Deborah Smith Havighorst
Executive Director, Institutional Advancement and the Prairie State College Foundation
Rm. 2266
(708) 709-7918
Susan Sebastian
Manager of Scholarships and Alumni Relations, Prairie State College Foundation
Rm. 2268
(708) 709-7879
Office Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Other Hours: By appointment
Foundation Scholarship Criteria
A scholarship applicant must:
- Be registered for the semester for which they are applying for a scholarship.
- Be working towards earning their first degree or certificate from PSC.
*Students who have already earned a degree will not be considered, unless they have been admitted into the PSC Dental Hygiene, Nursing or Surgical Tech program.
- Have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
*If your GPA is under 2.0, please contact the PSC Foundation office, so that we may discuss. - Demonstrate financial need.
- Have filed a FAFSA for the semester in which they are applying for a scholarship.
*If you are unable to complete a FAFSA, please contact the PSC Foundation office, so that we may discuss.
Other important information:
- Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received.
- The response time varies and is based on the number of applications pending review.
- Funding is limited so the application window can close early, at any time, once semester funds have been exhausted
Foundation Events
The Foundation offers scholarships to assist eligible students in paying for their
education at Prairie State College. Each year, hundreds of students receive assistance
with tuition, fees and textbooks. Proceeds from the events listed below support PSC
scholarships. Please consider supporting by attending and/or sponsoring these events.
Economic Forecast Breakfast
The Economic Forecast Breakfast is an annual event for community members and business
owners. Past guest speakers have included representatives of the Federal Reserve Bank
of Chicago. Guests enjoy breakfast, with an opportunity to network, while learning
the economic forecast for the greater southland community, the state and the country,
all while supporting the Prairie State College Foundation.
Scholarship Classic Golf Outing
The first Scholarship Classic Golf Outing was held in 1993 and continues as an annual
fundraiser supporting the Foundation’s scholarship programs. Each year, participants
enjoy a day of golf, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Through the generosity of the Scholarship
Classic participants and sponsors, hundreds of students have achieved their educational
goals at Prairie State College.
Reach For The Stars Gala
The annual Reach for the Stars Gala is the preeminent fundraiser that celebrates student
success and typically funds an entire semester’s worth of scholarships. This event
is known for always offering attendees a memorable experience in an elegant setting
and includes dinner, entertainment and dancing – all to raise funds to support Prairie
State College student scholarships. The Reach for the Stars Award honors an individual
who’s time, talent and commitment has made a significant impact in the lives of students
in the PSC community.
Foundation Directors
The Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of individuals dedicated to the success of Prairie State College students. Need-based scholarships are awarded to help students cover the cost of tuition and books.
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Andre’ B. Ashmore |
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Rebecca A. Nagle
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Marisela Zambrano
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Thomas Saban, Ph.D.
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Board of Directors
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Michael D. Anthony, Ph.D.
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Sam Balark
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Rebbie Davis
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Chief Jimmy Delano
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Maria M. Desmond
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Brent Frank
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Monica Gordon
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Marie Hansel, DNP, RN
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Kathryn Humecki
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Kyle Kasperek
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Joyce Morgan Michael
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David A. Naze, Ph.D.
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Thomas Nicholas
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Patrick J. Ormsby |
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Donald F. Ransford
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Allan Spooner
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Marilyn Kent Tapajna
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Elighie Wilson III
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Tim Woloszyn |
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Deborah Smith Havighorst |
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships
- registered for the semester which you are applying,
- a current FAFSA on file with the Financial Aid Office,
- seeking a degree or certificate program at Prairie State College,
- a 2.0 GPA or higher, and
- demonstrates financial need.
Spotlight Scholars
Spotlight Scholars were asked to complete the line, "If it wasn't for Prairie State College..."
Santario
If it wasn’t for Prairie State College I wouldn’t be on the verge of accomplishing my dreams. An educated woman is what I became. I have overcome my circumstance and obstacles. Yes, I have done the impossible. In 2 months and 17 days I will be the first nurse and college graduate in my family. Most people said it was going to be difficult to work nights at UPS and be a full-time nursing student. However, with the support and dedication Prairie State gives it students, anything is possible. I am confident, self-assured and more than ready to start my career in what I love to do. Which is to care for those who can’t care for themselves. I am Santario Washington and I’m proud to say that I am a Prairie State College Scholar.
Micella
If it wasn't for Prairie State College, I wouldn't have been able to start my journey as a nurse. Nursing has always been my passion and attending Prairie State has helped me realize that if you want something you have to put in the work to get it. Being a part of a school where faculty sincerely cares about your success and people who will do anything to help you succeed is a blessing. I am proud say I will soon be receiving my second degree from Prairie State College..
Freddy
If it wasn’t for Prairie State College, I would not be standing here before you tonight, thanking each and every single one of you. Being able to go home tonight and telling my mother I’m a college student. This statement might be insignificant to many, but to me it means everything. I am an undocumented student that lives with his single mother and younger sister and we are barely making enough income for rent and bills. Being an undocumented student didn’t help my case because I am not eligible to apply for any Federal Financial Aid and most scholarships ask that you need to be a citizen. The idea of attending college one day seemed impossible. Having to mature at a very young age because I was now the, “man of the house” and taking care of my little sister was my main priority while my mother worked. I briefly lost sight of my own goals and saw them as an impossible obstacle I couldn’t get past. When my senior year of high school came I was ready to see all my friends go away to school, but Prairie State College reached out to a handful of us and asked us to place into their Early College Initiative program. I took classes at Prairie State College even before I graduated from high school and it helped me realize that nothing is impossible. I didn’t care what I had to do, but I decided I was going to college. I sometimes have to work two jobs just to make enough to make that monthly tuition payment, and help my mother at home with bills, rent and to fix our car every time it breaks down. I often sleep 3 to 4 hours a night so I can squeeze in some study time before waking up at 4 a.m. to go to work. I take the bus or often walk to school when I don’t have enough change to take the bus. I have the Foundation to thank for every scholarship they’ve found that I was eligible to apply for due to my status. With that help it take some weight off of my back and now I am able to help at home with more expenses. Prairie State College helped me meet so many helpful people that are willing to go out of their way for me. I have friends that have seen me walking to school give me rides whenever they can. My academic advisor, Jennica, helps me to stay on track and not lose hope and sight of what my goals are and always opens another door of opportunity when one closes and has helped me find some financial relief through the Foundation disregarding my status. Because of Prairie State College I am overjoyed to say that I am a college student and I can bring the news to my mother that I will be graduating this spring and continuing with my academic career and thank her for all her hard work.
Tinsha
If it wasn't for Prairie State, I would not have had the opportunity to explore my potential as a leader. 7 years ago, I wasn't even able to speak English fluently, but right now I am serving as the President of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor society at Prairie State. Every staff member I interact with at Prairie State has made a difference in my life. Through this interaction, I was able to find the leader that was inside me and I was able to overcome my fears because they motivated me every day— even when I was down.
Omar
If it wasn’t for Prairie State College, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Ever since I was young, I have always been taught how important opportunity is and that education is the key. Since coming to Prairie State, I’ve been able to not just get an education but to grow. Being there has given me the opportunity to learn more about myself and to be a part of many different experiences. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet many amazing people who helped shape me and who I am today.
Thank you!
Rita
If it wasn't for Prairie State College and your support, I would not have had the opportunity to attend this prestigious school. I am a proud recipient of tuition and book scholarship awards. I have balanced family, work and school. It wasn’t easy, but I continue to do it with a smile oon my face and no complaints. Gandhi stated, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Prairie State College has given me the opportunities to change into the person I want to be who helps to change the world. I currently work for Cook County Health and Hospitals Systems. My career goal is to use my newly earned Criminal Justice degree at the Juvenile Detention Center as a Probation Counselor. There I will be able to help others like you have helped me.
Thanks to our generous Partner Sponsor
