New Vocational School Scholarship Empowering Parents in Batavia, IL to Secure Better Paying Jobs and Support Their Families

Batavia, IL – January 13, 2025 – A new scholarship program has been launched by Chip In Batavia to support parents of low-income and homeless students in Batavia Public Schools, providing them with the opportunity to pursue vocational certifications and classes. The initiative is designed to break the cycle of poverty and give parents the tools to secure better-paying jobs, ultimately improving the financial stability of their families.

Established in 2013, Chip In Batavia is a restricted fund within the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence, a 501c3 charity. The primary focus of Chip In is to support the low income and homeless students in the district. Co-Founders Joanne Spitz and Melinda Kintz firmly believe however, “we can and will keep supporting   basic needs, but it makes sense to help the parents better the situation with this education. Most parents have the ability, they just have a hard time trading groceries and rent for additional schooling expense.”

The Vocational /Trades Scholarship for BPS101 Parents will be funded by Chip In with a substantial donation from K Hollis Jewelers, also located in Batavia. This scholarship program aims to empower adults who are facing significant economic challenges by covering the costs of vocational training in fields such as healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, and business services. By equipping parents with certifications and specialized skills, the program provides a pathway to stable, higher-wage employment, enabling them to meet the needs of their families and improve their overall quality of life.

Rob Hollis of K Hollis Jewelers states “Chip In is an amazing organization run by amazing people in an amazing community. We are thrilled to be a small part of helping parents in our community make a better life for themselves and their families.”

Parents of low-income students attending BPS101 should have a specific path or program in mind when they contact Chip In Batavia for a scholarship application. Candidates must qualify for free/reduced lunch per government guidelines.

For questions and additional information contact Chip In at chipinbatavia@gmail.com .