Students living in Winnebago and Boone County can apply for scholarships worth up to $4,000 for college or technical training.
“We believe truly in what Ben Franklin once said, ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’,” said Owen Carter, a community action program coordinator at Rockford Human Services Dept. “We want to encourage educational attainment at all costs, at all levels.”
The Community Action Agency Scholarship program, which is funded through the Community Services Block Grant, has awarded four to six scholarships annually for more than 20 years. Carter says successful applicants could receive a maximum of $4,000 per scholarship.
According to Carter, applicants must meet certain income guidelines. “We serve those who are at 125% of poverty,” he said.
Applicants who plan to attend an accredited college or training program in Illinois should submit references, a schedule, a personalized description of their area of study, and an objective outlook of their next five years of education.
“We strongly encourage people to apply for our scholarship,” Carter said. “We like to help people and then change lives.”
Applications are available from area colleges and all high schools in both counties, at the Community Action Agency office at 555 N. Court St. in Rockford, or online at www.rockfordil.gov.