District 205 pursues $25,000 Pepsi Refresh grant

From press release

A program that provides one-on-one mentoring to financially disadvantaged and under-represented Rockford students, steering them toward academic success and a college education, is in the running for a $25,000 grant through the Pepsi Refresh Project.

To win the money, the proposal needs votes. Just more than 1,000 entries have been accepted for the Pepsi contest that awards up to $1.3 million in grants each month for ideas that benefit communities across the country. The top 10 vote-getters in the $25,000 category will receive funding.

In Rockford, the money would help expand the RAISE (Reaching and Inspiring Students for Education) program, which focuses on helping first-generation college students succeed. This year, the project paired 60 Jefferson High School juniors and seniors with mentors who help them navigate their way through the college admissions process. The program also college tours and workshops on topics such as financial aid, college entrance exams and college survival tips to all Jefferson students.

The collaboration among Rockford schools, the Junior League of Rockford, the Mayor’s Office, and recently, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, has proven successful since its 2007 inception. Ninety percent of RAISE graduates go on to college.

Junior League members submitted the grant application in hopes of expanding the program. Funding would be used for the workshops, a coordinator, college tours and other programs.

Votes may be cast daily at www.refresheverything.com/jlrockford.

From the Jan. 12-18, 2011 issue