Students pursuing certification in SRC Career and Technical Education programs encouraged to apply
Through its “Operation Generosity” program, the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Macomb has assisted many worthy causes and organizations throughout McDonough County.
Left to right: representing Spoon River College: Brad O’Brien, Dean of Career & Workforce Education, and Dr. Curt Oldfield, President; and representing First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Macomb: Patti Jones, Rev. Kelly Ingersoll, and Anne Ingersoll.
Now, students at SRC will benefit.
As part of Phase Two operation Generosity, the church is making a gift of $15,000 to the Spoon River College Foundation to provide scholarships for several students over the next couple of academic years.
“As part of Phase One, we asked all of our active participants to each share $500 to benefit the lives of others in McDonough County,” said Rev. Kelly Ingersoll, FCC’s Senior Minister. “We saw gifts to places such as animal shelters, childcare facilities, organizations that help the poor and homeless, and even individuals who simply fell upon hard times and needed a leg up.
“Now, as part of Phase Two, the church is using the remaining funds to benefit the community in ways that it sees fit and that achieves one of our goals – to continue to expand our Christian service and outreach programs.”
McDonough County students who are pursuing a certificate program in Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Spoon River College and who demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to students entering programs that do not qualify for federal financial aid and to students who are 25 years of age or older.
“Historically, these students have fallen into a bit of a blind spot, because, even though their personal financial need may be significant, they’re often unable to receive federal or state financial aid for their education,” said Colin Davis, SRC Foundation Executive Director. “The generosity and foresight of Reverend Ingersoll and his congregation will provide a real boost to students who are selected to receive this scholarship opportunity, and we cannot express our gratitude enough.”
Scholarships of up to $2,500 will be awarded, with the first scholarships likely to be awarded in the Spring 2023 semester. FCC also plans to offer additional, non-financial support systems to the students as they progress through their educational journey.
Left to right: Dr. Curt Oldfield (President, SRC), Colin Davis (Exec. Director, SRC Foundation), Rev. Kelly Ingersoll (FCC), Brad O’Brien (Dean of Career & Workforce Education, SRC), and Anne Ingersoll (FCC).
“We know that while financial support is a big deal, it’s not everything,” said Ingersoll. “It is our goal to ensure that the students who go through this program know that we’re here to provide them with additional support and that they’re welcome in our family, in addition to the student success services that SRC offers.”
Students who meet these qualifications are encouraged to apply, and the application will be available beginning in January at the SRC Scholarships webpage. Scholarships will be offered on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
For more information about this scholarship or other scholarship opportunities, or to learn how you can support this scholarship or any project of the SRC Foundation, please call (309) 649-6395 or Email Colin Davis.