Our Mission
Secondary Success and Beyond is dedicated to enriching the lives of students in Winnebago County in Illinois, by providing essential scholarships and resources. Founded in 2020, we focus on empowering high school seniors in Winnebago County. From college and trade school to career pathways, Secondary Success & Beyond walks with students step-by-step so they don’t have to navigate the journey alone.
FOUNDED 2020
Our Story
Secondary Success & Beyond was founded in Rockford, Illinois, in 2020 by Gabrielle Foreman. As a college senior at Northern Illinois University, Gabrielle saw a real need among her peers—many of whom were first-generation college students trying to navigate higher education with little guidance. She listened as students shared how overwhelming it felt to understand applications, financial aid, campus resources, and career planning. Gabrielle related to their frustration and felt compelled to “reach back” and support the students coming behind her. By her senior year, she had figured out how to network, build her resume, and access the tools she needed to thrive. She believed every student deserved that same level of support and access. Out of that conviction, Secondary Success & Beyond was born.
Our Board of Directors
Gabrielle Foreman
Jillisa Bondurant
Moon Sum
Mercedes Joyner
Board President
Founder, Secondary Success and Beyond & Foreman Grant Consulting
Board Vice President
Manager of Community Resource and Volunteer Services, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
Board Member
Job Coach Specialist, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois
Board Member
Chief Branding & Communications Officer, JMC Strategic Consulting & Member Relations Director, Greater Freeport Partnership
Our Values
Empowerment
We believe in providing students with the tools and confidence to own their academic and professional paths, fostering independence and long-term success.
Integrity
Building trust through transparency, consistency, and a deep commitment to the students and communities we serve in Northern Illinois.
Accessibility
Bridging the gap for first-generation students by ensuring that essential resources and guidance are available to everyone, regardless of their background.