ECC, OneMain Financial, and Achieving the Dream award scholarships to deserving students
Four Elgin Community College students are closer to achieving their educational dreams thanks to the OneMain Financial Completion Scholarship Program, a partnership between the financial institution and Achieving the Dream Inc.
Each ECC recipient will receive a $3,000 scholarship through the program.
• Claire Bechard, Elgin, pursuing an associate in applied science in accounting
• Shaurice Johnson, Elgin, pursuing an associate in science
• Jeffrey Meuser, South Elgin, pursuing an associate in science in chemistry
• Eliana Penafiel, Elgin, pursuing an associate in arts
"OneMain Financial is pleased to provide scholarship support for these deserving students. We understand the important role played by Elgin Community College, and know these awards will help students achieve their career goals," said Sheldon Caplis, director of community relations, OneMain Financial.
ECC is one of five community colleges in the AtD National Reform Network selected to participate in the Completion Scholarship Program; the other four are Atlanta Technical College Foundation (GA), Central Piedmont Community College (NC), Community College of Philadelphia (PA), and El Centro College (TX). ECC is an ATD Leader College.
"We are proud to be a Leader College in the ATD network," said David Sam, ECC president. "OneMain Financial and ATD are making important contributions to the future of these students. They are deserving recipients."
ECC and OneMain will honor scholarship recipients at a presentation ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m. in the Reading Room in the Renner Academic Library and Learning Resources, Building C.
About Elgin Community College
Since 1949, Elgin Community College (ECC) has been dedicated to improving lives through learning. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ECC offers six associate degree programs and more than 140 career-oriented occupational degrees and certificates, corporate and continuing education programs, and a full complement of pre-collegiate courses and initiatives. The college's 360-square-mile district is home to 446,224 residents, 10,000+ businesses, four school districts, and 33 communities. The U.S. Department of Education has designated ECC as a Hispanic-serving institution. The college has also been distinguished as a Military Friendly® institution since 2012. Nearly 11,000 credit students enrolled during the fall 2014 semester, and ECC has increased completions by 43 percent between 2000 and 2012, according to data provided by NIU's Center for Governmental Studies.
Achieving the Dream is a national nonprofit leading the nation's most comprehensive nongovernmental reform network for student success in higher education history. The Achieving the Dream National Reform Network, including over 200 institutions, more than 100 coaches and advisers, and 15 state policy teams - working throughout 34 states and the District of Columbia - helps nearly 4 million community college students have a better chance of realizing greater economic opportunity and achieving their dreams. For more information visit www.achievingthedream.org.
OneMain Financial provides personal loans and one-on-one, local service from more than 1,100 branches nationwide. Since 1912, OneMain Financial has worked with customers to find the loan solutions that best fit their needs and budget. The company and its employees proudly support local activities and events that bring communities together. Additional information may be found at OneMainFinancial.com.