Jacksonville Promise Scholarship extends eligibility throughout Morgan County
The Jacksonville Promise Scholarship Program recently announced plans to expand the geographic region it serves to include all students in Morgan County.
Students who are homeschooled or attend public or private schools in Jacksonville, Franklin, Meredosia-Chambersburg, Triopia or Waverly are now eligible for the scholarship if they plan to attend Illinois College or Lincoln Land Community College in Jacksonville. In previous years, only students from Jacksonville schools qualified.
Applications for scholarships up to $3,750 are still being accepted for enrollment this fall. The program is entering its sixth year of supporting students who plan to study at Jacksonville-area colleges; honorees are typically recognized during a fall ceremony at the beginning of the academic year.
Illinois College President Barbara A. Farley said that Jacksonville Promise has helped dozens of Illinois College students to pursue their educational goals with hometown support. She looks forward to seeing the program grow.
“The impact of this program can be felt throughout our community — in numerous industries, in the economic health of our area and in highlighting the fact that people in this region care about the future of our young people. I am excited to see these benefits extend throughout the county,” Farley said.
Dr. Charles Sheaff, president of the Jacksonville Promise board of directors, said that the program serves as an “economic engine for the entire regional economic basin, which includes Morgan County and beyond.”
He added: “We are excited to expand the benefits of the scholarship to a great number of local students. In doing so, we are supporting local colleges and the regional economy at the same time.
Scheaff also expressed his gratitude for area donors whose generosity and commitment to the program’s success made the expansion possible.
Scholarship awards are supported by donations from businesses and individuals along with fundraising events held throughout the region. Donors are often those who are passionate about education and wish to invest in the long-term success of the region.
Similar programs that provide incentives for local students to pursue their education close to home have been shown to also encourage young professionals to stay in the region to begin their careers. A 2018 study by the Rural Economic Technical Assistance Center found that a $30,000 in endowment for students through the Jacksonville Promise could multiply to $120,000 in profits for the city and local businesses.
More than 100 local students have received the Jacksonville Promise award for tuition and expenses. Information about donating and the scholarship application can be found on the Jacksonville Promise website.