IRSC Promise Program 2023 questions and answers
On Nov. 16, 2022, Indian River State College (IRSC) revealed the IRSC Promise Program 2023—its most significant investment in eliminating barriers to higher education. Promise 2023 offers tuition-free Associate degrees for qualifying 2023 graduates from public and public charter high schools in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties, as well as eligible, in-district home school graduates.
Follows are answers to commonly asked questions:
What is the IRSC Promise Program?
The IRSC Promise Program provides tuition-free Associate degrees for students graduating in 2023 from public and public charter high schools in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties and eligible 2023 in-district homeschool graduates.
How does one get into the Program?
To take advantage of the program, eligible high school seniors must commit to IRSC by taking the Promise Pledge, available at promise.irsc.edu. The pledge deadline is March 10, 2023.
Is there a catch?
There is no catch. Any public or public charter high school graduate in the IRSC service district or eligible in-district homeschool graduate for 2023 who qualifies for Florida in-state residency and wishes to enroll as a full-time student in an IRSC Associate Degree program can participate.
What’s an eligible homeschool graduate?
In-district 2023 homeschool students need to provide an IRSC Homeschool Affidavit Form + School District Letter acknowledging the establishment or termination of their home education program. Students homeschooled through a private school are considered private school students, not homeschoolers and are not eligible for the IRSC Promise Program.
Do students have to demonstrate financial need or be first-generation students to qualify?
No, the Promise is not based on need, however, Promise students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year.
Is a minimum high school GPA required?
The Promise program requires that you graduate in 2023 from a public or public charter high school in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee or St. Lucie county or be an eligible in-district homeschool graduate. Students must meet the minimum 2.0 GPA required for high school graduation. Once at IRSC, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to receive Promise funding.
Does the Promise apply to career-training (non-degree) certificates?
You must be enrolled full-time in an Associate Degree program to be part of the IRSC Promise Program. Several IRSC programs allow you to earn industry certifications as you progress toward your degree. These include A.S. and A.A.S. programs in trades such as Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology; Automotive Service Management Technology; Building Construction Technology; Criminal Justice Technology; and Fire Science Technology. View IRSC Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science Degree programs at https://irsc.edu/programs/associate-in-science-degree-programs.html.
Is the Promise available to private school students?
Not yet. We will continue to evaluate the program to inform future expansion plans. We encourage private school graduates to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for IRSC Foundation scholarships for assistance with funding.
Are Dual Enrollment students eligible for the Promise?
Yes. Any student that is a 2023 graduate from an in-district public or public charter high school or an eligible 2023 in-district homeschool graduate, regardless of incoming credit, can pledge to the IRSC Promise program.
Is the Promise available to G.E.D.® students?
G.E.D.® students are not yet eligible for the IRSC Promise program. We will continue to evaluate the program for next year to make expansion plans. We encourage G.E.D.® students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for IRSC Foundation scholarships for assistance with funding.
Are graduates of Florida Virtual School eligible for the Promise?
No. Only graduates of public and public charter high schools in Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee, and St Lucie counties or eligible in-district homeschool graduates are eligible. We encourage Florida Virtual School graduates to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for IRSC Foundation scholarships for assistance with funding.
Are DACA students eligible for the Promise?
Yes. If the State of Florida considers you a student, IRSC considers you a student. DACA students who qualify for Florida in-state residency can pledge to the Promise. We will work with each student individually to confirm eligibility.
What if a 2023 high school graduate completed an A.A. concurrent with high school graduation and wants to pursue an A.S. at IRSC?
That student would qualify for the Promise program to complete an A.S. Degree.
If I already have Florida Pre-paid, can I still be eligible for the Promise?
The IRSC Promise Program allows families with 529 plans, like Florida Prepaid, to stretch their investments even further. Those seeking to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree after completing an IRSC Associate Degree tuition-free can apply pre-paid balances toward that next educational milestone. Unused Florida Pre-Paid monies may also be returned to you; see www.myfloridaprepaid.com for details.
Am I still eligible for the Promise if I already have Bright Futures or scholarships?
The Promise will apply to any tuition balance after funds from Bright Futures or scholarships are applied.
If I get financial aid, does the IRSC Promise still apply to me?
The Promise Program is last-dollar funding, meaning it will cover any tuition cost after financial aid and scholarships have been applied.
Will the Promise Program cover my tuition if I don’t qualify for Financial Aid or scholarships?
Yes, the Promise Program will cover the cost of tuition students who don’t qualify for Financial Aid or scholarships.
How is the IRSC Promise Program funded?
The IRSC Promise is a tuition-paid program sponsored by the IRSC Foundation and funded through generous donor philanthropy and unrestricted investment proceeds. The IRSC Promise Program has no cash value. The College looks forward to partnering with other private organizations to expand the program and meet the needs of even more students.
Are there any other costs apart from tuition for the Promise Program?
The Promise Program covers tuition only. There are additional costs students should budget for, including books, supplies, transportation, rent, and food. Examples of fees you could be responsible for include distance learning fees, lab fees, and other special fees. For more information on Indian River State College fees, visit the college catalog.
What if I am not eligible for the Promise Program?
Students not eligible for the Promise Program should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for IRSC Foundation scholarships for assistance with funding.
How do I learn more about the IRSC Promise Program?
Students and parents can talk with their high guidance counselors or visit promise.irsc.edu to view a schedule of upcoming Promise Program Information Sessions, learn more about the program, and take the Promise Pledge.
