Adult Scholarships Awarded for Fall Semester 2026
Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt County – Fifteen returning adult students continuing their education are being joined by 15 new recipients of adult scholarship awards through a competitive program coordinated by The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF). 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 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.”
Renewing Adult Scholarship Recipients Fall Semester 2026
- Jessica Evans
- Riley Logan
- Rebecca Harding
- Veronica Jones
- Allison Nolen
- Nikki Eagler
- Jami Fawley
- Alexa Jones
- Abigail Norman
- Serena Klaves
- Nathaniel Cardinal
- Denise Flexser
- Mary Jenkins (DPS)
- Kelsey Rigsby (DPS)
- Damian Jones (METC – IBEW Apprenticeship)
New Adult Scholarship Recipients Fall Semester 2026
Name, School/Program
- Craig Austin – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (MBA)
- Shiowa Karsten – Eastern Illinois University (MEd Educational Leadership)
- Kristen Larner – Eastern Illinois University (MEd Educational Leadership)
- Raven Moore – Richland Community College (ADN Program)
- Demi Morr – Richland Community College (Practical Nursing Program)
- Danielle Patricio – Bradley University (EdD Edu. Leadership – Higher Ed Admin
- Anna Peters – Millikin University (BS Nursing)
- Brittany Peters – American College of Education (MEd Special Education)
- Braden Snyder – Eastern Illinois University (MEd Educational Leadership)
- Anaudia Williams – Ball State University (MS Applied Behavior Analysis
- Heather England – Western Governor’s University (Ed Specialist Degree –
Superintendent Endorsement) - Doug Smith – Southern Illinois University Carbondale (MS Social Work)
- Josie St. Pierre – Illinois State University (MEd Special Education
- Amanda Swigert – University of Illinois Springfield (BS Elementary Education)
- April Thornton – Illinois State University (Library Information Specialist)
List of Graduating Adult Scholarship Recipients
Dec 2025
- Lillian Briscoe
- Tara Hubbard
Spring 2026
- Brooke Bates
- Kyline Burge
- Jessica Meier
- Raphaella Prange
- Holly Ravenscraft
- Allison Shuppara
- Julie Turner
- Tamika Thomas
- Summer 2026 Tracy Hayward
- Joshua Platzbecker
2026 Apprenticeship Grads
- Evan Klaves
- Garrett McMillion
- John Meek
- Lamarcus Williams
Adults and Graduating High School Seniors have the opportunity to apply for Fall Semester 2027 scholarship funding when the application portal opens on January 1, 2027 at heartofillinois.org. Completed applications will be due by March 1, 2027 (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.
