Some District 205 students now have a chance to get a college education tens of thousands dollars less due to a new district-wide program.

I have often said that we're failing as a community in part because we have too many talented young people leave us for higher education and never return. This new program in Rockford Public Schools may start to change that around.

Rockford Students Have a Chance at Massive College Opportunity
Robert Churchill, Thinkstock
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Going to college is a six-figure dream that doesn't come true for many. But what if it only cost $20,000? If you dream to become a TEACHER, check out this offer. From a story posted at wifr.com, the Rockford school board just approved a plan with Rockford University to recruit teachers and build a workforce with students from the district. The program is called the education pathway, and its geared to make sure students eventually work in RPS 205 schools.

Over 40 teachers retire every year in District 205 and Superintendent Ehren Jarrett sees an opportunity.

We can either go out into the open market and compete with everybody else for teachers, or we can start to build systems to ensure that our best and brightest stay home here,"

The program begins with 7th and 8th graders, continues through high school, then straight into college thorough a degree program at Rockford University. 20 students from District 205 will enter the degree program at the University in the Fall of 2017, if everything goes as planned.

And here's an extra bonus. Once they complete the program, they will have the opportunity to attain a master's degree from Rockford University for free.

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