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
We are proud of the accomplishments of our past 21st Century Scholars.
2025-26 year
Scholar
Hailey Larsen
Excellence
Kambri Fisher
Eleanor Radtke
Danica Scoma
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
2021-22 year
Scholar
Helena Ogle
2020-21 Scholar
Grace McCormick
2019-20 co-Scholars
Gena Fassino and Devanshi Patel
2018-19 Scholar
Lillian Rodrigues
2017-18 Scholar
Akari Oya
2016-17 Scholar
Gabriel Braboy