IVCC foundation offers $1,000 to students in cannabis production courses

The Illinois Valley Community College Foundation is offering $1,000 NuEra Scholarships to students enrolled in cannabis production certificate courses beginning with the start of the fall semester Aug. 18.

Students enrolling in Introduction to Cannabis Production (AGR-1220) and Crop Pest Management (AGR-1218) are automatically eligible to receive the award. Students will receive $500 in fall and $500 in the spring as they continue through the certificate. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, or required educational expenses.

To receive the award, students should first register for the required courses and then contact Donna Swiskoski in the Foundation at donna_swiskoski@ivcc.edu or 815-224-0551.

NuEra Principle Officer Keith McGinnis of Ottawa made a donation of $100,000 to IVCC’s cannabis production program in March. Headquartered in Wheaton, NuEra operates a cultivation center in Hillcrest, with medical dispensaries in Chicago, East Peoria and Urbana. It serves the adult use cannabis market with facilities in East Peoria, Pekin, Champaign, Urbana and Chicago.