Rivers Casino donates $100,000 to Oakton for scholarships
A scholarship fund to help students achieve their goals at Oakton Community College got a $100,000 boost from the Rivers Casino Charitable Foundation.
Oakton and Rivers Casino Des Plaines leaders celebrated the donation to the Oakton Community College Educational Foundation at a ceremony at the college's Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road.
Including this year's contribution to the scholarship fund, Rivers has now provided more than $700,000 to the Oakton Community College Educational Foundation.
"Rivers Casino has always prioritized giving back to the community, and we're grateful for their ongoing support of scholarships for students from Des Plaines," said Katherine Sawyer, Oakton's chief advancement officer and foundation executive director.
"Over the past decade, nearly 1,000 students have been able to start, continue and complete their college education because of Rivers' generosity."
Nearly $600,000 of Rivers' grants to Oakton have helped fund scholarships for students from the Des Plaines area who demonstrate financial need to continue their academic studies.
Grants from Rivers have also funded equipment for medical labs in the college's health sciences programs and the creation of a workspace for students in the new Student Center on the Des Plaines campus.
"Being a good neighbor, giving back to the community and supporting educational pursuits are part of Rivers' culture," said Corey Wise, senior vice president and general manager of Rivers Casino Des Plaines.
"Oakton Community College has been a tremendous partner, and we appreciate being able to make a difference in the lives of students."
In addition to providing grants to educational institutions like Oakton, Rivers has a tuition reimbursement program and awards scholarships for team members and their families.
To date, Rivers has awarded more than $3.3 million in team member scholarships and distributed more than $10 million in donations and grants to nonprofits.
The Oakton Educational Foundation, the college's charitable arm, supports Oakton's mission and vision by raising funds supporting student scholarships, academic programs, teaching excellence, and capital improvements that enhance the quality of education for students, helping individuals attain economic security and improving the quality of life in our region.
Due to donors' generosity, the Educational Foundation allocated $842,317 to the college and its students in fiscal year 2020, including $538,326 for scholarships and $241,262 for academic and student support.
Whether your goals include earning a four-year degree or quickly gaining skills to help you succeed in a rewarding career, Oakton's 130 degree and certificate programs can help you reach them.
Visit www.Oakton.edu to get started. With one scholarship application at oakton.academicworks.com, currently enrolled students can access hundreds of scholarship opportunities - many of which are supported by the Oakton Educational Foundation.