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Montgomery County is a great location to take advantage of a range of
educational opportunities. Educational institutions abound within less than
a 1 hour drive.
In addition to degree-based coursework, the University of Illinois
Extension and Lincoln Land Community College each offer many
opportunities for adult learners to pursue interests and build skills.
Local Schools
When compared to state scores, our local schools have smaller classroom sizes
and higher test scores on average. Student accomplishments in recent years have
ranged from state champion basketball teams and finalists in football, to state
champion sculpting and fine arts.
Local school districts:
- Hillsboro Community Unit School District 3
(website)
- Litchfield Community Unit School District 12
(website)
- Nokomis Community Unit School District 22
(website)
- Panhandle Community Unit School District 2
(website)
- St. Isidore's Catholic School, Farmersville
- St. Louis Catholic School, Nokomis for K-8
(website)
Nokomis School District’s American Pride program has met all 10 standards of
the National Association for the Education of Young Children Accreditation
program (www.rightchoiceforkids.org)
through 2013.
Higher Education
Lincoln Land Community College offers many course offerings at its
Southern Region headquarters in Litchfield with a satellite computer lab in
Hillsboro as well as cooperative training ventures with local businesses,
including Hillsboro Area Hospital.
Other community colleges include:
- Lewis and Clark
- Lakeland
- Kaskaskia
- Richland
Additional options for certificates and two-year training
within a short commute are:
- Robert Morris College at Springfield, IL
- Sanford-Brown at Collinsville, IL
Advanced degrees and four-year colleges are a short commuting
distance - between 20-60 minutes:
- University of Illinois at Springfield (known for
public affairs
and
administration)
- Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
- Greenville Christian College (known for an outstanding music
program)
- Blackburn College (known for liberal arts)
- St. Louis University (known for pharmacy programs)
- Washington University (known for its law degree program and
liberal arts
- Millikin University (known for music and business)
- McMurray College, Jacksonville
Other colleges and universities within a two-hour radius include:
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Illinois State University at Normal
- Eastern Illinois University at Charleston
- Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Bradley University at Peoria
- Eureka College in Eureka
Scholarships
Local foundations and organizations support scholarships in a number of
areas.
CEFS Economic Opportunity Corporation
Community Services Block Grant scholarships for income eligible individuals who
wish to continue education in an Illinois Institution approved full-time
post-secondary course of study. The course of study must lead up to a degree
and/or employment, with particular consideration given to a field of study in
high technology areas or other growth occupations. Contact C.E.F.S. Economic
Opportunity Corporation, 1805 S. Banker St., P.O. Box 928, Effingham, Illinois
62401; (217) 342-2193; www.cefseoc.org.
Montgomery County Farm Bureau
Open to any applicant who is or intends to earn an agricultural-related degree
who is a member or whose parents or guardians are members of the Montgomery
County Farm Bureau. Three $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to high school
seniors. Three $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to those already attending
college. Visit
http://www.montgomerycountyfb.com/news/24_1.html
Dorothy and Wilhelmine Ratermann Scholarship
Open to any major, recipients must be a son or daughter of an Illinois Farm
Bureau members, and a resident of any Illinois county located south of a line
created by connecting the northern borders of Calhoun, Greene, Macoupin,
Montgomery, Christian, Shelby, Cumberland, and Clark counties. Applicants may
come from the aforementioned counties and any Illinois county located south of
these counties. Twenty $1,200 scholarships and ten $1,000 scholarships will be
awarded. Contact IAA Foundation,
http://www.iaafoundation.org/iaafoundation/scholarships/scholarships.html
Shelby Electric Cooperative
Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Scholarships will be awarded to
students who are sons or daughters of a current Shelby Electric Cooperative
member who is receiving electric service from the cooperative at the time the
scholarship application is submitted. Scholarships may be used for educational
costs at any two-year or four year accredited college or university in the
United States, including vocational/technical schools. The applicant must be a
high school senior. Scholarship winners must begin undergraduate studies within
a year of being notified that they have won. Scholarship winners will be
expected to be "full time" students (at least 12 hours). Scholarships are
readily available for one year and are not renewable. Scholarships will be
awarded based on grade point average, college entrance tests scores, work and
volunteer experience, participation in school and community activities,
biographical statement, and knowledge of the organization and services of Shelby
Electric Cooperative as demonstrated by a short essay. Deadline for receipt of
completed applications and submissions is March 15. Scholarship winners will be
notified in June. Contact the cooperative at
scholarship@shelbyelectric.coop or call (217) 774-3986 / 1-800-677-2612, or
download the application online
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