IVAC creates two $1,500 scholarships through Illinois Valley Community College

Scholarships will be awarded annually beginning in the fall

The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring two $1,500 scholarships through Illinois Valley Community College. The scholarships will be awarded annually beginning in the fall.

The “IVAC Building Our Community Scholarship” is for students pursuing trades such as automotive technology, electronics, electricity, HVAC, manufacturing, computer numerical control, industrial maintenance, machinist tool and die and welding.

The “IVAC Leading Our Community Scholarship” will go to a student in general studies who demonstrates potential for community leadership.

IVAC Executive Director Bill Zens said scholarships helped him attend IVCC from 2006 to 2008.

“(Zens) knows first-hand the importance a scholarship can have,” IVCC President Jerry Corcoran said. “At $1,500, the IVAC awards will play a significant role in a student’s ability to begin college or continue.”

“IVAC members are facing staffing challenges, especially in the manufacturing sector,” Corcoran added. “These scholarships will help provide work-ready graduates to local employers.”