The Brown County Promise Scholarships

TFF promises that any student that graduates from Brown County High School (BCHS) in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, will receive a college scholarship worth up to $18,000 if they meet minimum requirements.

TFF makes this promise to Brown County students because TFF wants to provide an opportunity for every BCHS graduate to earn the post-secondary credential that will help them thrive in a sustainable career. RT and Dorothy Tracy started Dot Foods in Brown County and all twelve of their children graduated from Brown County High School. This investment in Brown County students honors RT and Dorothy’s legacy of generosity and helps students achieve post-secondary success.

Our goal is for 75% of all BCHS graduates to earn a post-secondary credential within 5 years of graduating.


Who is eligible?

Brown County Promise students must be Brown County residents and must attend and graduate from BCHS with at least 5 years of continuous attendance (8th grade through graduation) in the Brown County School District at high school graduation. Enrollment in the Brown County School District includes enrollment at Brown County Public Schools or St. Mary Catholic School.

What are the requirements?

To receive a Brown County Promise scholarship, students must:

  • Complete the College & Career Pathways assessment at BCHS

  • Meet with the BCHS Guidance Staff at least 2 times

  • Complete at least 1 mock interview

  • Complete the SAT

  • Complete the FAFSA

  • Be admitted to an accredited college or university

  • Graduate from BCHS and plan to enroll at an accredited college or university within 1 year of high school graduation

To received a Brown County Promise GOLD scholarship, students must:

  • Complete all of the Brown County Promise requirements above

  • Complete a job shadow and/or interview with 2 people in potential careers

  • Complete at least 2 post-secondary college visits or meetings with college staff

  • Complete 25 volunteer service hours during high school career

  • Participate in 3 extra-curricular activities during high school career

What does the scholarship pay for?

Scholarships are paid directly to the post-secondary institutions where scholarship recipients attend. Permissible expenses include tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment required for courses of instruction at the college or university.

How much is the scholarship?

Brown County Promise Awards

$2,000 first year, $3,000 second year, $4,000 third year, and $5,000 fourth year at a 4-year college or university

OR

$2,000 first year, $3,000 second year, up to two years, at a trade or technical school towards a trade certificate or associate degree

OR

up to $4,000 (full tuition for most students), up to two years, at John Wood Community College towards a trade certificate or associate degree

Brown County Promise GOLD Awards

$3,000 first year, $4,000 second year, $5,000 third year, and $6,000 fourth year at a 4-year college or university

OR

$3,000 first year, $4,000 second year, up to two years, at a trade or technical school towards a trade certificate or associate degree

OR

up to $4,000 (full tuition for most students), up to two years, at John Wood Community College towards a trade certificate or associate degree, plus a $500/year bonus for education related expenses

Any additional details?

If a student begins in a 2-year program but transfers to a 4-year program without any interruption, then they are eligible for the 4-year awards that match their status at the 4-year college or university. The scholarship must be used in 4 consecutive years. An exception can be made if a student is enrolled as a full-time student studying abroad for a maximum of one year at an accredited college or university.

Students must begin post-secondary education within 1 year of their high school graduation and be full-time (minimum of 12 hours/semester).

Brown County Promise students must be Brown County residents and must attend and graduate from Brown County High School with at least 5 years of continuous attendance (8th grade through graduation) in the Brown County School District at high school graduation. If a student has less than 5 years, but at least 2 years of continual attendance, then they are eligible for 50% of the Brown County Promise award. Exceptions may be made in extraordinary circumstances where student enrollment was impacted by sickness, family dynamics, or other circumstances outside of a student or their family’s control. Students must seek an exception by submitting a letter to high school guidance staff that explains why they believe an exception is warranted. The Brown County High School principal, Tracy Family Foundation, and Scholarship America will make final decisions on student eligibility.

Enrollment in the Brown County School District includes enrollment at Brown County Public Schools or St. Mary Catholic School.