Being able to afford college is a distant dream for many. Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC), a nonprofit, offers multiple scholarships to help students pay for college tuition and fees. As of February 3, WIRC has reopened their scholarship program and is accepting applications for a limited time.
WIRC currently offers three scholarships that serve different populations. High school graduating seniors and college students of all ages are welcome to apply. The complete list of eligibility guidelines for each scholarship is listed at wirpc.org/scholarships/. The $2,000 Scholastic Scholarship and the $1,500 Trade School Scholarship are open to students whose permanent residence is in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, Knox, or Warren counties in Illinois. The $5,000 Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship is open to McDonough County, Illinois, students who have lived in the county for at least one year. Each scholarship will be awarded to multiple students until grant funds are exhausted.
The deadline to apply is Friday, March 31, 2023.
WIRC officials say that students can apply for all three scholarships by filling out one short form on their website at wirpc.org/scholarships/. The WIRC Scholarship Committee will review the submitted applications and determine if each applicant is eligible for one or more scholarships. Finalists may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income.
For assistance or to learn more information, contact Haley at WIRC by emailing Haley@wirpc.org or by calling the WIRC office at 309-837-2997 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Scholastic and Trade School scholarships are funded in part by the federal Community Services Block Grant, which is administered statewide by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship is funded by Janet and Lee Cobb in honor of their late son, Nathan.
WIRC helps people and communities, and is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Their office is located at 133 West Jackson Street in Macomb, Illinois. For more information, find them on social media, visit their website at wirpc.org, or call 309-837-2997.
***Courtesy of Western Illinois Regional Council***
