THE ROCKFORD EDUCATION FOUNDATION (REF) WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1991 TO PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR INCREASED EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THE ROCKFORD COMMUNITY. THE REF IS AN INDEPENDENT, NON-PROFIT CORPORATION, GOVERNED BY A VOLUNTEER BOARD OF TRUSTEES FROM THE COMMUNITY. TEACHERS, STUDENTS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH INNOVATIVE IDEAS HAVE RECEIVED GRANTS FOR WIDE-RANGING, EDUCATION…