Des Plaines, Ill (Aug. 5, 2024) – A pair of community members donated $100,000 to the Oakton College Educational Foundation to serve as a challenge to inspire others to join them in providing students the financial support they need to reach their goals. The gift was announced during a recent event.
With the donation, the benefactors launched a matching campaign for the General Scholarship Fund Endowment to create an enduring base of resources that will continue to grow and multiply — supporting access and success for Oakton students for years to come. The matching campaign invites community members to double their impact by contributing to the General Scholarship Fund Endowment, and those gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000.
“In these challenging times, as students come to us with more complex lives, our ultimate quest is to ensure that all Oakton students have what they need to achieve their dreams,” said Julie Fenton, Oakton College Educational Foundation Board of Directors President. “This versatile fund plays a crucial role in transforming lives and supporting students — regardless of their enrollment status, program of study or personal circumstances.”
The General Scholarship Fund stands out from other endowed scholarships due to its flexibility and inclusivity. The fund supports students who may not meet the requirements of other scholarships, including GPA or tuition for non-credit courses. In addition, while the fund covers traditional expenses such as books and fees, it goes beyond that. It also provides holistic support to address the real-life challenges that often hinder students' academic success, including housing costs, childcare, transportation and even groceries.
Twenty percent of Oakton students are parents, many with young or school-aged children, and twenty percent of the student body has contacted an on-staff care coordinator seeking support with housing, transportation or food insecurity.
“By recognizing and addressing these obstacles, Oakton supports students in overcoming barriers and pursuing their academic and life goals,” said Katherine Sawyer, CFRE, Oakton College Educational Foundation executive director. “The College and the Foundation extend their gratitude to our generous donors for believing in Oakton’s impact. Together, we are building just and thriving communities.”
To learn how to contribute to the General Scholarship Fund, visit their website. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization; all contributions are tax-deductible.