Illinois Valley Leads Group creates scholarship

Illinois Valley Leads Group has established a scholarship with the Illinois Valley Community College Foundation to support adult students age 22 to 40.

The annual IV Leads Young Professionals Scholarship will cover tuition, fees, books and related expenses for full- and part-time students carrying a minimum 3.0 GPA. Home-schooled and High School Equivalency (GED) graduates are eligible. One, $1,000 scholarship will be awarded starting this fall.

“We are delighted to partner with the region’s young leaders to support adult students,” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran. “The average age of our student is about 23; many are working and raising a family. This is much-appreciated assistance.”

Founded in 2016 and established as a nonprofit in 2020, IV Leads serves young professionals age 22-to-45 looking to enhance their leadership abilities; it focuses on Leadership Education and Development Skills (Leads).

In addition, the organization helps professionals meet new people and develop new relationships. It hosts speakers on motivation, sales, memorization skills, professional growth, networking, etc.

Twice a year, it hosts a panel of local mentors to discuss how they established their careers and became successful, thus giving advice to the Illinois Valley’s future mentors.

Board members include President T.J. Templeton, Vice President Rachel Balestri, Treasurer Neal Knauf, Secretary Jenny Roulston, Danielle DeCarlo, Neal Hodges, Andrew Koyak and Spencer Luecke. Currently, there are more than 50 IV Leads members.

For information, contact illinoisvalleyleads@gmail.com.