Clark State Community College will hold an induction ceremony for the new class of students selected for the Clark State Scholars program.

The Scholars program is a participatory program for students entering eighth grade that, if successfully completed, results in three years of tuition-free education at Clark State through the efforts of the Clark State Foundation.

“The program allows first generation college students the opportunity to fulfill their educational dreams,” said Karen Hunt, director of the Clark State Scholars program. “The Clark State Foundation is honored to assist by investing in their futures.”

This year’s class includes 40 Champion City Scholars from Springfield City middle schools, 20 Champaign County Scholars from Graham and Urbana middle schools and 20 Clark County Scholars from Clark-Shawnee and Tecumseh middle schools. These students will be part of the graduating Class of 2024 Clark State Scholars.

The Scholars program began 16 years ago inducting middle school students in the Springfield City District.  The Scholars program expanded in the last three years to include students from Champaign County (Graham and Urbana School Districts) and Clark County (Clark-Shawnee and Tecumseh School Districts). 

Hunt said the middle school counselors play a significant role in identifying students eligible to participate. Accepted students must maintain a 2.0 or greater grade point average, 93 percent or better school attendance, exhibit good citizenship and participate in program activities. 

A critical component of the Clark State Scholars program is the development of a support system to encourage the young scholars to work toward a college education and to help expose them to enrichment experiences they might not otherwise have. Thus, students in the Scholars program are mentored through their high school years.

 “Mentors offer guidance and support to the youth we serve and are a positive influence in our communities,” said Toni Overholser, director of the Clark State Foundation which houses the Clark State Scholars program. “By sharing their time and talents, mentors help prepare first-generation college students for success.” 

The Clark State Scholars program induction ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 3 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 South Fountain Avenue in downtown Springfield. The event will be hosted by the Clark State Foundation.