Education
Explore opportunities for rural students with these education based initiatives. Inspired by Rural King's commitment to community and growth, these programs empower the next generation to build brighter futures and drive lasting change.
Fueling Futures.
In partnership with Eastern Illinois University and Lakeland Community College, we’re proud to offer annual scholarships, giving rural students the financial support they need to invest in their futures.
Scholarships range from $1,000 to full cost of attendance and are available for both online and in-person schooling. Rural King associates and their dependents are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this incredible opportunity!
Popcorn With a Purpose.
When you grab a to-go bag of popcorn, you’re doing more than just treating yourself—you’re making a difference. For every bag sold, $1 is donated to the RK Foundation for Rural America, funding the Rural King Scholarship Program and other meaningful organizations.
Imagination Library.
Thanks to funding from Rural King and the RK Foundation for Rural America, families in Coles and Cumberland counties can now enroll their children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—an early literacy program that mails free, high-quality books each month to children from birth to age five. In partnership with Regional Office of Education #11, this initiative fosters a love of reading from the start, helping young minds build vocabulary, curiosity, and school readiness before they even step into a classroom.
At the RK Foundation, we believe education begins at home—and that access to books can open lifelong opportunities. Expanding the Imagination Library across ROE #11’s footprint reflects our mission to support literacy and early learning throughout rural communities. Together, we’re helping children dream more, learn more, care more, and be more.
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