On three occasions she was a recipient of great scholarship opportunities. Filled with joy and gratitude, Adriana Mendez wrote a thank you note to donors who provided money for her education here at the College of DuPage.

Mendez is a Computer Information Systems (CIS) major, who has been able to benefit from scholarship opportunities provided through the College of DuPage Foundation. She has benefitted from the Danny Young Memorial Scholarship, the GED certificate scholarship, and most importantly the American Association University Women scholarship that gave her a whopping $2,000.

“I feel that any scholarship, big or small, makes a difference in the life of a student,” said Mendez. “The scholarships I received don’t only support me monetarily, but also motivate me to continue my education. I feel very lucky being a student at COD.”

Scholarship opportunities like these only require a simple application, an unofficial transcript, and an essay. These are all made available through the efforts of generous donors which include individuals, business partners in the community and corporations.

The COD Foundation has been the custodian of all scholarships available to students from the college over the years. They are currently accepting applications for about 38 prestigious scholarships for the spring 2017 semester. The criteria for each scholarship varies. They range from need-based, merit-based, to a preferred major.

In 2015, the foundation provided about 800 scholarships worth around $450,000 to deserving recipients, with more than 200 students benefitting this year.

The foundation will host a scholarship reception on Oct. 12 to connect generous scholarship donors with students who directly benefit. RSVP is required if you are interested.

Students finding it difficult to complete an application can find help at financial assistance window right around the Student Services Center (SSC) atrium, or email [email protected].  Like Mendez, students can apply for and receive multiple scholarships.