AURORA, IL — A record $3 million in scholarships was awarded to more than 500 students in the greater Aurora area, Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley officials announced Tuesday.
A total of 509 high school seniors and college, graduate and trade students found out earlier this month that they’ll get help paying for college. The students will receive a collective $3 million over the next four years.
Officials said about 30 percent of this year’s scholarships were awarded to returning students. Fifty-five percent were need-based and the other 45 percent rewarded merit and academic achievement. Sixty-three percent of scholarships went to women and 36 percent to men.
About 40 percent of the scholarships are renewable for up to four years, and many encourage specific fields of study.
Nearly 40 percent of applicants of this year’s applicants received a scholarship, officials said.
“Last year, 450 Fox Valley-area students received just over $2.3 million through the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Program,” Beth Christoffel, director of scholarships, said in a statement. “This year, we awarded more than 500 scholarships totaling over $3 million. Our Scholarship Program continues to grow, and we are honored to help distribute this critical support for so many area residents pursuing higher education.”
The Community Foundation has awarded almost $25 million in scholarships to area residents since its founding in 1948. Each scholarship is funded by local donors, from individuals and families to businesses and clubs.
The application for 2024-25 scholarships will be posted on the Community Foundation’s website in October, and the deadline to submit will be in January.
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