The Heartland Community College Foundation and Regions Bank on Wednesday, February 8 announced an endowed scholarship funded by Regions to benefit first-generation college students.
Regions’ $25,000 gift will award a $1,000 scholarship annually to a first-generation college student attending Heartland. It’s the second contribution the bank has presented to the college to fund student scholarships.
“Every day, our teams are working to create more inclusive prosperity, and that commitment extends beyond banking. It includes supporting educational opportunities for more people across Central Illinois,” said Bart Rose, Commercial Banking leader and local market executive for Regions Bank. “Heartland Community College is preparing the workforce of today – and tomorrow – through educational programs that connect people with well-paying jobs. That benefits the quality of life in our area and makes a deeply personal difference for many families. We are proud to build on our support of Heartland’s work in helping students continue their education and pursue their dreams.”
First-generation college students are defined as students whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree, regardless of other family members’ level of education.
Community colleges have a successful track record of helping first-gen students advance academically. A recent study conducted by The Center for First-Generation Student Success cited the universal design for learning approach practiced by Heartland as a key to first-generation student success.
“It is important to recognize the positive intergenerational impact of attending college and the ability of a college degree to improve students’ economic circumstances,” said Michelle Baldwin, Heartland Community College Director of Student Support Services. “First-generation students not only improve their immediate prospects for employment and success, they also serve as role models to younger siblings and others in their family.”
Twenty percent of Heartland students attending in the Fall 2022 semester were identified as first-generation college students.
“With the creation of this endowed scholarship, Regions Bank is making a contribution that will have an impact on the community for years to come,” said Chris Downing, Executive Director of the Heartland Foundation. “As Heartland students advance on their educational path, or directly into the workforce, they are most likely to remain here in our home community, where they raise families and build careers.”
Last year, the Heartland Community College Foundation awarded over 250 scholarships to local students totaling over $475,000 in financial support.
To learn more about scholarships at Heartland Community College, visit https://www.heartland.edu/payingForCollege/scholarships/apply.html, where application information is also available.
