Community Foundation scholarship impacting life of adult student

This time of year, giving and gratitude are on our minds. That’s certainly true for Alexandra Hildebrant, an engineering student at Black Hawk College and recipient of the 2023 Paul & Barbara Yamber Memorial STEM Scholarship at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Hildebrant is grateful for this impactful award, and she’s already thinking about how it will let her give back.

“My education journey has not been conventional,” said Hildebrant. “I started college when I was 25. I have two young children and work on top of taking classes.”

Hildebrant faced several obstacles once her college career began. “It was during COVID, and I was working full time as the only income for our family,” she said. “At the time, I didn’t know anything about scholarships—I didn’t really believe they were for me—but a friend encouraged me to apply.”

The Yamber Memorial STEM Scholarship is one of more than 70 scholarship awards available through the Community Foundation each year. The scholarship was established by Don and Deb Landphair to honor Deb’s parents. “When we were in school, tuition was $490—what students face today seems hardly possible,” said Don Landphair. “The scholarship is designed to support bright, driven people like Alexandra.” 

“Scholarships are a powerful way to remember loved ones and for donors to extend their generosity,” said Anne Calder, Community Foundation vice president of development. “These funds can create a legacy of education that benefits the recipient and our community for generations to come.”

When Hildebrant learned she was awarded the Yamber Scholarship, she still didn’t believe it. “I actually ignored the email,” she laughed. “I assumed there was some mistake, or it wasn’t real. It wasn’t until I was invited to the award ceremony that I accepted this was all happening. It changed everything.”

The scholarship has impacted both Hildebrant and her family. “Before this, I went straight from school to work every day—I was gone all day,” she said. “My daughter just started kindergarten, and now I can pick her up from school. I get to be there. I can’t express what that means. Plus, I get to graduate sooner to provide them with a better life.”

It’s characteristic of Hildebrant to think about helping others. “Right after meeting the Landphairs and leaving the award reception, I thought, ‘When I’m able, I am going to help a student out financially.’ That’s something that really drives me, being able to pay this gift forward.”

That type of reciprocity is in keeping with the Landphair’s goal for the fund. “We want to support students who are pursuing innovation, health, and other interests that are going to make the world a better place,” said Landphair. “We’re thankful the Community Foundation provides this avenue for giving. We feel it will make a long-term impact.”

Community Foundation scholarships are open now, with an application deadline of February 15, 2024. All scholarships are started by donors who want to ensure students can continue their education at community colleges and four-year institutions. Click here to learn more about the application process. If you are interested in opening a scholarship fund, reach out to Anne Calder (AnneCalder@QCCommunityFoundation.org).