Full disclosure: I have a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University and currently serve as Chief of Staff to Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara.
On Monday, the Rockford City Council voted unanimously to contribute $1.5 million annually to Rockford Promise for at least the next 17 years. This would allow graduates of Rockford Public School District 205 with a 3.0 GPA to earn a bachelor’s degree from NIU with all tuition and general fees paid for.
Modeled on the Kalamazoo, Michigan, Promise, Rockford Promise is a 13-year old non-profit that has already helped nearly 150 students attend Rock Valley College and Rockford University tuition-free as Rockford Promise Scholars.
In his 2018 State of the City speech, Mayor McNamara urged the community to fully fund and expand Rockford Promise by 2025. Thanks to his leadership and that of NIU President Lisa Freeman, RPS Superintendent Ehren Jarrett, the staff and board of Rockford Promise, and the support of our City Council, this vision can be a reality beginning next fall.
So, imagine this scenario:
You walk into a room of RPS students and their parents.
“Work hard and stay out of trouble. Graduate with a 3.0 and you can earn a bachelor’s degree from NIU. With tuition and general fees PAID FOR.”
Imagine talking to a potential employee and telling her she and her spouse can send their children to college for free.
Imagine talking to a company looking to relocate and telling them about the Promise.
Imagine the impact on you, your neighborhood and your kids.
Imagine, looking our young people in the eye and telling them: “Rockford Promise is an investment in YOU. YOU belong here. And, YOU are OUR hope for a better tomorrow.”
There are seminal moments in every community’s history. This is one of them.
I’m Wester Wuori and that’s my Perspective.