College of Business & Technology
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iCREST Program
Improving Career Readiness for Engineering Students Through a Mentored Living Learning Community
We are excited to announce this new scholarship that develops highly trained engineering and technology professionals. Each year, eight academically talented (>2.75 HS GPA) students who qualify for Pell grant assistance are recruited. iCREST scholars are the center of a community of learners where they support and are supported by activities, peer learners, student mentors and engineering faculty. In addition, scholars receive up to $7,000.00 in tuition support per year for four years. Engage Your Education!
Application open through June 13th, 2024
Take Charge ![](down-triangle.png)
Students will become a part of a small, networked group of peers that experience the program together.
Selection Criteria ![](down-triangle.png)
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Interested students should complete the application no later than June 13, 2024.
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US citizens, nationals, legal permanent residents or refugee aliens.
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Be admitted as a full-time degree track student in an Engineering or Engineering Technology major.
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Demonstrate a financial need as defined by FASFA.
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Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Completion of AP STEM courses & participation in extra- curricular and co-curricular STEM related activities will also be considered.
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Submit a letter of recommendation from a high school science, math or technology teacher.
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Submit a one-page essay introducing yourself and discussing your personal & career goals and interests.
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All final applications will be interviewed by the Selection Committee.
Students will ![](down-triangle.png)
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ATTEND CLASSES
Entering scholars jump start their education. They take summer courses for degree credit and start interning with industry. Each semester, in Seminar, they work one-on-one with a faculty mentor and in peer lead study groups discussing career plans, academic schedules, ambitions, obstacles, campus resources and especially homework.
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LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITY OF PEERS
Scholars live on campus their first two years in a Living Learning Community of peers. Peer mentors assist in acclimating to college life, accessing resources and mitigating obstacles, as well as social events.
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PAID SUMMER INDUSTRIAL INTERNSHIP
Sponsoring companies provide paid internships (work experience) throughout the scholars’ academic career.
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Building Connections Mentorship Program
As an iCREST scholar you will work one-on-one with a faculty mentor. You have an Academic Advisor, to stay on track, and will study regularly with other students in a peer lead group. From the first day of class, you have a network that can answer questions.
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Leatherneck Success Team
Practice time management and organization and learn new ways to study and take notes.
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Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement
Helps you in your career journey. Resume and cover letter building, interview assistance, job search assistance.
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STEM Living Learning Community
Immerse yourself in engineering. Live in a residence hall with other engineering, science and math majors and participate in special activities and mentoring.
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Contact Information
Dr. Dave Hunter, Engineering Technology
gd-hunter@wiu.edu
(309) 298-1091 - Macomb
Dr. Blair McDonald, Engineering
b-mcdonald2@wiu.edu
(309) 762-9481 Ext. 62783 - Quad Cities
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