Friday, March 6 is the deadline for the 2015-2016 school year Foundation Scholarship application.

Over 200 scholarships are awarded to IVCC students ranging anywhere from $500 to $3,500.

Some scholarships awarded are available for other uses than just tuition. Students may also apply the scholarship towards books, lab fees, supplies, and expenses.

Scholarships require basic student information including, date of birth, grade point average, area of study, etc. This information allows the Foundation administrative assistant Donna Swiskoski to put students into different pools for the scholarships that will benefit the student best.

In addition to filling out the application, students are required to submit a FAFSA. As part of the application, an essay is required. Students are encouraged to take the time and build an essay demonstrating circumstances or reasons as to why they deserve the scholarship money.

The essay is reviewed and scored on criteria such as grammar and spelling, Swiskoski said, adding that the required essay alone is a major factor in deciding scholarship winners. Scholarships can be turned into the Foundation Office in room C-202 or mailed and postmarked no later than March 6.

Scholarships are not all given to students with most financial need. Students are encouraged to focus and apply for all scholarships. The Foundation’s goal is to be able to award every student who takes the time to apply and provide all necessary information.

In the previous year, The Foundation was able to award scholarships to every applicant. It was the first time since the Foundation began in 1976. The Foundation hopes to be able to continue this each and every year.

Scholarship applicants begin to be reviewed after March 6. Once students are selected for the scholarships, students will be notified from a letter though the mail.

The scholarship application as well as other information is provided on the IVCC Web site. Students are also welcome to stop in room C-202 anytime to pick up an application or to have any questions answered. Swiskoski can be reached at 815-224-0551 or at [email protected].