Twenty-eight first-generation Indiana college students got a boost to their education funds this academic year and reconnected with influential educators who helped along the way after being named “Realizing the Dream” recipients by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI). These 28 scholarship recipients, one from each of Indiana’s private, non-profit colleges and universities, were celebrated at a banquet on February 28 at the Eiteljorg Museum.
This year’s Bethel University Realizing the Dream scholarship recipient is Natalie Eash, a sophomore art education major from Middlebury, Ind., and a member of the cheer team. Inspired by her middle school art teacher, she dreams of one day being an art teacher herself. Her Bethel education is not only helping her prepare for her future career in the classroom, but it’s giving her professional skills, including time management, organization and communication.
“As a future educator, I get to create relationships not only with students and faculty here at Bethel but middle schools and high schools around the area,” she says. “This helps me achieve my dream as a future educator.”
Made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the scholarship program annually recognizes first-generation college students from ICI colleges and universities. Students are selected for the $5,000 awards for outstanding achievement as they successfully advance toward completing their bachelor’s degrees.
“Thanks to the continued support of Lilly Endowment, we get the opportunity to hear the inspiring stories of these first-generation students and the impact local educators have had on their drive to succeed academically,” said Dottie L. King, ICI’s president & CEO. “These scholarship awards will provide critical support for these young people who are dreaming of future success.”
To honor recipients, ICI created individual videos of each student describing what it means to them to be a first-generation college student and thanking the influential educator they have chosen to honor. Videos can be found at icindiana.org/rtd.
In addition to the students’ scholarship awards, the influential educators also receive $1,000 in professional development grants. Eash’s influential educator is Rustin Swartzentruber, Northridge Middle School, who served as her middle school art teacher for all three years. “[His class} is where I started to really enjoy and feel successful in art,” Eash says.