Five-hundred forty-seven residents of the greater Aurora Area are off to pursue their higher education goals this fall with financial support from their fellow Fox Valley residents, through the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Scholarship Program.
Collectively, the Community Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Program will award $3 million over four years to 547 high school, college, graduate, and trade school students. Nearly one in two applicants received a scholarship.
“We received nearly 1,200 applications this year. Each student has their own unique and inspiring story,” said Beth Christoffel, director of scholarships, Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. “The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Program continues to grow, and we are honored to help distribute this critical support for so many area residents pursuing higher education.”
Not all of this year’s scholars are right out of high school. In fact, 25 percent were awarded to returning, graduate, and non-traditional students. Various scholarship types are available, including need-based (68%), merit-based (32%), and niche scholarships encouraging specific fields of study. More than a third of all scholarships are renewable for up to four years, providing ongoing support to help students pay for their education throughout college. The gender split among this year’s recipients is 65% female and 34% male.
A key reason for the continued growth of the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Program is how easy it is to apply. Every fall, the Foundation encourages area students to complete just one application, which makes them potentially eligible for one of hundreds of different scholarship funds to be awarded the following spring. The application for 2027-28 academic year scholarships will be posted on the Community Foundation’s website in November 2026. The deadline to submit will be in January 2027. To learn more and apply, visit cffrv.org/scholarship-program.
Submitted photo
Since its founding in 1948, the Community Foundation has awarded nearly $34 million in scholarships to area residents.
That’s why every scholarship tells a story—of perseverance, opportunity and hope. These awards not only help Fox Valley area students afford college; they also affirm their dreams and encourage them to keep going backed by the community’s support.
Clare Thomson, Waubonsie Valley High School, Class of 2026 won this year’s recipient of the Heather Howiler Memorial Scholarship, has a deep personal connection to her benefactor. She was Howiler’s student back in fifth grade.
“I began attending Indian Prairie School District 204 that year, and I was lucky enough to be taught by Ms Howiler, which makes my reception of this scholarship extremely special,” Thomson said. “Although that year was the beginning of her cancer journey, Ms. Howiler was always present when she could be, and it was always a fun time. I vividly remember being challenged in her class and being encouraged to think creatively while also learning skills that I still utilize to this day.”
Thomson, who will attend Purdue University this fall majoring in Secondary Education, added “I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was in early elementary school, but it was teachers like Ms Howiler that made me certain it was the job for me.”
—Jay Kelly PR for Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley