Five Macon County Adult Students Receive First-Ever Adult Scholarship Awards
Students each received $2,500 scholarship award
– Five residents have been named the first award recipients of the new adult scholarship program introduced by The Community Foundation of Macon County (CFMC) in late December. Each of these nontraditional students, all Decatur residents, will receive $2,500 in scholarship funding to help financially support their educational goals for the 2021 fall semester:
- Kelsey Rigsby, Millikin University, early childhood education with special education endorsement major
- Dana Thomas, Richland Community College, LPN to ADN bridge/nursing major
- Jeanette Vought, Richland Community College, business management major
- Jenna Ward, Millikin University, elementary education major
- Kelsie Wujek, Millikin University, business and organizational leadership major
The scholarship funding may be used for tuition, course/program-related fees and books.
“I’m trying to pursue my business management degree,” said Jeanette “Netty” Vought who for the past twenty years has worked at Prairieland Service Coordination. “I’m six hours away from my associates, so I’m super excited and I’m so thankful for the help with tuition.”
This nontraditional scholarship opportunity is offered twice yearly, for spring and fall semester, to eligible individuals age 24 or older who live in Macon County. The applicants must currently attend or plan to attend Richland Community College or Millikin University to seek two- and four-year degrees, a master's degree or vocational training. Applicants must have interrupted their education, at some point, for at least three years after graduating from high school or completing a GED, and financial need is considered when determining award recipients.
“The number of local residents seeking to complete college degrees or vocational training as nontraditional students has increased dramatically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Natalie Beck, CFMC CEO. “The Foundation launched the adult scholarship program to increase the level of skill attainment for our Macon County residents, giving opportunities for better employment and benefits.”
Online applications for spring semester 2022 scholarship awards open Sept. 1 on the Community Foundation of Macon County website at maconcountygives.org.
For more information about the adult scholarship program or the application process, call CFMC Scholarship Coordinator Kathy Carter at 217-220-1363 or email kcarter@maconcountygives.org.
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Established in 2000, The Community Foundation of Macon County stewards more than 350 funds and total assets of $46 million. To date, The Community Foundation has distributed over $34 million to charitable organizations and endeavors. For more information about The Community Foundation of Macon County, visit maconcountygives.org.
