The program, which was established in 2020, gives free tuition and other benefits to students who graduate from participating Kentucky school districts.
Northern Kentucky University and Gateway Community & Technical College are reinstating the River City Promise program, which provides free tuition and other benefits to students who graduate from participating Northern Kentucky school districts. The program was first established in 2020, and since 2021, more than two dozen students have participated.
According to an article on Northern Kentucky University’s website, Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, the university’s president, was quoted as saying of the program, “The River City Promise program is vital in strengthening our region’s workforce by meeting our region’s youth where they are and lifting them up to reach their goals. This partnership with Gateway will create opportunities for the future generations of Northern Kentucky, and we at NKU couldn’t be prouder to support these students on their journey to higher education.”
The River City Promise program gives students who graduate from high schools within the Bellevue, Dayton, Holmes, Lloyd, Ludlow, and Newport school districts free tuition to Gateway Community & Technical College, along with various other benefits. Students will be able to earn their associate degree for free before transferring to Northern Kentucky University to earn a bachelor degree. In order to qualify, students must be Pell-eligible.
Mike Borchers, who serves as a special advisor to President Short-Thompson, said, “The River City Promise Program provides students an opportunity to access both of Northern Kentucky's higher learning institutions while removing the greatest barrier for almost all students: the cost of college. As we continue to find innovative ways to keep talent in Northern Kentucky, the River City Promise maximizes resources and supports students through their post-secondary journey, allowing them to remain in their communities while achieving their educational goals.”
Half of the students who have participated in the program since 2021 have gone on to enroll full time at Northern Kentucky University. The program aims to be a pipeline to help Northern Kentucky residents achieve a university education.
Dr. Fernando Figueroa, the president of Gateway Community & Technical College, said, “Gateway is proud to partner with NKU to ensure that the next generation of Northern Kentuckians has access to the education and skills our region needs to thrive. The River City Promise program opens doors for students who might not otherwise see college as an option, and it strengthens the workforce that will power our community’s future.”
For more information about Northern Kentucky University, visit the school’s website.