Seigle Scholar Program
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Full-ride opportunity covering tuition, fees, labs, and books
The Seigle Scholar Program at Elgin Community College (ECC) offers a prestigious full-ride scholarship to support the academic aspirations of graduating high school seniors or first-year college students. It recognizes and encourages students with exceptional dedication to their communities and reflects the Seigle family's values and commitment to empowering future leaders through education.
Established by Mark and Robin Seigle, esteemed philanthropists in District 509, the scholarship covers all expenses, including tuition, fees, labs, and books for up to 60 credits toward an associate degree at ECC.
Seigle Scholars Recipients
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Jonathan “Jonny” Buckheister - Fire Science
“I vividly remember a firefighter reaching out to me, helping down a ladder…assuring me that everything would be okay. He gave me hope in a dark moment. My aspiration to become a firefighter/paramedic is fueled by the desire to be that source of hope for others.”
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Maria Salgado - Psychology and Neuroscience
“Although those fearful butterflies…never went away, they now thrive in the nervousness I feel every time I go to an interview or step in front of an audience…My fears will always serve as a reminder that sometimes the uncomfortable feeling…comes with greater rewards such as changing someone’s life for the better."
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Demettri Rohn - Fine Arts
“The time I have volunteered to help people…allows me to understand other people’s struggles. I understand the importance of valuing all the gifts I have been given. I want to be able to share my gifts with others.”
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Sophia Cork - Biology/Pre-Medical
“While community service may be primarily to give back to the community, many people don’t realize the impact it can have on you as an individual as well as the group you’re giving back to.”
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Trinity Tescon - Computer Science
“Although I plan to pursue a career in computer science, my volunteer work has influenced me to integrate compassion into technology. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, I want to ensure that human connection remains at the forefront of innovation.”
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Brynn Copp - Accounting
“Having positive experiences at the library has demonstrated the sense of fulfillment I get from being a leader, and I will seek that for the rest of my life. I am passionate about learning and continuously improving my leadership skills.”
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Ream Basraoui - Biology/Pre-Medical
“Assisting with community health initiatives has deepened my understanding of proactive medical care and its role of improving lives.”
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Mark and Robin Seigle
The Seigles were born and raised in the communities of Elgin and Dundee, and this region remains deeply meaningful to them. Generations ago their families came here as immigrants and helped build these communities and the bedrock institutions that make this place home for them. On Mark’s side, Seigle’s Cabinet Center traces its origins back to the late 19th century and has been an anchor of the local economy since. Robin is a former ECC student and was named a Sensational 75 alumnus as part of ECC’s 75th anniversary celebration.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026.
Submit the completed application and all required documents to the Elgin Community College Foundation:
1700 Spartan Drive Rm E210
Elgin, IL 60123-7193
seiglescholarshipapplication@elgin.edu
Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered for the Seigle Scholar program.
2025-26 Application Requirements
- Personal information.
- Academic background.
- Description of community service involvement, roles, responsibilities, duration, and impact on the community.
- Essay (300 words maximum) on the influence of community service on career goals and personal development.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your community service, academic achievements, and character. These can be from teachers, mentors, or community leaders.
- Official high school transcript.
- An in-person interview is required for chosen finalists.
2025-26 Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- First-year college student.
- Full-time enrollment status.
- Pursuing an Associate Degree at ECC.
- Intending to transfer to a 4-year college/university.
- Demonstrated commitment to community service or initiatives with measurable social impact.