Rockford Promise
Rockford Promise is a non-profit 501(c)(3) location-based scholarship program that offers full-tuition scholarships to deserving graduates of Rockford Public School District 205. Modeled after Promise programs around the nation, our goal is to increase educational attainment in our community while providing a powerful economic incentive for residents and businesses to locate in the Rockford region.
We believe that financial barriers are just part of the equation for many students. In addition to full-tuition college scholarships, Rockford Promise also supports our Scholars with robust community mentorships, strong academic advising and meaningful social connections to ensure they earn their degrees and jumpstart successful careers.
What started as a small grassroots effort has developed into a community initiative gaining momentum and support. Our growth has been entirely the result of a tireless commitment from volunteers, the voices of powerful advocates, and the generosity of forward-thinking donors.
Rockford Promise has grown steadily each year, increasing our financial support and the number of Scholars we are able to help send to college. However, the real value in a promise program is realized when we can extend the benefit to all Rockford Public School District 205 graduates. Our vision is to become a fully funded promise program.
A fully funded promise program delivers community-wide benefits which include:
- Increased graduation rates and public school performance
- Higher educational attainment
- Enhanced workforce readiness
- Higher property values
- Decreased crime rates
- Decreased social costs due to increased high school graduation rates
- Powerful economic incentives for residents and businesses
Maurice Redd is President of Redd Insurance Group and President of the Board of Directors of Rockford Promise. He became involved in Rockford Promise because this is the single greatest initiative that could transform the Rockford region. A fully funded Rockford Promise will attract and retain talent to the region.
Gabrielle Sims is the Mentoring Manager for Rockford Promise. She is new to the Rockford Promise family and is excited for the opportunity to develop the mentoring program and provide all of our scholars with opportunities to help them be successful in college and beyond.
It takes $1,850,000 annually to support scholarships and scholar support. There are 800 active volunteers and supporters for 300 active scholars. It is estimated that there is $131.81 of local economic impact for every $1 invested.
Maurice and Gabrielle will talk about the Rockford Promise program and the effect that it has had on the Rockford community. This will be an informative program and one that you will want to invite a guest or prospective member. Elaine Breck who is a Past Board President of Rockford Promise will introduce our presenters and act as Rotary host.