The Education to Empowerment (E2E) scholarship and mentoring program at McHenry County College (MCC) raised $20,000 for student scholarships at their Fall Luncheon on Thursday, September 25.
In addition to lunch and a program, the event featured a silent auction, a panel of past scholarship recipients, and opportunities to interact with other attendees. More than 135 individuals attended.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us for this incredible day,” said Brian DiBona, Executive Director of the Friends of MCC Foundation. “Thanks to the passion and commitment of this community, we’re able to provide even more opportunities that empower students and open doors to brighter futures.”
Three past scholarship recipients shared how this opportunity has shaped their journeys and where they are today.
“E2E reminded me that one act of kindness and generosity can have an endless ripple effect that inspires others to pay it forward,” said Anna Gallagher, a 2013 E2E recipient. “MCC gave me the opportunity to explore my passions, while E2E surrounded me with a supportive community that eased the financial burden and gave me hope for the future."
"E2E reminded me that success is never a solo journey. It’s built on the strength of those who believe in your potential when you need it most,” said Mikayla Zinkel, a 2022 E2E recipient.
Sarah Meyer, a 2018 E2E recipient, added, “I continue to be inspired by the donors who support the E2E scholarship. Their willingness to take a chance on a student they've never met speaks volumes about their belief in E2E’s mission and their commitment to empowering women through education."
Education to Empowerment’s mission is to empower students to reach their fullest potential and achieve economic independence through education, mentoring, and financial support. The E2E scholarship provides $10,000 in funding for each student that can be applied toward tuition, books, and fees for a recipient’s last year at MCC and first year at an accredited four-year institution.
E2E originally began in 2013 with the goal of bringing together 100 donors in McHenry County. Each donor gives $1,000 each year. To date, the E2E program has awarded $820,000 in scholarships to 87 MCC students.