Adult Scholarships Awarded for Fall Semester 2025
Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt County – Thirty returning adult students continuing their education are being joined by 7 new recipients of adult scholarship awards through a competitive program coordinated by The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF). The most recent scholarship cycle is the second time the HICF welcomed applications from adults residing in all three counties in the HICF service area, and is the first time awards were issued within Moultrie County. This semester’s individual awards range from $1,000 to $2,500. Since inception in 2020, the Adult Scholarship Program is possible thanks to generous individuals, families, and organizations, granting up to $100,000 annually.
The adult scholarship program represents an investment in workforce development supporting individuals seeking further education in critical need fields, such as education, health care, and skilled trades. This scholarship cycle, five new recipients are pursuing degrees in education, one recipient in nursing, and one will attend the apprenticeship program through Midstate Electrical Training Center (METC).
“The Adult Scholarship Program is a tremendous way to invest in the lives and development of adult residents in the counties we serve. It’s truly the power of donor generosity in action, and by making an investment in their goals and dreams, you make an investment in their families and workplaces, and ultimately our community,” stated Andrea Gerhard, HICF Director of Scholarships and Grants. “So many more could be provided this opportunity if more resources were available – an investment in this is a great way to “pay it forward” for those who have achieved their educational goals and are ready to give back.”
It's with great excitement we share with you the new and returning Adult Scholarship Award recipients for Fall Semester 2025:
New Adult Scholarship Recipients Fall Semester 2025
Name, School/Program, Place of Employment
- Kyline Burge, Eastern Illinois University, Sangamon Valley High School
- Jessica Evans, Maryville University, Kirby Medical Center
- Damian Jones Jr., Midstate Electrical Training Center (METC), Bodine Electric
- Riley Logan, American College of Education, Argenta-Oreana Elementary School
- Jessica Meier, Western Governors University, DPS 61 Muffley Elementary
- Clifton Ulbricht, Eastern Illinois University, Richland Community College
- Cecilia Zigler-Harrington, Grand Canyon University, DPS 61 Social Emotional Learning Academy (SELA)
Renewing Adult Scholarship Recipients Fall Semester 2025
Name, School/Program, Place of Employment
- Brooke Bates, Mississippi State University, State of Illinois
- Lillian Briscoe, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Lutheran Child & Family Services
- Nathaniel Cardinal, Wilmington University, State Farm Insurance
- Nikki Eagler, American College of Education, Maroa-Forsyth Elementary Teacher
- Jami Fawley, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Children's Museum of Illinois
- Denise Flexser, Grand Canyon University, Mt. Zion Intermediate School
- Rebecca Harding, Millikin University, Decatur Memorial Hospital
- Tracy Hayward, Rockhurst University, Millikin University
- Tara Hubbard, Grand Canyon University, DPS #61
- Mary Jenkins, Grand Canyon University, DPS #61 Franklin Grove Elementary School
- Alexa Jones, Eastern Illinois University, Sangamon Valley High School Teacher
- Veronica Jones, Illinois State University, Student at Parkland College
- Evan Klaves, Midstate Electrical Training Center, Bodine Electric of Decatur
- Stacy Marksberry, American College of Education, Sangamon Valley School District
- Garrett McMillion, Midstate Electrical Training Center, Student
- John Meek, Midstate Electrical Training Center, Bodine Electric of Decatur
- Allison Nolen, University of Illinois Springfield, Warrensburg-Latham CUSD #11 High School Principal
- Abigail Norman, American College of Education, Meridian High School Teacher
- Joshua Platzbecker, Millikin University, Illinois College
- Raphaella Prange, Maryville University, Maryville University
- Holly Ravenscraft, American College of Education, Argenta-Oreana CUSD #1 Teacher
- Kelsey Rigsby, Eastern Illinois University, DPS #61 Franklin Grove Elementary School Teacher
- Allison Shuppara, Ohio University, Richland Community College
- Kati Smith, North Central College, Macon-Piatt Special Education District
- Lydia Strand, Indiana University Indianapolis, Deland-Weldon High School Teacher
- Lafecia Taylor, Millikin University, FedEx Ground
- Tamika Thomas, Indiana-Wesleyan University, Richland Community College
- Julie Turner, Eastern Illinois University, DPS #61 Teaching & Learning Strategist
- LaMarcus Williams, Midstate Electrical Training Center, Bodine Electric of Decatur
Graduating Adult Scholarship Recipients 2025
Name, School/Program, Place of Employment
- Andrew Taylor, Millikin University, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County (May 2025)
- Natasha Hamilton, Millikin University, Student (May 2025)
- Amber Goebel, American College of Education, Bement CUSD #5 Middle School (August 2025)
- Kelly Hill, University of Illinois Chicago, Decatur Memorial Hospital (August 2025)
Adults and Graduating High School Seniors have the opportunity to apply for Fall Semester 2026 scholarship funding when the application portal opens on January 1, 2026 at heartofillinois.org. Completed applications will be due by March 1, 2026 (11:59 PM). To learn more about donating to the Adult Scholarship Program or questions on how to apply should be directed to HICF Director of Scholarships and Grants, Andrea Gerhard, at agerhard@heartofillinois.org or 217.429.3000.
