Starved Rock Foundation Launches First-Ever Conservation Scholarship

Annual scholarship will support local students pursuing careers connected to conservation and the outdoors.

OGLESBY, IL -- The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation has established its first scholarship, creating a new opportunity for Illinois Valley Community College students interested in pursuing conservation-related careers.

The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation has established its first scholarship at Illinois Valley Community College. The $1,000 annual scholarship will assist an IVCC student in pursuing a conservation-related career. Pictured with Executive Director of the IVCC Foundation Tracy Beattie (third from left) are Starved Rock Foundation members Sarah Walczynski, Coleen Piggott, Robbin Keenan, President Matthew Klein, Mark Walczynski, Frank Borkowsky and Gladys the service dog.

The Starved Rock Foundation Conservation Scholarship will provide $1,000 annually to an eligible IVCC student studying in a field connected to conservation, natural resources, environmental science, parks and recreation, or a related career.

“Collaborating with IVCC was a natural fit. Between our shared commitment to education, my own experience as a proud IVCC graduate, the college’s presence right here in Starved Rock Country, and the fantastic work of the IVCC Foundation, it was an obvious partner in establishing our first scholarship,” said Matthew Klein, president of the Starved Rock Foundation.

“We are proud to support local students interested in conservation and look forward to continuing to invest in education, recreation, and conservation at Illinois’ most visited state park.”

The scholarship expands the Foundation’s educational mission beyond the boundaries of Starved Rock State Park by helping prepare the next generation of conservation professionals and outdoor stewards.

The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of Starved Rock State Park. Since 1991, the Foundation has contributed more than $500,000 to support the park. Funding is raised through memberships, donations, and proceeds from the LeRocher Bookstore and Gift Shop, which is staffed entirely by volunteers.

The Foundation supports education, recreation, and conservation initiatives that enhance the visitor experience while helping preserve one of Illinois’ most treasured natural places. Its work includes providing educational materials, conducting special events and presentations, funding park and visitor-focused improvements, and supplying volunteers for the Visitor Center information desk and interpretive trail hikes.

Information about scholarship eligibility and the application process will be available through the IVCC Foundation.

About the Starved Rock Foundation: The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation is the nonprofit organization for Starved Rock State Park located in North Central Illinois. The Foundation includes a volunteer program which staffs the Visitor Center information desk and leads interpretive hikes, provides educational materials, and conducts special events and presentations. It also raises monies for appropriate materials, equipment, and the improvement of Starved Rock State Park through memberships, donations, and profit from the 100% volunteer-run LeRocher Book Store and Gift Shop in the Visitor Center. Over $500,000 has been donated over the past 30+ years by an elected board of directors.