The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) is proud to announced its partnership with Rockford Promise with a $173,000, two-year grant that will fully fund the unmet tuition needs of the 2021 cohort of Rockford Promise Scholars attending Rock Valley College. The grant will also support the wraparound services, such as individual mentorship, academic advising, and non-tuition expenses, that will ensure that Scholars succeed in their college careers and beyond.

CFNIL is making this grant as part of its Education Works strategic initiative, which works to support a regional education system that continually develops healthy and productive citizens. The Foundation believes that there is much more to helping a student reach their full potential than just covering the cost of tuition, which is why $45,000 of the grant dollars will fund the additional resources and Scholar Support programs required to close the achievement gap for first-generation, low-income, and minority students in our region. Rockford Promise is unique among Promise programs throughout the nation in its emphasis on Scholar Support, and the partnership between the two organizations is a major step in the coalition-building and collaboration necessary across all sectors of the community to improve the quality of life for all.

"When everyone gets involve, there's more buy-in and accountability to meet the goals of the community and make real, long-lasting change," said Dr. Tasha Davis, Executive Director of Rockford Promise. "Rockford Promise's growth and success is a result of a coalition of engaged bright minds, a pool of resources, the building of credibility, and a unified focus from our volunteers, donors, higher education partners, and RPS205."

"The Community Foundation has always had a focus on education, and believes it to have a potentially transformative impact on individual lives and our region's long-term potential," shared Dan Ross, President of CFNIL. "We're proud to be contributing in multiple ways to Rockford Promise, and are excited about the future we can unlock."