Our Most Recent Project - RAISE
(Reaching and Inspiring Students for Education)

In 2007, the Junior League of Rockford, Inc. in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and Rockford Public School District 205 developed and implemented the RAISE Project at Jefferson High School.  The RAISE program is aimed to increase access to and success in post high school education for financially disadvantaged, underrepresented and first generation college students from the Rockford Public School System.  In 2011 we turned the project over to our new community partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

RAISE at a Glance

- - RAISE volunteers mentor a total of 36 Juniors and 24 Seniors. 

- - As of May 2011, 100% of RAISE students were accepted to a college/university. 

- - 90% of RAISE Program graduates are currently attending a college or post-secondary school.

About RAISE

RAISE (Reaching and Inspiring Students for Education) is a unique one-on-one mentoring program working to change the lives of students in our community by effectively guiding them in furthering their education after high school. Post-secondary education is the key to opening new doors for our youth and improving the Rockford community.  

Consider these alarming statistics: 

- According to the U.S. Census, 80% of adults in Rockford over 25 years of age have an education below a Bachelor’s degree.

 
- Only 15% of 18-24 year olds in Winnebago County are enrolled in a College or University.

- The U.S. Department of Commerce predicts that 80% of new jobs will require post-secondary education.

Increasing the education level of our younger citizens is critical to the future health of Rockford. In its third year at Jefferson High School, RAISE volunteers mentor and assist students who are unfamiliar with the post-secondary application process, and educate them on the opportunities a higher level of education can provide.

Selected Juniors and Seniors received one-on-one mentoring from Junior League members and community volunteers who guided them in their journey to post-secondary education. The Junior League of Rockford developed and implemented workshops on various topics related to the college application process such as ACT test preparation, college applications, financial aid & scholarships and college survival skills. There were also opportunities for students to tour various college campuses. The workshops and college tours  were open to all Jefferson High School students. This ongoing project is now being implemented by our community partner , Big Brothers Big Sisters of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

Inspire a high school student to go to college!