Kankakee, IL – Scholarships will be awarded to help graduating high school seniors and full-time college students in the amount of $2,000 per student. In partnership with the Kankakee Public Library and Community Foundation, an event will be held to recognize the recipients based on academics, positive leadership, extra-curricular school activities and community involvement. In order to selected, applicants must interview with the scholarship committee.

According to the United Negro College Fund, barriers to graduating from college for some African American students is evidenced by low retention rates nationwide which is partially due to data that shows 65% of African American college students are independent. This means the students must balance pursuing higher education with a full-time job and other responsibilities.

“This scholarship is very intentional about removing those barriers for this specific group of students,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

Students must be a Kankakee resident. Any applicant who is a 2020 graduating senior at any of the three high schools within the city limits including Kankakee High School, Bishop McNamara Catholic School or Kankakee Trinity Academy are eligible.  

Applicants must submit:

1. Cover sheet and student information
2. Academics and post-high school education plans
3. School and extra-curricular activities
4. Community service and/or church involvement including a one-page double-spaced essay 

No taxpayer funds are utilized for the scholarships. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, February 28, 2020. The 2020 African American Civic Leaders’ Scholarship Committee will select the recipients and notify them no later than Friday, March 27, 2020. For more information on requirements and procedures, visit our website at www.citykankakee-il.gov. The application is located under Mayor’s Initiatives or under forms.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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