The DeKalb County Community Foundation is proud to announce continued support for agriculture and conservation internship opportunities for Kishwaukee College students through the Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund at the Community Foundation.

The $42,000 grant supports internships for students pursuing careers in agriculture and natural resource conservation. Administered in partnership with Kishwaukee College, the program provides hands-on learning opportunities while helping address workforce needs in farming, conservation, and land stewardship across DeKalb County.

“This funding removes financial barriers for students while preparing them for meaningful careers in local agriculture and natural environments,” said Jolene Willis, Foundation Grants & Community Initiatives Director. “It also allows the college to deepen partnerships with employers by connecting students to more businesses and building capacity in the local workforce.”

Internship placements prioritize opportunities that benefit DeKalb County residents and support the long-term vitality of the region’s farmland and natural resources.

The internships are supported by the Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund, which was established to support education and hands-on learning experiences in farming and soil and water conservation. The Fund honors the Samardzija and Gutesha families and reflects a commitment to supporting associate-level college students, including FFA members, with strong ties to DeKalb County.

Local farms and related businesses interested in partnering or offering internship opportunities are encouraged to contact Workforce Development at Kishwaukee College. For more information, contact Laura Gregory, Coordinator of Employment & Job Placement Services, at 815-825-9641 or lgregory@kish.edu.

“We are excited to expand and elevate our efforts to connect Kishwaukee College students with meaningful local internship opportunities,” said LaCretia Konan, Associate Vice President of Community Engagement. “Our institution was built on the generosity of local farmers, and that spirit of partnership continues to guide us today. We are grateful to the DeKalb County Community Foundation for helping make these opportunities possible through its support and connection of Funds. Together, we are strengthening our regional workforce and investing in the future of our agricultural community.”

This grant is part of the Community Foundation’s ongoing work to connect charitable giving with practical, community-based solutions that strengthen agriculture, workforce readiness, and environmental care in DeKalb County. Funding for this work is made possible by donors who believe in creating real opportunities for students while supporting the future of farming and conservation in our community.

For more information about the DeKalb County Community Foundation and its work to support local communities, visit dekalbccf.org.

Pictured above: LaCretia Konan, Associate Vice President of Community Engagement at Kishwaukee College; Jolene Willis, Grants & Community Initiatives Director at the DeKalb County Community Foundation; and Courtney Waltz, Executive Director of the Kishwaukee College Foundation, stand beside an agricultural combine in the Caukin Building on the Kishwaukee College campus.

About the DeKalb County Community Foundation

The DeKalb County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter. Through grantmaking, endowment building, and community leadership, the Foundation works to improve quality of life for all who live and work in DeKalb County.

About Kishwaukee College

Kishwaukee College is a public community college serving DeKalb County and the surrounding region. The College offers affordable, high-quality education and workforce training through associate degree programs, certificates, and continuing education, with a focus on student success and strong community partnerships.