The Promise of Free College: How Indian River State College is Making Dreams a Reality

July 2, 2024 Indian River State College

As the cost of higher education continues to soar, many students find themselves facing a daunting financial barrier to achieving their academic goals. Indian River State College is changing that narrative with our groundbreaking Promise Program.

Nicholas Geniti, Indian River State College Promise Program Coordinator, recently sat down with Laura Midkiff, host of River Talk on WQCS, to share some exciting insights about this initiative that's transforming lives across our community.

Laura Midkiff, host of River Talk on WQCS, with Nicholas Geniti

What is the Promise Program?
In a nutshell, the Promise Program offers two years of tuition-free education to eligible high school graduates in our service area. That's right – free college education! It's not just a dream; it's a promise we're making to our local students.

Who Can Benefit?
If you're a recent high school graduate from Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, or St. Lucie counties, listen up! The Promise Program could be your ticket to a brighter future. The best part? There's no GPA requirement to apply. We believe in giving every student a chance to succeed.

What's Covered?
The Promise Program covers the cost of an Associate Degree. We're removing as many financial obstacles as we can to ensure our students can focus on what really matters – their education.

How to Apply?
The application process is straightforward:

Complete the Promise Pledge
Apply to Indian River State College
Complete the FAFSA and residency information
Enroll full time
Submit your high school transcripts

The Promise Pledge deadline has passed for the 2024-25 academic year, and the deadline for remaining requirements is July 29.

The process is simple! And remember, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

Why It Matters
Nicholas put it best when he said, "We want to make sure that finances are not a barrier for students to pursue higher education." This program is about more than just free tuition – it's about opening doors, creating opportunities, and building a stronger, more educated community.

The Impact
Since its inception in 2022, the Promise Program has helped over 4,000 students pursue their dreams of higher education. That's 4,000 lives changed, 4,000 futures brightened, and 4,000 reasons to believe in the power of accessible education.

Looking Ahead
As we continue to grow and evolve, we're excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The Promise Program is just one way that Indian River State College is committed to serving our community and preparing our students for success in the modern workforce.

Are you ready to take the next step in your educational journey? Visit our website at promise.irsc.edu or email promise@irsc.edu to learn more about how the Promise Program can help you achieve your goals.

Remember, at Indian River State College, we're not just promising a better future – we're making it happen, one student at a time.