By Karen Sharp
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Joshua Nelson, a senior at St. Charles West High School received a full-ride scholarship to Southeast Missouri State University. He was one of only five students selected for the prestigious President’s Scholarship at the university. Since his college was now fully paid for he decided to donate the $1,000 he saved for college to a student who needed it.
“I really thought it was important to give back to my community that poured in so much to me,” Nelson told KDSK. “Honestly, it makes me feel on top of the world. The fact that I can just help somebody a little bit makes me feel great and I really want to see other people succeed.”
High school senior donates college savings after landing prestigious scholarship
Joshua Nelson landed a full-ride scholarship to Southeast Missouri State University. Now the Missouri native wants to pay it forward by donating his college savings to another high school senior.
Nelson, a senior at St. Charles West High School, was one of only five students selected for the prestigious President’s Scholarship at the university. A total of 288 people applied, according to the City of St Charles School District.
This scholarship, valued at $43,000, will cover tuition and boarding for four years as long as Nelson meets the annual renewal criteria, according to the university. And now that it’s paid for, the 18-year-old decided to donate the $1,000 he saved for college to another student in need.
2021 Community Action Scholarship applications available
Rockford Register Star
ROCKFORD Applications for the 2021 Community Action Scholarship are now available through the city of Rockford Human Services Department.
The average scholarship award is $2,300 with multiple awards available. Applicants must meet household income guidelines, reside in Winnebago or Boone County, and plan on attending a post-secondary accredited school or training program located in the state of Illinois in 2021. There is no age requirement. The financial assistance is paid directly to the institution for direct costs of tuition and textbooks.
With the 2020 Community Needs Assessment showing a gap in educational achievement based on race, diverse students are encouraged to apply. Scholarships are funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Community Services Block Grant.