Engineers for Tomorrow

The Vermilion County Manufacturing Cluster is a consortium of local manufacturers who have joined together to increase awareness and preparation for local manufacturing careers.  Their Engineers for Tomorrow Scholarship program (EFT) provides for 1/3 tuition reimbursement for the junior and senior year of baccalaureate education to be completed at Bradley University or University of Illinois.  The program also requires employment for an accepted student during his/her educational years and a minimum of two years of employment post graduation. This program was devised to bring local talent back to the area, respond to declining enrollments of young professionals choosing engineering as a career choice.

Who can apply for the scholarship?
Vermilion County high school seniors, DACC 21st Century Scholars and other DACC students who meet Bradley University admission requirements.

What is the amount of the scholarship?
The program is structured to cover 1/3 of the going rate of full tuition at Bradley University or University of Illinois at the point of the enrollment.  In concert with this EFT program, Bradley University participates by covering an additional 1/3 of the tuition.

Is the scholarship renewable?
The EFT scholarship awarded to an incoming junior is renewable for the senior year as long as the student meets all required criteria.  Continuing education requests to complete the baccalaureate degree beyond two full years at Bradley, is subject to review.

What does the scholarship cover?
One-third of tuition is paid by the Cluster scholarship to Bradley or University of Illinois.  In addition, 1/3 is absorbed by Bradley University.  The student is responsible for the remaining 1/3 of the annual tuition at Bradley or 2/3 of the annual tuition at University of Illinois plus books, room and board and other fees.

What areas of engineering are covered in the scholarship program?
Industrial & Manufacturing ; Engineering & Technology;
Electrical & Computer Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering may be joining the list.  For more information contact the DACC Engineering Department.

What other sources of financial aid are available to cover student’s costs?
Loans, grants and other scholarships may be available dependent on each student’s situation.  While at DACC, students may apply for a variety of financial assistance through DACC and/or the DACC Foundation, including but not limited to, the 21st Century Scholars Program.  For more information contact the DACC Financial Aid office at 217/443-8891, or the DACC Foundation at 217/443-8843.
For additional financial aid assistance to cover the 1/3 student cost obligation while at Bradley, a student may contact Bradley University
Financial Aid Office at 309/677-3089.

What is the student’s responsibility to the community?
Summer  paid internships in Vermilion County will be available beginning with the summer after the freshman year of study.  Students are expected to sign a contract agreeing to return to Vermilion County to work for a minimum of two-years after completing his/her Bachelor Degree in Engineering from Bradley.  A graduate may choose to work one year each for two different Vermilion County Manufacturing Cluster members or two consecutive years for a single member.