Highland area organizations offer scholarships

Highland Civic Woman’s Club

Applications are being accepted for the Highland Civic Woman’s Club Geralyn M. Rehkemper Memorial Fund scholarship. The fund grants money to someone who wishes to attend a class or seminar or who is attending college. Preference is given to a mother wanting to further her career, her personal advancement in many areas (including the arts and parenting skills), or her college education.

The fund was established in 1998 in memory of a fellow club member, who died from breast cancer. The funds are held and administered by the Highland Area Community Foundation. Applicant must reside in the area served by the Highland Area Community Foundation.

The amount of the scholarship will be $500, and only one recipient will be chosen. Scholarship money will be given to the institution providing the education or training for the recipient. Scholarships are awarded in July 2016.

Application deadline is March 31 and can be obtained at the Highland Area Community Foundation, or by emailing your contact information to jennscookin@gmail.com or by calling Jen Beadle at (618) 978-3317.

Highland Lions Club

The Highland Lions Club will hand out two $1,500 scholarships. As part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club, the Highland Lions Club will recognize graduating seniors who balance academic achievement with community service. One scholarship is available only to students at Highland High School. The second is open to all students who reside in the Highland School District (HHS students, plus those how attend other schools).

Application forms are available at the Highland High School counseling center. Eligible applicants who attend schools other than Highland High School can contact Jan. G. Kreutzberg, Highland Lions Club Scholarship coordinator, at 675-3307 or kreutzberrggj@agtelco.com. Deadline for application is April 4.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-Highland Auxiliary

Scholarship applications for the 2016-2017 academic year are now available at high school guidance offices or St. Joseph’s Hospital Gift Shop, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The auxiliary will award two $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors living within the Highland School District boundaries and accepted into a college medical program.

The awarding of scholarships will be based on academic merit and acceptance into a medical program at an accredited institution.

The school attended need not be an Illinois institution, but must be recognized or accredited as a legitimate institution.

Application forms must be completed and returned by March 31 to the Hospital Gift Shop or high school guidance department to be considered.

Direct any questions to the Scholarship Committee of St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland, IL 62249.

Many past scholarship recipients have returned the favor by joining the SJH staff after completing their academic program/degree. When these quality professionals apply their service and expertise at SJH, it benefits both the hospital and the community.

Highland Woman’s Club

The Highland Woman’s Club Scholarship of $1,000 is awarded annually to a female high school senior who lives in the Highland School District. The scholarship is awarded to a young woman who demonstrates leadership and service in both school and community while achieving excellence in her academics. Interested candidates may pick up an application from their counselor at Highland High School, Mater Dei High School, or Father McGivney High School.

Alhambra Community Club

A $500 scholarship is being offered by the Alhambra Community Club. It is open to Alhambra residents who are in a continuing educational program. Applications have been made available at Highland High School, and copies will be hung on the bulletin board at Maedge’s Restaurant in Alhambra. There is less than a month left to turn in the application.

Alhambra Fire Department

The Alhambra Fire Department is offering a $500 scholarship. Applicants must be living in the Alhambra Fire District and be a graduating senior in 2016. Forms may be picked up at Highland High School, or call John Mindrup at (618) 409-3941 to get the applications. The deadline for applying is April 15. Applications will be assessed and recipient chosen by an independent company.

SWIC Foundation

It is time to apply for Southwestern Illinois College scholarships.

Whether you are a new student, a current student or a student graduating in the spring or summer with plans to transfer, now’s the time to apply for scholarships to help you pay for college starting fall 2016.

One application gains you access to more than 250 scholarships awarded by the SWIC Foundation. Scholarship awards cover fall 2016 and spring 2017 semesters.

Individuals should submit applications before Tuesday, March 1 for the best selection opportunities. Applications must be completed online at swic.edu/foundation. Individuals are considered for all eligible scholarships based on information provided in the application.

“Scholarships awarded by the SWIC Foundation are funded by businesses, individuals and organizations in the region who want to help our students succeed,” notes Foundation Associate Director Rena Thoele. “The support of these donors makes a true impact upon our students’ ability to reach their educational goals. We hear that time and again from our recipients.”

Scholarships and book awards — ranging from $100 to $5,000 — are available to meet the diverse interests and attributes of SWIC students. Some scholarships are based on academic areas of study, geographic area or sports participation, while others are designated specifically for returning adults, SWIC graduates transferring to a four-year college or university, or those meeting a variety of other criteria. Whether you are a full-time student enrolled in 12 semester hours, or attending part-time with six semester hours, there are scholarships to meet your needs.

With a few exceptions, scholarship applicants must reside within Community College District No. 522. A minimum grade-point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is necessary to apply, with some scholarships requiring a higher GPA.

The Foundation is the fundraising arm of the college. It assists the entire college community by securing financial support for scholarships, special educational activities and cultural endeavors.

For more information, contact the Foundation office at (866) 942-SWIC (7942) or (618) 235-2700, ext. 5518; emailscholarships@swic.edu; or visit swic.edu/foundation.

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 1:57 AM with the headline "Highland area organizations offer scholarships."