NKU and Gateway revitalize River City Promise Program for region’s high schools

November 17, 2025 —Northern Kentucky University and Gateway Community & Technical College are reinstituting the River City Promise program, offering free tuition and benefits for Pell-eligible high school students from participating districts in Northern Kentucky.

“The River City Promise program is vital in strengthening our region’s workforce by meeting our region’s youth where they are and lifting them up to reach their goals,” says NKU president Dr. Cady Short-Thompson. “This partnership with Gateway will create opportunities for the future generations of Northern Kentucky, and we at NKU couldn’t be prouder to support these students on their journey to higher education.”

Initially launched in 2020, the River City Promise program allows qualifying students to complete an associate degree at Gateway Community & Technical College with free tuition before transferring to NKU. Currently, six Northern Kentucky school districts are participating in the program including Bellevue, Dayton, Holmes, Lloyd, Ludlow and Newport.

“Gateway is proud to partner with NKU to ensure that the next generation of Northern Kentuckians has access to the education and skills our region needs to thrive,” says Dr. Fernando Figueroa, president of Gateway Community & Technical College. “The River City Promise program opens doors for students who might not otherwise see college as an option, and it strengthens the workforce that will power our community’s future.”

Since 2021, more than two dozen students have participated in the River City Promise program, with nearly half going on to enroll as full-time students at NKU. The university maintains a 100 percent retention rate among students who chose to continue their education at NKU following completion of the program.

“The River City Promise Program provides students an opportunity to access both of Northern Kentucky's higher learning institutions while removing the greatest barrier for almost all students: the cost of college,” says Mike Borchers, special advisor to President Short-Thompson. “As we continue to find innovative ways to keep talent in Northern Kentucky, the River City Promise maximizes resources and supports students through their post-secondary journey, allowing them to remain in their communities while achieving their educational goals.”

Looking forward, the program aims to create a reliable pipeline to higher education for high school students in the Northern Kentucky region who may not consider a college degree as a tangible opportunity.

About Gateway Community & Technical College: Gateway is Northern Kentucky's only public two-year comprehensive community and technical college. Students find flexible, affordable, and career-driven opportunities to succeed. Whether preparing for in-demand jobs or transferring to four-year institutions, Gateway provides the education, resources, and support students need to achieve their goals and contribute to the region’s growth. For more information, visit gateway.kctcs.edu. Gateway Community & Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Gateway may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).