Elmhurst College sponsoring scholarship competition

Elmhurst College is sponsoring its second annual American Dream Fellowship Competition, a scholarship contest that supports the enrollment of first-generation college students.

The winner will receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. The second-place finisher will receive a stipend to cover four years' room and board at Elmhurst. All students who enter the competition will receive a $1,000 annual American Dream Fellowship Grant, which can be added to previously awarded merit scholarships and/or grant aid.

All freshmen who also are first-generation college students are invited to participate in the competition, which consists of two rounds:

• Round 1: Submit a video (no longer than three minutes) by Jan. 18 on this topic: As a first-generation student, what would graduating from college mean to you, your family and friends? Complete an application at elmhurst.edu/americandream.

• Round 2: From 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, students and their families will be invited to the second round of the competition, which will be held on the Elmhurst College campus.

The event will include an interview with each student entrant, an opportunity for entrants and their families to hear from current and former first-generation Elmhurst students, and a panel discussion for parents. Round 2 concludes with an awards ceremony hosted by President Troy D. VanAken, a first-generation college student.

"Higher education has the power to transform lives," VanAken said. "We're eager to hear from our first-generation students and to celebrate their decision to come to Elmhurst College."