DARI to launch new Rock Island marketing campaign with $10,000 in scholarships

the Rock Island Development Association (DARI) is launching a new scholarship program offering two $5,000 scholarships to Rock Island high school students.

To help launch its “Why Rock Island” community marketing campaign, applicants are encouraged to use their imaginations to create a video or other visual that tells the story why Rock Island is a great place to live, work and play, according to a Wednesday Liberation. DARI will then use the stories to help market Rock Island. The application deadline is April 22.

The scholarship was created using proceeds from the Divots FORE DARI Golf Outing hosted by DARI in 2021. DARI has been hosting a golf outing since 2015, with proceeds going to a community-focused effort. The DARI Board of Directors has decided to allocate 2021 proceeds to a scholarship fund to support a Rock Island resident who attends a Rock Island high school to help them get into college, says the communicated.

The scholarship requirements:

• Applicant must be attending a Rock Island high school (public or private).
• Applicant must reside in Rock Island (zip code 61201).
• The DARI scholarship application form must be completed for consideration. All answers must
  be typed.
• A visual essay is required that describes why Rock Island is a wonderful place to live, work and play.
• Applicants will be required to create a video (5 minutes or less) or photo visual.
• A link to the visual documentation must be included in the application (for example, a link to a
  YouTube video, Google Doc, TikTok, PowerPoint, etc.)

The completed application form and required documents must be submitted by email by April 22, 2022 to smcintosh@rockislandforward.com.

Application documentation should include the following:

• Completed typed application form.
• Written essay and visual essay – a link to your visual documentation.
• Reference letter (which will be emailed separately to DARI by the reference).
• Authorization for the broadcast of video/visual material.

A panel representing the Executive Board of the Rock Island Development Association will review scholarship applications and select the final winners. There will be two winners chosen for $5,000 scholarships. The DARI board reserves the right to change or alter the amount of rewards.

The scholarships are valid for one year and will be paid directly to the registering college/university upon receipt of registration verification. Scholarship winners will be asked to submit a photo of themselves which will be featured in a press release, social media and other promotional materials.

Winners will be announced May 18, 2022. For more information, call DARI at 309-732-1186 or email smcintosh@rockislandforward.com.