Fox Valley Technical College had 837 students sign on for its promise of a free education by the Dec. 15 deadline, putting it well on its way to the 3,000 Promise Scholars the school hopes to have by 2023.

Under the FVTC Promise scholarship program, every eligible incoming high school student in the Fox Valley Technical College district can earn an associate degree or technical diploma at FVTC if they maintain solid grades, have good attendance, don’t repeat classes, graduate on time, meet certain income requirements and provide service to their community. The Community Foundation supported the program with a $50,000 grant.

The first Promise Scholars will start at FVTC in the fall of 2017. School administrators will determine the final number for how many will qualify by April 3, according to Mary Downs, executive director of the FVTC Foundation.

The FVTC Foundation has raised $450,000 toward its $1 million goal in just four months. A combination of corporate, philanthropic and private donors—along with FVTC staff members — make up the impressive momentum in helping low-income individuals realize a debt-free college experience.