) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, July 24, 2026, that creates a seamless and affordable pathway for Rockford Promise Scholars to earn a bachelor’s degree while remaining in the Rockford region.

Beginning with students entering RU in Fall 2026, eligible Rockford Promise Scholars who complete an Associate of Arts or Associate in Science degree at RVC with at least a 2.3 GPA will be eligible to receive a scholarship covering remaining tuition and the security fee for up to two years while completing an RU bachelor’s degree.
The partnership builds upon the shared commitment of all three organizations to increase educational attainment, strengthen the regional workforce, and create opportunities for local students to succeed without leaving the community. Through coordinated advising, dedicated transfer support, and shared student success efforts, the agreement is designed to help more students persist from their first college class through bachelor’s degree completion.

“Every student deserves a clear pathway to achieving their educational goals,” said Kaylene Groh, Executive Director of Rockford Promise. “This partnership strengthens that pathway by making it easier for Rockford Promise Scholars to begin at Rock Valley College, continue at Rockford University, and graduate with the support they need to succeed. It’s a powerful example of what happens when our community works together to invest in the future of local students and the future of our region.”

RVC, RU, and Rockford Promise alumni, Miles Lang, spoke at the signing of the MOU. “I chose RVC because I was unsure what to study. Rockford Promise allowed me to explore all my options without the worry of financial debt. This partnership allows scholars to chase dreams they might once have thought were impossible.”
Like many students in our community, Miles began his post-secondary education at RVC. Through accessible, intentional transfer pathways, he was able to transfer seamlessly to RU.

“RVC has long served as the front door to higher education for our community,” said RVC President Howard Spearman. “This agreement creates an even stronger pathway for Rockford Promise Scholars, allowing them to begin their journey with us, earn a quality associate degree, and continue to Rockford University to complete a bachelor’s degree. Together, we’re reducing barriers, expanding opportunity, and helping more students build successful futures right here in the Rockford region.”

RU has been an educational pioneer since its founding in 1847. Today, RU welcomes freshman, transfer, and graduate students. Expanding the partnership between RU and RVC allows the university to improve bachelor’s degree attainment, invest in local talent, and prepare graduates to strengthen the region’s workforce.
“At Rockford University, we believe higher education should be both accessible and transformational,” said Dr. Patricia Lynott, President of Rockford University. “This partnership creates a seamless pathway for local students to earn a bachelor’s degree while remaining rooted in the Rockford region. By working together with Rockford Promise and Rock Valley College, we are expanding educational opportunity, strengthening our local workforce, and investing in the long-term success of the students and communities we proudly serve.”

For the inaugural Fall 2026 implementation, the organizations have approved an addendum extending application and financial aid deadlines to Aug. 1, 2026, ensuring eligible students have the opportunity to participate in the new transfer pathway during its first year.

By aligning scholarship support with a clear transfer pathway, Rockford Promise, Rock Valley College, and Rockford University are expanding opportunities for local students to earn both associate and bachelor’s degrees while investing in the long-term educational and economic vitality of the Rockford region.
When local institutions work together on behalf of students, everyone benefits.