April 28, 2026 –
The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation has announced recipients of its Adult Scholarship program for the Fall 2026 semester, awarding new and renewed funding to support education and workforce development across Central Illinois.
The program serves residents in Macon, Moultrie and Piatt counties and is designed to help adults pursue higher education, whether entering college for the first time, returning after time away, or enrolling in trade and apprenticeship programs. Priority is given to applicants pursuing high-demand fields such as education and healthcare.
Foundation officials said the selection process remains competitive, with 22 applications submitted this year and each reviewed by multiple evaluators representing education, business and community leadership sectors. Awards are based on academic performance, financial need, personal essays and letters of recommendation.
For Fall 2026, the foundation awarded 15 new adult scholarships. Recipients include Craig Austin, Shiowa Karsten, Kristen Larner, Raven Moore, Demi Morr, Danielle Patricio, Anna Peters, Brittany Peters, Braden Snyder and Anaudia Williams, along with Decatur Public Schools educators Heather England, Doug Smith, Josie St. Pierre, Amanda Swigert and April Thornton.
In addition, 15 individuals will continue receiving scholarship support. Renewal recipients include Jessica Evans, Riley Logan, Rebecca Harding, Veronica Jones, Allison Nolen, Nikki Eagler, Jami Fawley, Alexa Jones, Abigail Norman, Serena Klaves, Nathaniel Cardinal and Denise Flexser, along with Decatur Public Schools educators Mary Jenkins and Kelsey Rigsby. Damian Jones will also continue support through an electrical apprenticeship program.
Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $2,500, with opportunities for renewal based on academic progress. The foundation distributes approximately $100,000 annually through the Adult Scholarship program.
Applications for the next scholarship cycle are expected to open January 1, 2027.
