2-month application window opens for IVCC scholarships

Current and incoming IVCC students began applying for Illinois Valley Community College Foundation scholarships Dec. 5, using one online application form to become eligible for more than $350,000 in available funds.

A new online program instituted last year streamlines the annual application process. The software makes the process easy, and since it only happens once a year, Foundation Executive Director Tracy Beattie recommends students take time now to apply. Scholarships will be awarded in May and applied to the 2026-2027 school year.

Awards range from $500 to $4,500 and are available in almost every area of study, but not all awards are tied to specific disciplines. More than 80 general scholarships are available to students who are undecided or in an area of study that does no't offer a distinct scholarship.

Students are not required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for an IVCC Foundation scholarship, but are encouraged to do so to be considered for need-based scholarships.

The link to apply for scholarships is open through Feb. 5, 2026, at ivcc.awardspring.com. For more information, contact Donna Swiskoski, Scholarship Specialist, at 815-224-0551.