Grants and Scholarships

Illinois Adult and Continuing Education Association offers several grants and scholarships made possible through memorial funds honoring leaders who shaped adult education in Illinois. Each opportunity supports professional growth, innovation, and leadership within the adult education community. All grants and scholarships are available exclusively to IACEA members.

Davidson Memorial Scholarship

The Davidson Memorial Scholarship honors David and Mary Helen Davidson for their lasting contributions to adult education in Illinois. This scholarship provides financial support to adult education professionals pursuing coursework or college programs related to their work in the field.

Scholarship highlights include:

  • Financial assistance for adult education or related academic coursework
  • Support for professionals currently active in Illinois adult education
  • Emphasis on demonstrated financial need
  • Sponsorship required from a current IACEA member


Read more about the Davidson Memorial Scholarship →

Will Leinicke Memorial Grant

The Will Leinicke Memorial Grant commemorates the legacy of a past IACEA president and influential leader in adult education. This grant supports innovative, practitioner-led projects that strengthen adult basic education and adult secondary education programs.

Grant funding may support projects related to:

  • Curriculum and instructional improvement
  • Assessment and evaluation
  • Counseling and student support services
  • Research, program evaluation, and community engagement
  • Faculty and program development initiatives


Read more about the Will Leinicke Memorial Grant →

COABE National Conference Grant

The COABE National Conference Grant helps IACEA members attend the annual national conference hosted by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education. This grant supports professional development and national engagement in the adult education field.

Grant benefits include:

  • Financial support to attend the COABE National Conference
  • Opportunities for national networking and collaboration
  • Exposure to emerging trends and issues in adult education and family literacy
  • A platform to share Illinois programs and best practices at the national level
Davidson Memorial Scholarship

The Davidson Memorial Fund is named in honor of David and Mary Helen Davidson, two dedicated adult education
practitioners whose work significantly shaped adult education in Illinois.

Mary Helen Davidson taught at both the Eldorado Adult Center and the Lawrence Adult Education Center and later served as President of the Illinois Adult and Continuing Education Association. David Davidson worked within the adult education section of the Illinois State Board of Education, where he served as coordinator of the Work Incentive Program (WIN).

Following their untimely deaths in 1983, IACEA sought contributions to establish a memorial fund in their honor. These initial contributions led to the creation of the Venture Grant, which became the foundation of the Davidson Memorial Fund.

Over time, the Davidson Memorial Fund expanded to include additional opportunities. The Davidson Memorial
Scholarship was established to support adult education professionals pursuing further education, and more recently, the COABE National Conference Grant was incorporated to support national professional development.

In December 2004, following the passing of Will Leinicke after a courageous battle with cancer, his wife, Kris, and son, Sam, generously designated IACEA as his memorial. In recognition of Will’s service to the field of adult education and his significant contributions to the association, the IACEA Board voted to rename the Venture Grant as the Will Leinicke Memorial Grant and to include his memorial contributions within the Davidson Memorial Fund.

Today, the Davidson Memorial Fund serves as the umbrella for IACEA’s grant and scholarship opportunities, including the Davidson Memorial Scholarship, the Will Leinicke Memorial Grant, and the COABE National Conference Grant. All opportunities are available exclusively to IACEA members.

Will Leinicke Memorial Grant

The Will Leinicke Memorial Grant honors the life and legacy of Will Leinicke, a dedicated leader in adult education
and a long-time supporter of the Illinois Adult and Continuing Education Association.

Will Leinicke served IACEA in numerous leadership roles, including as President of the association. His work and
advocacy reflected a deep commitment to strengthening adult education programs and supporting the professionals
who serve adult learners across Illinois.

Following Will’s courageous battle with cancer and his passing in December 2004, his wife, Kris, and son, Sam,
generously designated IACEA as his memorial. This decision reflected Will’s belief in the importance of the
association and the vital role adult education plays in transforming lives.

In appreciation of Will’s service to the field and his lasting contributions to IACEA, the IACEA Board voted to
rename the existing Venture Grant as the Will Leinicke Memorial Grant and to incorporate his memorial
contributions into the Davidson Memorial Fund.

The Will Leinicke Memorial Grant continues Will’s legacy by supporting innovative, practitioner-led projects
that strengthen adult basic education and adult secondary education programs throughout Illinois.