PP Information_2014 by Sheri McGill

Providing a College Education for Tomorrow's Workforce

Peoria Promise Foundation 620 W Glen Ave Peoria, IL 61614 (309) 681-0091 www.peoriapromise.org

Peoria Promise Foundation 620 West Glen Avenue Peoria, Illinois 61614 (309) 681-0091 www.peoriapromise.org

March 1, 2014 To Whom It May Concern, Low educational attainment has become a defining characteristic for our nations’ most economically challenged communities. By 2018, 63% of jobs in the U.S. are expected to require post-secondary education. Consequently, communities with low levels of educational attainment are likely to experience economic decline. This is where Peoria Promise comes into play. Peoria Promise focuses on economic development through education by providing students who live in the city of Peoria and graduate from a public school with a scholarship to attend Illinois Central College. In the past five years, Peoria Promise has made a difference in the lives of more than 1,300 Peoria students attending ICC in their pursuit of an occupational certificate, an associate degree or a baccalaureate transfer program. To date, Peoria students have received more than $2 million dollars in scholarships. Economic development is what sets Peoria Promise apart. By providing scholarships to students, Peoria will see a more skilled and educated work force, which will in turn improve economic development for the community. Research shows that post-secondary education directly impacts the quality of life for individuals, their families and their community in multiple ways: Increased expected lifetime earnings (based on amount of education):  High school diploma, $1.3 million  Associate’s degree, $1.7 million  Bachelor’s degree, $2.3 million  Master’s degree, $2.7 million Decreased unemployment:  Workers who are high-school educated only are unemployed at a rate of 9.4%  Workers with a bachelor's degree had an unemployment rate of 4.1% Health and lifespan:  Better educated workers are more likely to have jobs that provide additional non-wage compensation (e.g. health insurance), drastically improving quality of life, health and lifespan. Generational impact:  Children raised in a household by an adult who has earned a college degree are 75 percent more likely to also earn a college degree. This trend can close the household, economic gap for generations to come. There is no greater building block than the education of our children. It is the foundation for our community. I appreciate your support of this organization. Sincerely,

Sheri McGill Executive Director Peoria Promise Foundation

Peoria Promise Foundation 620 W Glen Ave. Peoria, IL 61614 309-681-0091

In just 5 years, Peoria Promise has supported more than 1,300 students with more than $2 MILLION in scholarship dollars. For every $1 invested in Peoria Promise, $1.38 will be returned to our community over the working life of a student every year – this equates to a 38% return on your investment!

Peoria Promise Students

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Projected 2014

Spring

144

256

237

238

239

236

Fall

238

324

354

294

286

312

349

Annual Scholarships

$121,884

$328,023

$436,720

$440,806

$512,955

$518,929

$589,000

Annual Cost Per Student

$512

$700

$715

$830

$978

$941

$1,006

To provide a clear picture of the students funded, below are several graphs showing high schools, ethnicity, program types and fields of interest. As you review these graphs, please note that 80% of students that graduate from ICC stay in our community. This builds the competitive edge the community needs for continued economic development.

Figure 1: High Schools

Figure 2: Ethnicity

Figure 3: Program Types

Figure 4: Fields of Interest

Peoria Promise Foundation 620 West Glen Avenue Peoria, Illinois 61614 (309) 681-0091 www.peoriapromise.org

About the Organization: The Peoria Promise Foundation (PPF, hereinafter) focuses on increased access to education by providing students who live within the corporate boundaries of the city of Peoria and graduate from a public school with the necessary funding required to attend Illinois Central College (ICC, hereinafter). This funding supports students seeking an occupational certificate, an associate's degree or a transfer credits al ICC. Students may be eligible to receive financial support of up to 100% of their tuition expenses, thereby removing the financial barriers that may have previously prevented a student from pursuing their dreams of a higher education and a better life. In addition to providing the financial assistance needed to pay for higher education, PPF supports student success through the Promise Mentors program. This program provides students, especially those with high need, with the individual support and guidance necessary to succeed in all areas of life and increase the likelihood of completing a degree or certificate. An ICC Retention Coordinator is working exclusively with PPF students to provide additional support, guidance and resources necessary to complete a certificate or program of study. High school counselors and teachers are fully supported in their efforts to educate students about the value and importance of higher education, career planning and skilled labor professions. Peoria students are also assisted in completing their applications for ICC, FASFA and PPF.

Progress/Achievements: During the past six years, PPF has made a difference in the lives of more than 1,600 Peoria students attending ICC. To date, Peoria students have received more than $2.4 million dollars in financial support of their educational aspirations. PPF and our investors are beginning to realize a strong ROI as many of these students have completed a degree or are continuing to work toward a degree, while remaining in the Peoria area. Last year, PPF established an office in the heart of the city. This increases the visibility of PPF and provides an opportunity for future collaborative and educational efforts to support students, increase degree completion and identify employment opportunities with Peoria businesses. Area colleges, vocational schools, trade organizations, businesses, and the PACVB will be invited to provide pamphlets, brochures and other information to assist students in their decision making. Above all, PPF will encourage students to remain in or return to Peoria to live, work, play and volunteer in the community. PPF has launched its own online application, beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, in order to increase our autonomy and gain control of student data. The simplified online application has increased student access and eliminated most of the administrative workload previously placed on ICC, thereby strengthening the relationship between ICC and the PPF.

Challenges Faced: The greatest challenge faced by PPF has been the lack of access to students and information. Donors and investors want to support organizations that are achieving their mission. Communicating those outcomes has become vitally important. Because students were previously not required to sign a FERPA waiver, PPF was not able to directly communicate with students or track and measure the successful outcomes, however this obstacle has since been overcome. Outcomes not only confirm successful completion of a certificate or degree, they can be a strong indicator of program performance. Without this information, it is difficult to understand how effective our program is and where improvements can be made. Many of our corporate investors have expressed an interest in hiring Peoria Promise students. Without access to student data and knowledge of their field of study and career plans, this was not a possibility. Now that we have that information, we are putting together a new program to connect students to these businesses and provide a pathway to career planning and employment opportunities in Peoria (read more below).

Peoria Promise Foundation 620 West Glen Avenue Peoria, Illinois 61614 (309) 681-0091 www.peoriapromise.org

Lessons Learned: It is not possible to understate the importance, value and necessity of providing measurable, Improvements impactful outcomes to all stakeholders .This information substantiates the efforts of the organization and of the individuals served and can identify areas of improvement and opportunity. This lack of information may have inhibited our ability to maintain and increase funding streams and sustainability. This year, ICC agreed to provide aggregate information on our students acquired through their membership in the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC, hereinafter). This information was very useful in providing conclusive, generic data on transfer rates and degree completion. However, PPF would depend on ICC to acquire that information, which does not identify students by name and major, thus limiting our ability to connect students to career opportunities in Peoria. The only way to receive detailed student outcomes would be through a NSC membership. Typically, only educational finance providers, high school, colleges and universities are eligible to apply for NSC membership. However, NSC has offered PPF an exclusive membership. Because PPF now owns new student data (through the application process and FERPA waiver) queries can be submitted to track subsequent enrollment and degree completion into the distant future. NSC updates information at the end of each academic cycle, so it is possible to measure advanced degrees received over the course of a lifetime. Area school districts have agreed to allow Peoria Promise to be a "Consortium of Schools" member of the NSC StudentTracker program in order to track and measure funded students from 2008 to 2014. This will allow PPF to query information on behalf of the schools and share educational outcomes of ALL students funded since 2008. In the upcoming weeks, Peoria Promise will be able to track and measure the educational outcomes of every student ever funded...into perpetuity.

Future Plans: PPF envisions a future where students will visit the office to access information and resources to plan their education, set career goals and identify employment opportunities available in the Peoria area. PPF will become a direct conduit between our students and Peoria businesses who want to provide opportunities like job shadowing, internships, career mentors and potential employment at our Peoria area businesses. PPF is also developing a new program, tentatively referred to as "Partner Pathway Program". The objective is to partner businesses with qualified students. The pilot program would connect students interested in or currently earning an occupational certificate to local businesses in need of filling skilled labor positions. Partners would serve as a career coach and mentor to the student, ensuring that all pathways to completion and employment are discussed and considered. This partnership would increase the likelihood of degree and/or certificate completion, and provide a pipeline of employees where our workforce needs it most-skilled labor. A new website is being developed to provide students with links to other websites where they can find information on topics such as career planning and workforce readiness; scholarships and loans; area colleges to complete a degree; Peoria businesses who are hiring; identify networking/volunteer/professional organizations in Peoria; why Peoria is a great place to live and work.

If you would like to receive additional information or to arrange a meeting to further discuss this program, please contact Sheri McGill, Executive Director, at sheri.mcgill@peoriapromise.org or by phone (309) 681-0091.

Eligibility Requirements Application Process Eligibility Requirements

Application Process

Live in the city of Peoria

You must live in Peoria and continue to live in Peoria to be eligible. While enrolled at ICC, you may live on campus in WoodView Commons. NOTE: You may have a Peoria mailing address and not be eligible; you may have a Dunlap mailing address and be eligible. Check address eligibility: http://gis.peoriacounty.org/ peoriapromise/.

Length of Attendance Benefit 13 grades (K – 12)….......... 100% 12 grades………………... 95% 11 grades………………... 90% 10 grades………………... 85% 9 grades…...………….... 80% 8 grades……………..…. 75% 7 grades…………..……. 70% 6 grades…………..……. 65% 5 grades………..………. 60% 4 grades……..…….…… 55% 3 grades…..………….… 50% Fewer than 3 grades........... 0%

password is required to access the Peoria Promise scholarship application. You must complete the online ICC application five business days prior to accessing the scholarship application to receive your assigned username and password.

2. Complete the FAFSA Application

(www.fafsa.ed.gov). If you are attending ICC starting with the fall semester, the DEADLINE IS MAY 1 (earlier in the year if possible); if you are attending ICC starting with the spring semester, the DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 15. You must apply for FAFSA each year. The FAFSA code for ICC is #006753. NOTE: Approximately one out of every three FAFSA applications is randomly selected for verification by the Federal Government. Additionally, you may also be required to verify missing or incorrect information. If you are required to verify any information, you must do so within 2 weeks of receiving the letter from ICC, even if you suspect you are not eligible for any financial aid, or you will not receive a Peoria Promise scholarship.

Attend (minimum of 3 full grades) and graduate from a public school. The length of attendance is the total number of full grades a student completed in public school while living in the City of Peoria as verified through school records. Questions? Refer to the Length of Attendance Benefit below.

Apply for acceptance at ICC (www.icc.edu). An ICC assigned username and

Apply for the Peoria Promise Scholarship (www.peoriapromise.org). You must apply for the Peoria Promise scholarship EACH YEAR through the Peoria Promise website. If you are attending ICC starting with the fall semester, the application is open between JANUARY 15 and APRIL 1; if you are attending ICC starting with the spring semester, application is open between JUNE 1 and SEPTEMBER 15. Additional scholarships are available through the ICC Education Foundation (www.icc.edu/scholarships.)

4. Write a thank you letter.

You must write a new thank you letter each year. Mail or deliver your letter to the Peoria Promise office (620 W. Glen Plaza, Peoria, IL 61614). If you are attending ICC starting with the fall semester, the letter must be RECEIVED BY JULY 1; if you are attending ICC starting with the spring semester, the letter must be RECEIVED BY NOVEMBER 1. If you do not write an acceptable letter, you will not receive a Peoria Promise scholarship for the academic year.

Next Steps: Complete the COMPASS Academic Placement Test. Schedule an appointment online at www.icc.edu/testingcenter.

Peoria Promise Foundation 620 W. Glen Ave. Peoria, IL 61614 www.peoriapromise.org (309) 681-0091

Peoria Promise Scholarship: Sheri McGill, Executive Director Phone: (309) 681-0091 Email: sheri.mcgill@peoriapromise.org

Make an appointment for advisement to discuss your plans and build a class schedule. East Peoria Campus Call 694-5281 for appt.

Downtown Campus (Health Careers only) Call 999-4600 for appt.

ICC North Campus (Peoria) Call 690-6833 for appt.

Enroll in classes! You must register for a least 6 credit hours per semester (max. 12 hours will be paid by scholarships).

ICC Educational Foundation: Stephanie Holmes, Manager-Resource Development Phone: (309) 694-8420 Email: stephanie.holmes@icc.edu

ICC Financial Aid Office: East Peoria Campus Phone: (309) 694-5311 Email: financialaid@icc.edu

Frequently Asked Questions To KEEP your Peoria Promise Scholarship you MUST: • Enroll in and successfully complete at least 6 credit hours of classes during the semester (exception for summer only). • Earn a 2.0 or better cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. • Successfully complete 67% of your classes with a passing grade. If you fail a class or withdraw from a class after the refund date, you will jeopardize your completion rate and be financially obligated to PAY for the class. • Continue to live within in the city of Peoria or in WoodView Commons. • Complete the FAFSA application, apply for the Peoria Promise Scholarship and submit a new thank you letter every year. If you LOSE your scholarship due to poor academic performance or completion: • You must FIRST improve your academic standing at ICC to become eligible for the scholarship again. • You can re-apply for the scholarship one time, providing you continue to meet all Peoria Promise criteria. Do all students receive the same financial benefit? No. The scholarship benefit is pro-rated based on the student’s length of attendance (total number of full grades completed) in public school while living in the city of Peoria. This percentage represents the amount of tuition covered by Peoria Promise that will be applied to the student’s ICC account. Peoria Promise covers tuition only and is awarded after additional scholarships and financial aid awards have been applied. After you submit the Peoria Promise Scholarship application, you will receive a letter from ICC confirming the number of grades you completed in the public school system. If you question the Length of Attendance Benefit, immediately contact your school district’s superintendent’s office. If a change is to be made, the school district office will contact ICC directly. Verification will be done using school records. What if my award does not cover 100% of my tuition expense? You are responsible for the tuition and expenses not covered by the Peoria Promise Scholarship. To make arrangements for payment, please contact Student Services at 694-5467. To hold your place in your registered classes, you must either pay for the remaining expenses or create a payment plan to cover additional costs. How long am I eligible to receive the Peoria Promise Scholarship? 2010 - 2012 high school graduates have up to two years following high school graduation to apply for the Peoria Promise Scholarship. Once you’re accepted as a Peoria Promise recipient, you have up to three years to use the scholarship toward a degree/certificate or a maximum of 64 hours (whichever comes first). 2013 (or after) high school graduates have a total of five years to apply for and use the scholarship. Within that five-year period, students can complete a degree/certificate or earn a maximum of 64 hours (whichever comes first). Five years following your high school graduation, you are no longer eligible to apply for or receive the scholarship. Is a new scholarship application required every year? Yes. Each year you must complete the online scholarship application, online FAFSA and submit a written thank you letter. Please note that you must continue to meet all the scholarship criteria. Does the Peoria Promise Scholarship cover the cost of books or dual credit classes? No. The Peoria Promise Scholarship does not cover the cost of books or dual credit courses. However, dual credit grades will be counted in your college grade point average. You can apply for additional scholarships to help pay for books and other expenses at www.icc.edu/scholarships. Do I have to be a full-time student in order to get the Peoria Promise Scholarship? No. You only need to maintain and successfully complete 6 hours or more each semester in order to be eligible for the Peoria Promise Scholarship. Peoria Promise will pay for a maximum of 12 hours each semester for as long as you remain eligible. What if I decide not to attend ICC after I’ve registered for classes? If you decide not to attend ICC after signing up for classes, you must officially drop your classes before the refund date. Refund dates vary and can be found on the class schedule. If you fail to withdraw before the refund date, you are financially obligated for the cost of the class. Will summer classes be covered by Peoria Promise? Yes. However, students must attend ICC in the previous spring semester under the Peoria Promise Scholarship in order to qualify for Peoria Promise summer semester funds. REMINDER: The Peoria Promise scholarship is pro-rated, based on eligibility, and covers tuition ONLY for up to 12 credit hours per semester. Students are responsible for any tuition and expenses not covered by this scholarship. Peoria Promise Scholarship dollars are contingent on the availability of funds raised by the Peoria Promise Foundation.