JACKSONVILLE PROMISE FACES $100,000 FUNDING GAP AS SCHOLARSHIP DEMAND RISES

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Jacksonville Promise is facing a $100,000 funding gap after a sharp increase in students applying for its college scholarship program, prompting the nonprofit to ask Jacksonville city leaders for significantly more financial support.

The organization provides scholarships to students who graduate from Morgan County high schools and continue their education at a college in Jacksonville. Program director Charles Sheaff told the Jacksonville City Council that applications have risen roughly 15 to 20 percent after expanded student services made the scholarships more attractive. Eligible students can receive a total of $14,400 over four years.

Sheaff said Jacksonville Promise has helped bring more students to local colleges and keep some graduates in the area after college. He told council members the program estimates it has generated nearly $63 million in economic activity for Morgan County over the past decade. The city currently contributes $7,500 a year to the nonprofit.

Without new funding, Jacksonville Promise says scholarship benefits could have to be reduced. The organization plans to seek help not only from Jacksonville but also from other municipalities and Morgan County, while continuing to pursue grants and private donations.