Give Something Back (Give Back), a nationally renowned college scholarship and mentoring program, is celebrating its 20th anniversary at Illinois State University.
Over the past 20 years, Give Back has recruited eighth- and ninth-grade students in need of financial assistance to pursue post-secondary education. Those students who have experienced barriers to success, such as foster care, homelessness, or the incarceration of a parent are given priority. In addition to financial assistance, students are also provided with long-term coaching, career-based planning, and financial aid guidance to help them secure the post-secondary degrees, certifications, credentials, licenses, and training necessary to begin a well-paying career within a variety of industries and fields.
With over 2,000 scholarships awarded to students over the past 20 years, the organization has a lot to celebrate. On Saturday, November 4, Give Back and its CEO and founder Bob Carr will celebrate these milestones alongside university faculty, staff, alumni, and scholarship recipients at Illinois State’s Aaron Leech Stadium Club.
“We started Give Back in Illinois when we gave Noah Birch our first scholarship in 2003,” said Carr. “Twenty years later, with help from our 30 college partners like Illinois State University, and hundreds of volunteer mentors, we have helped change the lives of over 2,000 students and their families. We are particularly excited today to celebrate our 32 scholars attending ISU! We are so proud of all that our students have accomplished and grateful for all of the support they receive from ISU and our other partners.”
These partner organizations share an unwavering support for student success and scholarship through their organizational values and actions. This celebration will commemorate both the partnership between Illinois State and Give Back, as well as the past and future students who have benefited from and will continue to benefit from Give Something Back scholarships.
“Illinois State University has a deep commitment to student success,” said Interim President Aondover Tarhule. “Scholarships that enable students with financial need to attend college, complete their degrees, and begin meaningful careers are a key part of that commitment. We are deeply grateful for the partnership with Give Something Back and for the scholarships that the organization has provided for Illinois State students. Those scholarships have had a positive impact on the lives of those who have received them.”
For more information and to register for the November 4 event, please contact Stewardship@IllinoisState.edu.
