Black Hawk College

Student Stories

Black Hawk College Foundation

Empowering Students for Lifelong Success

Every student’s journey is different, but many share a common experience — Black Hawk College helped shape their future.

At Black Hawk College, students gain more than knowledge in the classroom. They build confidence, discover new opportunities, develop lasting connections, and prepare for meaningful careers and lives beyond graduation. Through hands-on learning, supportive faculty, and a welcoming campus community, students are empowered to grow both personally and professionally.

For many graduates, their time at Black Hawk College becomes the foundation for lifelong success, opening doors to new possibilities and creating experiences that continue to make an impact long after college.

Shukur Alallaf

Byron and Dorothy Beck Scholarship
Jason Blair Roberts Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Shukur Alallaf

"This scholarship means a lot to me and my family because it helps with the cost of school, like tuition, fees and books.

With this support, I can focus more on my classes and keep working hard every day. It motivates me to do my best and make the most out of this opportunity."

Arthur B. Conelly Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Jhovana Reyes

"I work two jobs, and this scholarship helps me in so many ways and provides me with more financial stability during college. Thankfully, I won’t have to stress so much over how I’m going to pay for my books or feel like I must work more during college.

This scholarship makes me more motivated to succeed at Black Hawk, and it will also help me reach my goal of a career where I can combine my passion for learning with the desire to help kids."

Jhovana Reyes
Blade Peterson

Quad City’s Vintage Rods Scholarship Recipient

Blade Peterson

"This scholarship means a lot for me as paying for college while also affording rent, groceries, etc. has had its challenges. Thanks to you I have one less thing to worry about which has already been a huge relief. I decided to go back to college to become a physical therapy assistant. I knew it would be financially hard. Often, I have found myself worrying about money when I could be focusing on learning and studying. At times I have been working two part-time jobs.

I went back to college because I wanted to work a job helping people."

Ben & Carrie Smith Law Enforcement Scholarship
Todd C. Harold Johnson Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Kaelyn Willems

"As a student-athlete from Minnesota, playing basketball at Black Hawk College, this scholarship is important to my success because it will help with financial bills. This will help me with my future career in law enforcement. It also allows me to dedicate more time to coursework.

I am fully committed to excelling in my work and values of this scholarship, making sure that I take part which leads to achievements and having a positive impact on this community here at Black Hawk College."

Kaelyn Willems
Taylor Schutters

Vickie L. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Black Hawk College Foundation Scholarship Recipient

Taylor Schutters

"As a single mother, going to school along with juggling work and home life can be a bit of a struggle. Receiving this scholarship proves that my hard work is truly paying off and is motivation to keep continuing in school not only for myself, but also my son.

This scholarship helps me focus on successfully completing my education and eases the financial burden of books, tuition and transportation. It is more than financial support; it is an investment to my future as well as my contribution to the world making a difference as a future nurse."

Perlmutter Scholarship Recipient

Michael Day

"This scholarship will alleviate some of my financial burdens. As a baseball player for Black Hawk, this scholarship allows me to focus on my studies and be dedicated to my team. Thank you again for your support and for the impact you have had on my future. I am excited to pursue my dreams and make a difference in this world."

Michael Day
Laci Adams

Black Hawk College Foundation Scholarship Recipient

Laci Adams

"I am incredibly grateful for this support, and this scholarship helps ease the financial burden on me and my family and allows me to focus more on my studies. I am currently pursuing an Associates in Arts with a focus on elementary education and am excited to continue working hard toward my goals."

Timothy VanHecke Class of 1978 Scholarship Recipient

Caeden Terrell

"I would like to say not only am I a hard worker on the basketball court but also in the classroom. I have big dreams of making it to the next level on the court one day but first it starts with me in the classroom. Therefore, this scholarship will be an outstanding help to my success in my academic and athletic career."

Caeden Terrell
Nininahazwe Brigitte

William Butterworth Foundation Scholarship Recipient

Nininahazwe Brigitte

"I am currently majoring in Visual Communications and aspiring to be a photographer. The financial assistance that you have provided for me is going to help pay off my educational expenses and will allow me to continue my education. This will allow me to concentrate on school with no worries and give me more time to study and focus."

Robert and Blenda Ontiveros Family Foundation Entering Students Scholarship Recipient

Fazal Khaliq Wardag

"This support makes a significant difference in my journey to achieve my educational goals and continue pursuing my dreams at Black Hawk College. I am proud to share that I will be the first person in my family to attend college as a first-generation student."

Fazal Khaliq Wardag

Applying for scholarships shouldn’t be stressful.

Whether you’re just starting your application or looking for answers to specific questions, our FAQs are here to help guide you through the process.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’re here to help. Contact the Foundation anytime—we’re happy to support you every step of the way.

Scholarship FAQs

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