GALESBURG — A new grant opportunity through the Sandburg Foundation will provide adult learners with funds as they work toward earning their degree from Sandburg.
The Earn as You Learn Grant is an incentive-based program that supports nontraditional students enrolled in Sandburg’s Charge Forward program. The grant — supported by a partnership between the Sandburg Foundation and the G.L. Vitale Family Foundation — removes financial barriers for these students and supports their progress from enrollment through completion of their associate degree.
Earn as You Learn will provide up to $4,000 per recipient to eligible Charge Forward students age 24 and older. Grant support may assist with education-related and everyday-living expenses that can arise as students balance coursework, employment, family responsibilities and other personal obligations.
Funds will be awarded after the 10th day of each semester and 10 days after graduation. Recipients will be awarded $750 in each of the first two semesters, $1,000 in the third and fourth semesters and $500 upon completing their degree.
Sandburg’s Charge Forward program offers a unique opportunity for students to complete their Associate in Arts degree by attending classes just one night a week for two years. Students go through a structured 24-month academic plan built around eight-week blended courses. Charge Forward’s fixed schedule makes it ideal for students who are already in the workforce or need to balance family obligations.
“We know there are many adults who’d love to go back to school to earn a degree or work toward a new career, but all too often they’re held back by two obstacles: time and money,” said Gabi Hurtado, director of admissions. “With the Charge Forward program and now Earn as You Learn, we’re making it easier for students to clear hurdles that may have stopped them in their tracks before. Having this program and this grant in place makes it easier for people to attend Sandburg and enhance their education.”
Charge Forward participants also have access to the full array of services available to all Sandburg students, including free online and in-person tutoring, academic advising, financial aid, disability support, student life events and student leadership opportunities. Learn more about the Charge Forward program at sandburg.edu/chargeforward.
In addition to funds through Earn as You Learn, students could be eligible for state and federal financial aid or assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which helps job seekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market. Learn more about WIOA, and complete this form to determine your eligibility.
Fall semester classes at Sandburg start Aug. 24. For questions or more information about Charge Forward or Earn as You Learn, contact the Admissions office at 309.345.3500 or admissions@sandburg.edu.