Sauk Valley Community College’s Impact Program Boosts Local Students

Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC) is witnessing significant positive effects from its innovative Impact Program, which enables local high school graduates to earn their tuition through community service. Launched in 2021, the program targets students from the college’s district, encompassing areas such as Whiteside, Lee, and parts of Bureau, Ogle, Henry, and Carroll counties.

The program was designed to address persistent issues like high poverty and low educational attainment rates in the region, according to SVCC’s Vice President of Advancement, Lori Cortez. As of fall 2025, the first cohort of students, who began the program in their high school years, has embarked on their freshman year at SVCC. “It’s just great to see them in our hallways. It’s like a culmination of all the work we’ve done,” Cortez stated.

Currently, 18 students are enrolled, with approximately 14 pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as education, agriculture, manufacturing, welding, and healthcare. Cortez highlighted that these are essential occupations for the local economy. One student expressed that they might not have pursued higher education without the support of the Impact Program, while another noted a lack of parental backing, making the program crucial for their academic journey.

To participate, students must enroll by September 1 of their freshman year to receive full tuition coverage. Those who join in their sophomore year receive 75% funding, while juniors are eligible for 50%. Participants are required to complete 25 hours of community service annually and graduate on time from an in-district high school or homeschooling program. The program’s website lists volunteer opportunities at 286 participating organizations, with 87 events posted as of November.

Impact Program beneficiaries have made substantial contributions to local organizations. Rachel Swihart, office manager at Open Door Community Church in Sterling, remarked that the program has been invaluable. “Neither our tech team nor our kids’ ministry would function as smoothly without the Impact Program students,” she said. Many students return year after year, developing lasting relationships within the community.

Swihart recounted the story of a student who began volunteering in 2021, later got baptized, and eventually took on a leadership role in the church’s kids’ Christmas program, independent of program requirements. Other students have similarly engaged with the church community, bringing family members to services after their initial involvement through the Impact Program.

Community organizations have reported increased volunteer support, which positively impacts fundraising efforts. Members of the Rotary Club in Walnut noted they have seen a rise in fundraising success and membership since the program’s inception. Rob Bates, president of the Dixon Petunia Festival Board, emphasized the importance of the program in facilitating events. “If we had to pay folks to do all the set-up and tear-down work, we wouldn’t be able to provide as many events and services as part of our festival,” Bates said.

Funding for the Impact Program comes entirely from donations, with over $8 million raised since 2025. This funding fully supports students from Polo, Milledgeville, Fulton, and Prophetstown. Each high school has a specific fundraising target based on SVCC’s enrollment statistics and anticipated growth, calculated by increasing past enrollment numbers by 20%. Donors can specify which school their contributions support, and funds from municipalities are directed to public school districts.

Fulton and Prophetstown were the first schools to meet their funding goals, aided in part by a significant $1 million donation from a local resident. In Polo, community efforts led to raising $600,000, while Milledgeville successfully obtained $500,000. Currently, Dixon, Sterling, and Rock Falls have the highest goals, set at $2 million each, with Dixon having raised $106,000, Sterling at $96,000, and Rock Falls at $95,000.

As of November 25, the Impact Program has engaged 1,887 registered students, who have accumulated a remarkable 98,269 volunteer hours across 288 local organizations since its inception. The program operates as a last-dollar scholarship, ensuring that all Impact students graduate from SVCC without incurring student loan debt.

For more information about the Impact Program, interested parties can visit the program’s website or contact Lori Cortez directly at [email protected]. The initiative continues to foster community ties and support local youth, making a lasting difference in the lives of many.