Student Spotlight: Jessica Hardges
By Tony Scott

Jessica Hardges aims to start her own nonprofit organization related to
food insecurity.(Photo by Jessica Hardges)

Jessica Hardges is working toward a December 2026 graduation from the College of Education, an achievement she hopes will not only fulfill her own aspirations, but also inspire her young daughter who lives on campus with her.
 

“My experiences have given me a strong sense of resilience and purpose,” she said. “I am especially motivated to create a better future for my child and to show that it’s never too late to pursue your goals.”
 

Hardges is a mother of three: a 22-year-old son who serves in the military, a 20-year-old daughter who is a manager at a fast food chain, and her eight-year-old daughter, who currently lives with her on campus at NIU and has become a central part of her journey. Balancing parenting with coursework has shaped her perspective and strengthened her determination.

“Returning to school has been an important step for me, not only for my personal and professional growth, but to show my daughter the value of education, resilience and perseverance,” she said. “Everything I’m doing now is to create a better future for my family.”

Hardges is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in applied management with a focus on instructional technology, design and evaluation. She hopes to build a career that blends education, technology and community impact.
 

“I am passionate about creating programs that educate and empower underserved communities, particularly in areas like food access, financial literacy and self‑sufficiency,” she said.

Her long‑term vision is to establish a nonprofit organization that brings these passions together.

“I plan to develop a nonprofit hydroponics and community resource center that teaches people how to grow their own food, understand holistic nutrition and build sustainable lifestyles,” she said. “My NIU degree is equipping me with the tools to design educational programs, implement systems and evaluate their impact effectively.”

Hardges said her passion about those issues comes from her belief that poverty can be temporary, but generational poverty often comes from a lack of access to information, resources and opportunity.

"My interest started when I was a child—around nine years old—when I first interacted with a nonprofit while helping my family," she said. "I later volunteered and eventually worked in that space, and that’s where I fell in love with serving others. I’ve come to understand that people don’t just need help—they need tools, education, and guidance to become self-sufficient. Access to food provides the energy to pursue goals, financial literacy helps people use money effectively, and education creates long-term stability. I see these programs as a bridge for individuals who are actively trying to better their lives but need support during that transition."

Hardges describes her path to NIU as “nonlinear.” She first enrolled as a young adult but stepped away to focus on work and raising her family. After years in administrative roles across multiple industries, she felt called to return and complete what she started.

She chose NIU again because of its support for nontraditional students and its emphasis on leadership and personal growth.

"In my experience as a nontraditional student, NIU offers a wide range of support systems that truly make a difference," she said. "Resources like the Center for Student Assistance provide grants, food support and help with essential needs like childcare. There are also programs like the Huskie Food Pantry, Huskie Closet and the Period Project through the Gender Resource Center. Northern View housing allows students with families to live on campus, and there is access to childcare services as well."

Since returning, she has immersed herself fully in campus life, serving as a community advisor at Northern View, an orientation leader and a student ambassador for the NIU Foundation. Foundation ambassadors serve as peer leaders who promote Huskies United, participate in outreach and represent the Foundation at key events.

“I choose to be involved because I want to fully experience NIU and give back to the community,” she said. “These roles allow me to support students, build connections and develop leadership skills. They’ve strengthened my confidence, communication and ability to serve others.”

Scholarship support has played a pivotal role in her journey. Hardges received the William F. Doyle Endowed Scholarship and the Burns Family Angel Touch Fund, among other assistance, which helped ease financial pressures and allowed her to stay focused on her studies.

“Receiving a scholarship was truly a blessing,” she said. “It reminded me that my hard work and persistence are being recognized and supported.”

She encourages alumni and friends of NIU to continue investing in scholarships that open doors for students like her.

“Their support truly changes lives,” she said. “Scholarships are not just financial assistance, they are opportunities. They allow students to stay enrolled, stay focused and keep building a better future for themselves and their families. Their nvestment creates long‑term impact in communities and generations to come.”

As she looks ahead, Hardges is proud of how far she has come and remains committed to finishing strong.

“What means the most to me is growth — personally, academically and professionally,” she said. “I am building something bigger than myself, and that is something I take great pride in.”
 

To help Huskies like Jessica achieve their goals, please visit the NIU Forward website.