Rockford Public Library (RPL), the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL), and Rock Valley College Foundation (RVCF) are excited to announce the annual Community Scholarship Fair will be held this December 3!

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 5:00 – 8:00pm at Embassy Suites in downtown Rockford (416 S Main Street) students, parents, and interested community members can meet face-to-face with dozens of local scholarship providers who collectively award more than $1.5 MILLION in scholarships annually to students right here in Northern Illinois. Scholarship seekers of all ages, backgrounds, educational aspirations, and from Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties should attend! Scholarships are available for students of all ages and citizenship status.

In addition to visiting scholarship provider’s booths, attendees may join FOUR informational seminars, each presented multiple times during the event:

1. Ask the Expert: all about FAFSA! Financial aid experts will be on hand to answer questions about the FAFSA. Computers will be available if you want to create or review your FSA account!
2. Writing for Scholarships: Learn tips and tricks for writing a compelling essay and personal statement to use for scholarship and school applications, and beyond!
3. Exploring Financial Aid in Illinois: staff from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and Rock Valley College will present on the FAFSA, financial aid programs, and how to apply for RVC Foundation scholarships.
4. CFNIL Scholarships: 125+ Awards, ONE STOP – CFNIL staff will provide a deep dive into how to apply for dozens of awards created specifically for students in Northern Illinois with just ONE application.

The fair will also include a variety of booths featuring organizations, programs, and resources that support students and their families right here in our community.

Learn more at www.scholarshipsni.com/communityfair.