Promise Appeal

High School Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors who do not meet the eligibility requirements are notified by mail in late August of the next school year. The letter from Harper College includes information on the process for filing an appeal in the event of extraordinary circumstances. The appeal process opens up mid-August and must be submitted by September 15th.
Notification of your appeal submission will be mailed to the address on file no later than November 1^st.

High School Seniors who do not meet the eligibility requirements are notified by email to their Harper Email Account in late June. The email from Harper College includes information on the process for filing an appeal in the event of extraordinary circumstances.

The online appeal form will become available on this website during the open appeal timeframe. You must appeal each criteria that you did not meet if you wish to try and remain a part of the Promise Program.  You will have an opportunity to explain why you need to appeal in around 250 words or less. Additional documentation is requred as follows:

Attendance

Obtain and attach an official attendance report for the year you are appealing. This must be obtained from your high school attendance office. In addition, an explanation for all days absent must be submitted. Any supporting documentation (i.e. doctors note, out of state travel due to funeral, etc.) must be attached to support your appeal. Please note, an "excused" absence for high school does not mean the same for Promise. You must explain and submit documentation to corroborate your absences. If you are unsure of what documentation to submit, please contact the Promise Scholarship at 847-925-6310.

Rigor/Quality

Obtain and attach a copy of your high school transcript that shows all grades and GPA calculation (unofficial transcripts from Infinite Campus are acceptable). Any supporting documentation (i.e. doctors note, out of state travel due to funeral, etc.) may also be attached to support your appeal.

Persistence

Work with your high school counselor and create and attach a plan describing how you will get back on track within the school year.

Community Service

Evidence that demonstrates your inability to complete community service. 

If you feel there was a technical error when submitting your community serivce, please indicate on the appeal form. 

For Harper College Promise Scholars, an email will be sent to your Harper Email Account after final grades have posted. This email will include the process for filing an appeal for extraordinary circumstances.

For the Fall 2024 semester, appeals are available December 18 - January 2nd. Final appeal decisions will be provided to the student through email no later than January 9th.

The online appeal form will become available on the bottom of this website during the open appeal timeframe. You must appeal each criteria that you did not meet if you wish to try and remain a part of the Promise Program. You will have an opportunity to explain why you need to appeal in around 250 words or less. Additional documentation is requred as follows:

Rigor/Quality

Agree to allow the Promise Committee access to your college transcript (statement to agree to will be available in the appeal form). Any supporting documentation (i.e. doctors note, out of state travel due to funeral, etc.) may also be attached to support your appeal.

Persistence

Work with your academic advisor and create and attach a plan through your DegreeWorks describing how you will get back on track within the school year. You will need to agree to allow the Promise Committee access to your college transcript and DegreeWorks Plan (statement to agree to will be available in the appeal form).

Community Service

Evidence that demonstrates your inability to complete community service. Please note, last minute trouble entering service hours is not an extraordinary circumstance.” Ample time is provided to submit your hours, and any issues can be discussed with the Promise Scholarship Manager prior to any semester deadlines.