Rockford Promise Scholarship Application 

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Page 1

2025 Rockford Promise Scholarship Application
The Rockford Promise provides a tuition-free college opportunity by covering any tuition and general fees not already addressed by other financial aid. This scholarship bridges the financial gap by covering the remaining tuition balance after all applicable state, federal, and institution-specific aids are deducted. 

I, a Rockford student eligible for graduation in 2025, am requesting a Rockford Promise scholarship. I understand to be considered for enrollment in any of the participating universities under this scholarship program, I must meet all published priority dates for admission and financial aid, and all eligibility requirements, including annual submission of my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

PLEASE NOTE: Private school partnership agreements are still pending. 
If your high school is a potential private partner, their decision to participate in the program will determine your eligibility. Should your high school choose not to partner with Rockford Promise, you will unfortunately be ineligible for the program.

Eligibility Criteria




RPS = Rockford Public Schools; Private = Potential Partners





**RPS HIGH SCHOOLS: -Auburn -East -Guilford -Jefferson -Innovative Learning Center -Roosevelt Community Learning Center -Summit Academy **PRIVATE/PARTNER HIGH SCHOOLS: -Rockford Christian -Christian Life -Boylan Catholic -Rockford Lutheran -Keith Country Day -Kikifer Academy -Our Lady of the Sacred Heart

**RPS HIGH SCHOOLS: -Auburn -East -Guilford -Jefferson -Innovative Learning Center -Roosevelt Community Learning Center -Summit Academy **PRIVATE/PARTNER HIGH SCHOOLS: -Rockford Christian -Christian Life -Boylan Catholic -Rockford Lutheran -Keith Country Day -Kikifer Academy -Our Lady of the Sacred Heart



Hasn't attended RPS schools all 4 years AND chose 'other' to the combination of schools attended AND/OR lives outside of the city/Winnebago

Hasn't attended RPS schools all 4 years, attended a mix of private/RPS high schools, & lives outside of the city
Eligible for Northern Illinois University
Proceed with this form to complete application.

Eligible for Rock Valley College
Proceed with this form to complete application.


LINK TO VIDEO INTERVIEW INSTRUCTIONS The Rock Valley College Scholarship is a competitive process. As part of your application, we do require a video interview submission. Please use the link above and follow the instructions listed. **In order to attach your interview to your application, please use the following naming conventions: LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, COLLEGE ABBREVIATION (ie: Doe, Jane, RVC)
Eligible for Rockford University
Proceed with this form to complete application.


I understand that to apply for the Rockford Promise scholarship to Rockford University, I must be eligible for MAP and Pell Grants for the duration of my scholarship (I can find this information on my FAFSA Submission Summary).

LINK TO VIDEO INTERVIEW INSTRUCTIONS The Rockford University Scholarship for non-city residents is a competitive process. As part of your application, we do require a video interview submission. Please use the link above and follow the instructions listed. **In order to attach your interview to your application, please use the following naming conventions: LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, COLLEGE ABBREVIATION (ie: Doe, Jane, RU)
*Pre-Qualification Reminders for Applicant
Please carefully read each of the following requirements and check the box next to each one to indicate you understand and have met it.


This upload must contain your name and SAI (Student Aid Index). 

City of Rockford Residency

I understand that to apply for certain Rockford Promise scholarships I must live in the legal, tax-paying boundaries of the City of Rockford (i.e. not a county pocket or other town or municipality). 

To check your home address, please review the tax statement for your address and confirm that "Rockford City" is that taxing body. Attendance at RPS 205 and/or payment of "Rockford School District 205" taxes do not automatically qualify you for this eligibility requirement. 

EXAMPLE:

Taxing Bodies - City of Rockford


Page 2

Student Information
Please enter the following applicant information:





MM/DD/YYYY

Please note that ALL correspondence with you will be done via personal email. Please check your inbox regularly, including the spam folder. This should not be your RPS/Student account.

Above email address

(###) ###-####

Student Home Address

Start typing in your street address. You'll be able to auto-complete the rest of the fields.




Parent/Guardian Information 1
Parent/Guardian 1 must appear on your FAFSA.




(###) ###-####

Parent/Guardian 1 Home Address

Address Details

Start typing in your street address. You'll be able to auto-complete the rest of the fields.




Parent/Guardian Information 2




(###) ###-####

Parent/Guardian 2 Home Address

Address Details

Start typing in your street address. You'll be able to auto-complete the rest of the fields.




Student's High School Information

Please note that all correspondence with you will be done via your personal email address. Please check that inbox regularly, including the spam folder.

Current GPA
Current cumulative GPA (4.0 Scale) of 3.0.

Unweighted GPA for Rockford University or Rock Valley College,
Weighted for Northern Illinois University.

Please note that we will verify your GPA with your high school transcript.

Ex: 3.3

Ex: 3.3

Page 3

College Applications
Please upload proof of application, i.e. Application Receipt or Acceptance Letter.
NIU College Application File Upload(s)

Upload here

Click on hyperlink above. Download, complete form, and upload here. *Typed signatures will not be accepted.
RVC College Application File Upload(s)

Upload here
RU College Application File Upload(s)

Upload here

To verify your residency, upload approved document(s) from this list. Proceed with uploads in next 2 fields if you have multiple documents.

To verify your residency, upload approved document(s) from this list. Proceed with upload in next field, too, if you have multiple documents.

To verify your residency, upload approved document(s) from this list.

Click on hyperlink above. Download, complete form, and upload here. *Typed signatures will not be accepted.
Intended Major

Additional Information

List all

List all
Acknowledgements
By checking the box, you are acknowledging that you have read, understand, and agree to the following statements:







Scope of Scholarship and Signatures
Scope of Scholarship
I understand that, if I am selected for a Rockford Promise scholarship, Rockford Promise will fund a tuition grant to the college on my behalf. This tuition grant will be paid each year, provided renewal eligibility requirements have been met.
Student's Verification
I UNDERSTAND THAT BY ELECTRONICALLY SIGNING THIS APPLICATION, I AUTHORIZE ROCKFORD PROMISE TO VERIFY MY EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION, GRADE POINT AVERAGE, AND EXPECTED STUDENT AID INDEX (SAI) BY REQUESTING AND RECEIVING A COPIES OF MY SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS, STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR), AND FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION FROM MY COLLEGE.

My electronic signature below certifies that all information provided in this application is accurate, complete, and true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false or misleading information, omissions, or misrepresentations may result in the disqualification of my application, revocation of any award, or other appropriate action.
Signatures
Applicant

Type your name below

Parent/Guardian

Type your name below

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