Imagine a future where every graduate of Rockford Public School District 205 and partner private schools is guaranteed the mentorship, support, and funding necessary to earn a college degree.
A future where:
Every student
has a clear path to higher education and a fulfilling career.
families
would enthusiastically choose to live in our community because of the life-changing opportunities available to their kids.
Businesses
would locate and thrive here because of our educated and talented workforce.
This is the hope of Rockford Promise,
a location-based scholarship program giving high school graduates the promise of a post-secondary education and transforming our region – one graduate at a time.
About
Rockford
Promise
Education unlocks opportunity, innovation, and community potential. Modeled after successful promise programs around the nation, Rockford Promise was launched in 2006 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) and awarded its first five full-tuition scholarships in 2016. Today, more than 200 Scholars join our program each fall, ready to pursue their dreams and shape our community’s future.
With the support of our higher education partners, volunteers, donors, corporate supporters, and community advocates, we’re working toward a future where every high school graduate in our city has a clear path to the college or career training program of their choice.
more than
200
Scholars join our program each fall, ready to pursue their dreams and shape our community’s future.
And we’re just getting started.
Meet our Scholars
Smart. Talented. Driven. Our Rockford Promise Scholars come from all walks of life – and they embody the strength, spirit, and potential of our city.
More Than a Scholarship
Financial support is just the beginning. Every Scholar is paired with a mentor and receives strong academic advising and meaningful community connections. This full-circle support means our Scholars have everything they need to be successful in college – and thrive in their chosen careers.
The results are outstanding. Rockford Promise Scholars are outperforming national averages in staying enrolled semester to semester, earning high GPAs, and graduating on time – and are setting the standard for other promise programs across the nation.
Real Impact is Happening.
The Rockford Promise Scholarship is already transforming lives and driving economic growth across our region.
We’re seeing results –
and so is the community.
Rockford Promise is driving:
- Powerful opportunities for students, residents, and businesses
- Higher graduation rates and stronger public schools
- A culture of achievement and higher educational attainment
- A skilled workforce that is prepared and talented
- Rising property values and strong neighborhoods
- A deeper sense of community pride
Together, We Power the Promise
Preparing our students for bright futures and long-term success for our region takes all of us. Donors, mentors, volunteers, and advocates are at the heart of ensuring we can deliver the Rockford Promise.