The South Cook chapter of the National
Council of Jewish Women, through the Prairie State College Foundation,
recently awarded more than $500 in scholarships to five Prairie State women
students for the fall 2000 semester.
Now in its fifth academic term, the NCJW
Book Scholarship has given almost $2,500 to students so far. Scholarships
are awarded to female students showing academic promise and who are enrolled
in a degree or certificate program.
This year's recipients include: Marla Barch,
Homewood; Mary Hayes, Homewood; Renee Jackson, Ford Heights; Amy Latka,
Chicago Heights; and Sydney Roche, Homewood.
"While we look for students who excel academically
and are committed to getting a degree or certificate, many of the women
we give scholarships to are returning students and have been out of school
for a number of years," said Carol Gelman, Scholarship Liaison for the
National Council of Jewish Women. "These are women who want to better their
financial situation by getting a degree, but while they're increasing the
financial burden on their families. This way, we're able to help them with
that burden."
"The support the NCJW shows our students
is greatly appreciated," said Paul McCarthy, President of Prairie State
College. "Education makes students more knowledgable and financially successful,
therefore the organization is helping raise the standards of the whole
community."
The NCJW funds the Book Scholarship from
its operational budget, which it earns through various fundraising events,
including the Bargain Boutique held every year at PSC and the Gift Galleria
held the Odyssey Country Club, Tinley Park.