Tracy Family Foundation launches scholarship program for every high school graduate in Brown County

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Beginning with the Brown County High School Class of 2024, the Tracy Family Foundation (TFF) is launching the Brown County Promise scholarship program which promises that any Brown County graduate will receive a college scholarship if they meet minimum requirements.

TFF has offered a competitive college scholarship since 2011 that awarded a limited number of scholarships each year to Brown County graduates. TFF has awarded $1.6M in scholarships to 174 students through the program. Now, rather than have students compete for a limited number of scholarships each year, TFF will promise a post-secondary education scholarship to any Brown County student that meets basic eligibility requirements at high school graduation.

RT and Dorothy Tracy started Dot Foods in Brown County, and all 12 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.

In a press release, Lan Eberle, superintendent of Brown County Public Schools, said, “This is an exceptional opportunity for Brown County students. We’re proud of the quality of education we provide, and the Brown County Promise will help to ensure graduates have the resources they need to be successful at the next level.”

The scholarships are worth up to $18,000 per student and can be used for any post-secondary education, including career and technical certificates, two-year associate’s degrees, and four-year bachelor’s degrees. The Brown County Promise scholarship will also provide full tuition for up to two years at John Wood Community College for most students, depending on their degree program.

“We believe that the Brown County Promise will motivate families to live in Brown County, help students get the tools they need to succeed after high school and increase the percentage of BCHS graduates that earn a post-secondary credential after graduation,” TFF President Dan Teefey said.

Brown County Promise scholarship recipients must be Brown County residents and must attend and graduate from Brown County High School with at least five years of continuous enrollment (eighth grade through high school graduation) in the Brown County School District, as well as St. Mary Catholic School in Mount Sterling.

“My grandparents believed that education provides opportunity, and TFF wants to ensure that every BCHS graduate can pursue the education they need to be successful after high school. We’re excited that every student in Brown County, no matter how young, will know a scholarship is waiting for them when they graduate high school,” said Angie Schlater, TFF Education Program Manager and a Tracy family member.

The Brown County Promise scholarships can go with recipients to any accredited post-secondary institution in the United States. Students must have at least 12 credit hours each semester and must continue full-time in their degree program until completion.