Introducing the “Uniquely Eureka Promise”
PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria Promise Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary this past Saturday evening. An incredible evening that included world-famous Michael Israel, live entertainment, art auction and raffles. The night also was the platform for a joint announcement from Dr. Jamel Wright and Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, unveiling the new “Uniquely Eureka Promise” program, a Tuition-Free Promise to Transfer Students from Illinois Central College and Peoria Promise.
The Uniquely Eureka Promise includes four tuition-free semesters for Illinois residents that have completed an associate’s degree from an accredited community college.
“As an extension of the Peoria community, Eureka College is proud and thankful to collaborate with Peoria Promise and ICC on this endeavor designed to offer opportunities that strengthen the education to employment pipeline,” said Eureka College President Jamel Wright. “Not only does the Uniquely Eureka Promise offer two years tuition free to qualifying transfer students of Illinois, but this initiative also provides Peoria area students the opportunity to invest in their future by obtaining a Bachelor’s degree without the burden of student loan debt.”
To be eligible for the program, transfer students must have a 2.8 cumulative unweighted grade point average, be a current resident of Illinois and have completed an associate’s degree from an accredited community college. Students must also enroll in a minimum of 15 credit hours and commit to 40 volunteer hours with the College over the course of two school years.
“We are extremely excited for this opportunity being afforded to our Peoria Promise Students from Eureka College” says Mayor Jim Ardis.
“This is a game changer for our students and community. Eureka College has made this program available with the spring enrollment, classes starting in January 2019. The staff of Peoria Promise will immediately share this opportunity with our actively enrolled students,” states M.J. Schettler, Executive Director. “We are excited for this collaboration and the bright futures for our students. Eureka College has now made it possible for many of our students to be eligible for 4 years tuition free education.
Peoria Promise is a not for profit 501C (3) organization solely focused on provided tuition reimbursement to City of Peoria high school graduates from all Peoria feeder high schools.