Royal Neighbors of America, the Rock Island-based fraternal benefit society, has recently awarded $175,000 in scholarships to 36 students nationally, including two Quad Cities area students: Carrigan Minch and Kacie Swanson, both of Sherrard, Illinois.
“This scholarship helps to alleviate the loans that I would have had to take out for my undergraduate degree in political science and psychology at Illinois Wesleyan University,” said Ms. Minch, in a news release. “Thanks to Royal Neighbors of America, I can continue to pursue my passions and pay forward the generosity received through this scholarship opportunity.”
Royal Neighbors’ Scholarship Program assists members who wish to pursue post-secondary education to obtain a trade, vocational, associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree.
“These scholarships exemplify our commitment to fostering educational opportunities and investing in the future of the nation,” said Royal Neighbors CEO and President Zarifa Reynolds, in the release.
“We firmly believe in the transformative power of education. By offering these scholarships, we hope to empower exceptional students to make a positive impact on society. As a company, we strive to provide comprehensive support to our members, and we consider this program a vital part of that commitment,” she added.
Since the scholarship program’s inception in 1961, Royal Neighbors has provided more than $6 million in funding to qualifying Beneficial Member high school and college students. Students are selected based on their academic merit, community volunteer efforts, extracurricular involvement and leadership skills. Funds may be used for tuition, room and board, and books.
For more information, visit royalneighbors.org/scholarships.
