21st Century Scholar Student Application

The 21st Century Scholars Society scholarship was established in 2007 to invest in IVCC’s most promising second-year students who will graduate or transfer to an instituiton of higher education in May 2027.

The Society’s mission is to reward currently enrolled IVCC students who demonstrate academic excellence, college and community service, and are continuing their education at IVCC in fall 2026 and spring 2027 semesters.

The Scholar may be awarded up to $3,000 for their sophomore year to assist with tuition, fees, books or educational expenses. In addition, finalists could possibly receive awards ranging from $500 up to $1,500.

Eligibility requirements
1. Student must have completed 12 credit hours or more in fall 2026;
2. Enrolled in 12 credit hours or more in spring 2027 and all credits must be completed by the end of the term;
3. By the close of spring 2026, a total of 24 IVCC credit hours or more must be completed;
4. By the close of spring 2026, a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above must be documented on an IVCC transcript.
NOTE: Students formally accepted in the LPN or RN program, full-time hours may vary.
NOTE: If chosen as a recipient, you are expected to enroll at full-time* in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 (*12 credit hours or more per emester).
NOTE: Students previously awarded the 21st Century Scholars Society scholarship are not eligible to apply.

Essay Preparation
Requirements - The following is to be discussed in your essay, in detail.
1. Your educational goals and career aspirations.
2. Individual(s) who may have influenced your decision in choosing your specific area of study and helped guide and inspire your academic goals and/or successes.
3. Leadership abilities.
4. Past or current involvement in campus organizations or activities.
5. Involvement in community service external to IVCC.
6. Financial concerns or special circumstances that may merit consideration.
7. Personal obstacles you overcame, if applicable

Guidelines
Length: minimum of 1,000 words but no more than 4 pages
Typed
Double-spaced
Font type: Times New Roman
Font size: 12
All margins 1 inch (left, right, top, bottom)

Application available Monday, March 16, 2026 with the deadline Thursday, April 16, 2026 to submit the application and essay for the 2026-27 school year.

Contact Donna Swiskoski in the IVCC Foundation Office for more information at donna_swiskoski@ivcc.edu or (815) 224-0551

Apply to be the Scholar

We are proud of the accomplishments of our past 21st Century Scholars.

2025-26 year
Scholar

To be annouced Sept. 25, 2025

Excellence
To be announced Sept. 25, 2025

To be announced Sept. 25, 2025

To be announced Sept. 25, 2025

Merit
Isabella Argubright

Bhawna Fnu

Nathaniel Hansen

Allison Kubiak

Maya Zeman

2024-25 year
Scholar

Shelby Einhaus

Excellence
Emma Garretson

Alexia Gross

Hannah Larsen

Merit
Travis Dougherty

Abigail Kunz

Garret Zinke

Special Recognition
Courtney Bailey

Lydia Dornik

Odin Klotz

Creed McCormick

Emma Walker


2023-24 year
Scholar

Andrew Knipper

Special Recognition
Logan Brandner

Caleb Savitch

Elizabeth Boyles

Merit
Elizabeth Browder

Madeline Klicker

Isabella Lambert

Eric Lockwood

Earl Pantig

2022-23 year
Scholar
Gunnar Jauch
Gunnar Jauch
2021-22 year
Scholar
Helena Ogle
Helena Ogle
2020-21 Scholar
Grace McCormick
Grace McCormick
2019-20 co-Scholars
Gena Fassino and Devanshi Patel
Gena FassinoDevanshi Patel
2018-19 Scholar
Lillian Rodrigues

Lillian Rodrigues 2018-19 Scholar 2017-18 Scholar
Akari Oya
Akari Oya
2016-17 Scholar
Gabriel Braboy
Gabriel Braboy 2016-17 Scholar