Selected students receive scholarships up to $2,500 for college or vocational training
Macon and Piatt County – Thirty-four Macon and Piatt County residents are receiving $60,000 in educational scholarships through a competitive program coordinated by The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF). This scholarship cycle is the first to welcome applications from adults residing in all three counties in the HICF service area.
This semester’s individual awards range from $1,000 to $2,500. Since inception in 2020, the adult scholarship program is possible thanks to generous individuals, families, and organizations, granting up to $100,000 annually.
The adult scholarship program represents an investment in workforce development supporting individuals seeking further education in critical need fields.
This scholarship cycle, nine new recipients are pursuing degrees in education, two recipients are pursuing degrees in business, and two are pursuing doctorate level degrees in nursing (DNP).
New Adult Scholarship Recipients Spring 2025
Amber Goebel, American College of Education
Rebecca Harding, Millikin University
Tracy Hayward, Rockhurst University
Kelly Hill, University of Illinois Chicago
Mary Jenkins, Grand Canyon University
Veronica Jones, Illinois State University
Stacy Marksberry, American College of Education
Allison Nolen, University of Illinois Springfield
Holly Ravenscraft, American College of Education
Kelsey Rigsby, Eastern Illinois University
Lydia Strand, Indiana University Indianapolis
Lafecia Taylor, Millikin University
Julie Turner, Eastern Illinois University
Renewing Adult Scholarship Recipients Spring 2025
Brooke Bates, Mississippi State University
Lillian Briscoe, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Nathaniel Cardinal, Wilmington University
Nikki Eagler, American College of Education
Jami Fawley, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Denise Flexser, Grand Canyon University
Natasha Hamilton, Millikin University
Tara Hubbard, Grand Canyon University
Alexa Jones, Eastern Illinois University
Serena Klaves, University of Illinois Springfield
Evan Klaves, Midstate Electrical Training Center
Garrett McMillion, Midstate Electrical Training Center
John Meek, Midstate Electrical Training Center
Abigail Norman, American College of Education
Joshua Platzbecker, Millikin University
Raphaella Prange, Maryville University
Allison Shuppara, Ohio University
Kati Smith, North Central College
Andrew Taylor, Millikin University
Tamika Thomas, Indiana-Wesleyan University
LaMarcus Williams, Midstate Electrical Training Center
Adults and Graduating High School Seniors have the opportunity to apply for Fall Semester 2025 scholarship funding when the application portal opens on January 1, 2025 at heartofillinois.org. Completed applications are due by March 1, 2025 (11:59 PM).
Questions about the Adult Scholarship Program should be directed to HICF Director of Scholarships and Grant Administration, Andrea Gerhard, at agerhard@heartofillinois.org or 217.429.3000.
Established in 2000, The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation stewards more than 400 funds and total assets of $59 million. To date, The HICF has distributed $57.3 million to charitable organizations and endeavors.
For more information about The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, please visit heartofillinois.org.
