The Renaissance Scholarship is administered at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The scholarship is awarded to a DeKalb County resident or a resident living with the service boundary of Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL, who is in the work force and wants to reenter the academic world. Students must have had at least a one-year gap between graduating high school and seeking to further his or her education to apply. Applicants can also be students returning to school after years in the workforce to obtain a second undergraduate degree.

This is a $4,000 award to be distributed in $1,000 increments over four (4) consecutive years. It can be used for tuition at any accredited university or community college or for expenses associated with undergraduate study. The recipient can seek a degree in any field of study but must demonstrate evidence of interest in the chosen field. Applications are available from April 1 – June 1 each year.

Yvonne Johnson

Scholarship Criteria:

• • Applicants must be a student returning to school seeking an undergraduate degree after at least a one-year gap after graduating high school
  • Applicants must have demonstrated activity in public and civic affairs including a voting record and/or participation in public school or community activities and organizations.
  • Applicants should be able to demonstrate a need for scholarship assistance.
  • View full scholarship guidelines >

Apply online at dekalbccf.org/additional-scholarships >

History of the Scholarship Opportunity:

The Renaissance Education Scholarship Fund provides educational support to those currently in the workforce who wish to pursue their educational dreams. Long-time educator Yvonne Johnson (1930-2023) created the Fund in 2007 at the Community Foundation to align with her charitable interests. The scholarship selection committee is composed of DeKalb County residents who work independently to review all applications and select the scholarship recipient. The committee makes their selections free of political consideration and bias.

This scholarship and a few others are not included in the Foundation’s Universal Scholarship Application. They are listed as additional scholarships offered through the Community Foundation. The additional scholarship listing contains opportunities for post-high school students, including award renewals, reapplications, and more. Applicants must determine their eligibility and apply using an application specific to that award. To determine eligibility for these awards, please review the guidelines for each and complete an online application.