IVCC Foundation Scholarships for the 2021-22 school year

The IVCC Foundation scholarship application is now available for the 2021-22 school year.
To access the application you must click the "Apply Now" button below.

Please read the following important information prior to beginning the application process.

Deadline to submit application & essay, and the FAFSA or alternate application is 9 p.m. Thursday. Feb. 11, 2021.
Contact Donna Swiskoski in the IVCC Foundation Office at donna_swiskoski@ivcc.edu or (815) 224-0551 if you need accommodations in an alternate format, have questions or need more information about the scholarship program.

Deadlines
Thursday, February 11, 2021
* Online application & uploaded essay must be submitted by 9 p.m.
* All applicants are required to submit online the 2021-22 FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.gov or the alternate application at https://studentportal.isac.org/alternativeapp 

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ
Eligibility
* An application for admission to IVCC must be on file.
* Scholarships are awarded on the assumption the recipient will be enrolled at IVCC full-time (12+ credit hours) for the 2021-22 school year, fall and spring, unless otherwise indicated.
* GPA scores that we use for eligibility are based on the 4.00 system.
NOTE: Each scholarship has its own criteria designated by the donor.

Funding & Award Notification
* Scholarship award amounts vary based upon available funds; minimum award is $500.
* The IVCC Foundation has the authority to not award scholarships posted within the website or listed in any publication.
* The IVCC Foundation will notify all applicants of award decisions by June 2021 via mailed letter.

Transcripts
* Current high school seniors or students enrolling at IVCC for the first time, you must request a copy of your high school transcript be sent to IVCC by Feb. 11, 2021.
* Current high school seniors: transcript must include grades posted through the end of fall semester.
* Current IVCC students: do not need to submit transcript.

Your essay is the key part of your application and should be completed before you begin the online application.
Your single essay is for all scholarships available, general and program specific.

A committee reviews and scores the essay as a whole based on:
Following the essay guidelines:
The content of your essay - all areas 1, 2, & 3 addressed;
The quality of your essay - it should be focused and structured;
Spelling & grammar.

Essay Guidelines
Typed, double-spaced
Put your first and last name on each page, top right corner
Do not put a title on the essay
Font Style--Times New Roman, Font Size--12, All Margins--0.5 inch
Length: 2 pages but no more than 3 pages
Save document as Last Name.First Name Essay (ex. Beck.Elizabeth Essay)

Please address all 3 areas listed below in your essay
1. Educational and Professional Goals
* Reasons you are attending IVCC and why you chose your specific major or area of study.
* If applicable, what or who inspired your decision.
* Describe your educational and professional goals beyond IVCC.

2. Involvement and Community Service (if none, please explain)
* Participation in school events, clubs or activities.
* Examples of non-school related volunteerism or community service.
* Honors received.

3. Financial Need and Special Circumstances
* Reasons you are seeking a scholarship.
* Concerns or special circumstances, if applicable, that you would like us to consider.

The following three scholarships each require an additional essay, if you are interested in being considered for them.
NOTE: Have the essay(s) prepared prior to continuing with filling out and submitting the application.
NOTE: You will be able to upload the essay(s) at the end of the application process.

Kristyne K. Curley Memorial
One-page essay describing how animals have enriched your life through either pet fostering/adoption, volunteer work at an animal shelter, rescue organization or rehabilitation center.

Earl Fester Diversity
One-page essay describing life as a lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender (LGBT), and/or how a LGBT person has influenced your life.

Trevor Melvin Wehner Memorial
An essay (minimum 500 words) addressing both 1 & 2:
1. Areas in your life where you overcame an obstacle either in your school, social or family life and how you demonstrated leadership.
2. Traits you possess which will enhance your education or career.

View each individual scholarship with award criteria within specific and general areas of study.
Agriculture
Automotive
Business  (accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management)
CAD, HVAC, industrial maintenance or electrician, machinist tool & die, manufacturing, welding, etc.
Communications
Computer Technology (Cybersecurity, programming, networking, computer science)
Criminal Justice (law enforcement, probation/corrections officer, investigator, agent)
Education
Fine Arts (theatre, music, art, graphic design)
General awards - Open To All Students
Healthcare
Law / Government (attorney, pre-law, judge, legal profession)
Natural Sciences
Nursing
Political Science
STEM

Scholarships available to IVCC students transferring in Fall 2021 to NIU
William & Dian Taylor Awards

Scholarship available to IVCC students transferring in Fall 2021 to Eureka College
Steven W. Rigazio Scholarship

A list of all the 2021-22 Foundation scholarships is available in a convenient PDF.
Scholarship Listing Booklet