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Health & Fitness

McHenry County College Debuts New Women's Scholarship, Mentoring Program

Education to Empowerment is a new, unique McHenry County College scholarship and mentoring opportunity for women offered by the Friends of MCC Foundation.

The scholarship’s mission is to empower women to reach their fullest potential and achieve economic independence through education, mentoring and financial support.

This innovative new scholarship and mentoring program will provide financial support and ongoing mentorship for female McHenry County College students completing their final year at MCC and continuing onto a four-year college or university toward an advanced degree.

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Beginning in Fall 2013, the Education to Empowerment scholarship will provide an award of up to $4,000 distributed throughout the recipient’s sophomore year at MCC and up to $4,000 distributed in the fall semester of the recipient’s junior year at an accredited four-year college or university. At MCC, the money can be used toward tuition, fees and books from the MCC Bookstore. At the university level, $4,000 will be awarded to offset costs shown on the student’s university invoice.

To be eligible for Education to Empowerment, an applicant must be a female student or transgender student who self-identifies as a woman, enrolled as a full-time student at MCC and has achieved sophomore status and be a resident of McHenry County and demonstrate financial need. In addition, the applicant must have a cumulative 3.25 GPA or better and provide a copy of the invoice from the university they have enrolled in. The applicant must complete a 300-word essay outlining their personal and career goals. Priority will be given to applicants with two semesters remaining at MCC.

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Launched in February, Education to Empowerment is an initiative that brings together 100 influential McHenry County women to provide scholarships and mentoring opportunities for MCC female students.

The mentoring program brings together a network of some of the most influential and successful women in McHenry County.

“Education to Empowerment is more than just a needs-based scholarship offered to women in the county,” said Erin Smith of Lakewood, Education to Empowerment Committee member. “It closes the gap between getting access to education and getting support along the way. It connects students to successful women in a variety of fields. It helps develop the successful leaders of tomorrow.”

Smith, who serves as president of the Village of Lakewood, said she wants to help other women reach their educational goals.

“Without support from my family, a great education, and wonderful mentors and role models, I would not have achieved my goals,” Smith said. “As I look back with gratitude on the opportunities I received, I want to be able to provide the same support to others in their pursuits.”

Deadline to apply for the Education to Empowerment scholarship for the Fall 2013 Semester is July 1. Apply online at www.mchenry.edu/scholarships. For more information, contact Dane Walkington at (815) 455-8556.

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