For adults in the Woodstock area looking to change careers or build new skills, the Rotary Club of Woodstock is once again offering a lifeline: its Adult Vocational Scholarship program is now accepting applications for 2025.
The scholarship is designed for adult learners-those aged 25 and older-who live within the boundaries of Woodstock School District 200 and are pursuing careers that require less than a four-year degree. Eligible programs include associate’s degrees and certificate courses at accredited institutions. The initiative aims to support those who may not have had the chance to pursue higher education earlier in life, or who are seeking to retool for new job opportunities.
Peter G. Knapp, Vocational Service Director of the Rotary Club, highlights the diversity of past recipients. “Rotary Club of Woodstock Adult Vocational Scholarships have been awarded for many diverse occupations, such as homeopathy, the international study of de-mining and small arms management, occupational therapy, and massage therapy,” Knapp said. The club encourages anyone considering a new career path to view Rotary as a resource for their future.
The scholarships typically range from $500 to $1,500 and are intended to help cover tuition and related expenses for programs that lead directly to employment in skilled fields3. The impact of such scholarships is significant: similar Rotary programs in Illinois have helped adults move from low-wage jobs to stable, higher-paying careers, often transforming not just individual lives but entire families.
Applicants must submit their completed forms and supporting documents by July 2, 2025. The application is available on the Rotary Club of Woodstock’s website, and all materials should be mailed to the club’s PO Box in Woodstock.
For more information, interested candidates can contact Peter G. Knapp via email at PGK@peterknapp.com.
The Rotary Club’s commitment to vocational education reflects its broader mission of community service and economic development, providing tangible support to those striving for a better future.