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CEFS awards two scholarships

The C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corp. Board of Directors recently awarded $8,000 in educational scholarships to 10 individuals who are pursuing post secondary education.

The educational scholarships were made available through funding provided by the Community Services Block Grant Program from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation’s Community Services Block Grant Scholarship Program was established in 1985.
The CSBG Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance to limited-income individuals to pursue education and training in occupational skill areas or post-secondary education for the purpose of upgrading employability levels.
In the past 26 years of the CSBG scholarship program, C.E.F.S. has awarded more than $310,000 in educational awards and has assisted 456 students.
Scholarship winners were recognized from Fayette County at the recent annual C.E.F.S. Board of Directors meeting. Trevor Simmons and Michelle Galletta each received a certificate of recognition and a monetary award to pursue educational training
Simmons, of Bingham, will begin his college education in the fall at Kaskaskia College.
His long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, become involved in psychological research and eventually become a therapist.
Galletta, of Vandalia, will return to Kaskaskia College this fall to continue her education.
She plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and earn a degree to become a nutritionist.
C.E.F.S.’ mission is to provide opportunities for people through education and support to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.
C.E.F.S. Executive Officer Paul White said, “The CSBG scholarship program truly makes a difference and provides educational assistance to individuals seeking to improve their education and the pursuit of gainful employment.”
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation has been providing effective social services for more than 46 years for low-income persons within its service delivery area.
C.E.F.S. is a comprehensive human service provider in the service delivery area providing direct services, referrals and linkages to address the issues facing low-income residents and providing local community solutions to meet those needs.
For more information about the community action agency or program, contact the local C.E.F.S. Fayette County Outreach Office at 283-2631 or the central office at 217-342-2193 or on the agency website at www.cefseoc.org

The C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation recently awarded educational scholarships at its 2011 annual Board of Directors meeting. In front, from left, are Trevor Simmons and Michelle Galletta. In back are CEFS Board members Christopher DuPlayee and Jean Finley.

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