The Promise Program

A Tuition-Free Degree for Every Local High School Graduate

Where Dreams Begin

The Promise Program removes financial barriers to higher education for all high school graduates across Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties. The Indian River State College Promise Program offers tuition-free AA or AS degrees for all qualified students who sign-up and attend The River after graduation. This is a donor-funded last-dollar scholarships made possible by your generosity. Promise is the most transformational educational investments you can make in our region.

Promise is one of the most impactful scholarship program in Florida. A nationally distinctive model, last year donors like you helped over 4600 of our local young people make their dreams come true. Funded by your commitment to empowering local talent, strengthening families, and building a stronger workforce and future community.

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The Donor Impact

When you fund the Promise, you fund the future of our community.

The Sustainer

$7 / Month

If everyone gave just $7 a month — less than the cost of a specialty coffee — together we could fully fund the Promise Program for future generations. By giving monthly you can help build the permanent support that keeps the Promise Program funded in perpetuity, ensuring tuition-free college opportunities for generations of local students to come.

Sponsor a Year

$1,250

Help cover the cost of one year of Promise for a local student. Your gift immediately lifts the financial burden of tuition and open the door to opportunity. This contribution supports the average cost of tuition for one-year, allowing a Promise student to focus on academic success, personal growth, and their future.

The Full Degree

$2,500

Your gift has the power to change a student’s trajectory from start to finish. By funding the average cost of a two-year associate degree through the Promise Program, you are helping launch a graduate into the local workforce with the education, confidence, and financial freedom to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and our community..

Meet the Promise Scholars

“My scholarship has allowed me to become the first in my family to earn a degree… Thank you for believing in me.”

— Damaris Olivera

“This scholarship has allowed me to receive a college education completely debt-free… I am on my way to becoming a Nurse.”

— Diana Rodriguez

“Receiving this scholarship means more than financial support. It’s a vote of confidence in my goals and potential.”

— Kurt R.

“This support allows me to focus on my studies and build a better future for my family.”

— Liying F.

“This opportunity reminds me it’s never too late to grow and pursue your education.”

— Norma M.

Student Eligibility Guide

Apply to The River

You must apply online to Indian River State College and choose “Promise Program” in your application.

Graduation

You must graduate from a public, private, charter or eligible homeschool within the service district this academic year, and send your official high school transcript to the College. List of all eligible schools here.

Residency

You must submit Florida Residency Documents and you must be a resident of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, or St. Lucie county.

FAFSA

You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to verify eligibility (Indian River State College school code 001493).

Enrollment

You must enroll full-time (minimum 12 credits) at Indian River State College for the fall term immediately following graduation, and attend the New Student Orientation.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Last-Dollar” mean?

The Promise Program operates as a “last-dollar” scholarship, meaning it covers the remaining cost of tuition after all other grant aid and scholarships have been applied. For example, if a student receives a Pell Grant covering 50% of tuition, the Promise Program funds the remaining 50%, ensuring eligible students can pursue their education tuition-free. This model allows philanthropic support to maximize impact, helping more students access higher education while reducing financial barriers for local families.

Does it cover books or housing?

No. The Promise Program covers tuition. It does not cover fees, textbooks, transportation, or housing. The Promise Program is designed to remove the barrier of tuition costs. However, students remain responsible for additional educational and living expenses, including fees, textbooks, supplies, transportation, housing, meals, and other personal costs associated with attending college. By covering tuition, Promise allows students and families to focus their resources on other important educational expenses such as books, transportation, housing, and supplies, making higher education more accessible and affordable for our community.

Is there an income limit?

No. The Promise Program is not means-tested and is available to all eligible high school graduates within the Indian River State College service district, regardless of household income or financial background. The program was designed to create broad access to higher education by ensuring that every qualifying student has the opportunity to pursue a college degree tuition-free. By making Promise available to students from all economic backgrounds, the program strengthens educational attainment, workforce development, and long-term economic vitality throughout the region.

Can transfer students get the Promise?

The Promise Program is designed specifically for students entering Indian River State College directly from local high schools who meet all program eligibility requirements. Students who transfer to the College from another institution are not eligible for Promise funding; however, the Indian River State College Foundation offers a variety of additional scholarship opportunities to support transfer students and continuing learners.

What happens if a Promise Student fails a class?

The Promise Program is intended to support student success and responsible academic progress. As part of the program guidelines, Promise funding will not pay for the same course more than once. If a student fails, withdraws from, or does not successfully complete a class, the student is responsible for covering the cost of retaking that specific course. However, the student may continue participating in the Promise Program for other eligible coursework as long as they continue to meet the program’s academic and enrollment requirements. This policy encourages students to remain engaged, seek academic support when needed, and stay on track toward graduation.

Ready to Change a Life?

Your donation ensures the Promise is kept for the next generation.

Donate to Promise

Student Application

Are you a high school senior ready to apply?

Visit Admissions & Apply