scholarships for high school seniors in illinois

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The James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund

James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to eligible students to pursue undergraduate degrees in arts and sciences, human services, music, or ministry at an accredited college.

Eli Lilly & Company Make Life Better Scholarship Program

The Eli Lilly & Company Make Life Better Scholarship Program awards up to $10,000 to seven college sophomore students in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation Scholarships

The Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) Foundation Scholarship awards from $1,500 to $3,000 to deserving undergraduate students pursuing studies in education and becoming educators in Illinois.

John Deere Scholarship

The $2,500 John Deere Scholarship is given to one Midwest US student and one diverse Midwest U.S. student enrolled in a welding engineering or weld engineering technology program annually.

Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship

The MTI Scholarship offers up to $5,000 to minority students in higher education institutions in Illinois who are studying to become teachers. Eligible students must have a 2.50 GPA.

TOI Scholarship

The TOI Scholarships program, administered by Township Officials of Illinois, offers $2,000 to financially support high school seniors to further their education and help them complete their undergraduate degrees.

Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers the Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship of $6,000 to two college students each, pursuing business-related degree programs. Preference is given to accounting majors.

Illinois Sheriffs’ Association College Scholarships

The ISA awards over 100 students the Illinois Sheriffs' Association College Scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 to pursue their undergraduate studies in Illinois. Applicants must be residents of Illinois.

IACAC Transfer Scholarship

The IACAC provides the Transfer Scholarship of $1,000 to five students enrolled at community colleges who are looking to further their studies at IACAC four-year member institutions.

IAW Helen Henert Agricultural Education Scholarship

Women Changing the Face of Agriculture (WCFA), organized by the American Agri-Women, awards this scholarship of $1,500 to one college student pursuing a degree in agriculture- related field in Illinois.

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – College Students

The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest awards 30 scholarships to undergraduate students who live in states with Regions' full service and are enrolled in undergraduate programs of their choice.

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – High School Seniors

The Scholarship Contest awards 30 scholarships to high school senior students who live in states with Regions' full service and plan to enroll in undergraduate programs of their choice.

ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship

The Iowa Student Loan offers a $1,000 scholarship to ten students annually to assist them with college education expenses and encourage them to pursue college degrees. Recipients are picked randomly.

Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship

The Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship offers twenty $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors.

Nursing Education Scholarship Program

Every year, IDPH awards scholarships from $8,324 to $17,124 to individuals who are pursuing various degrees in nursing at approved institutions in Illinois.

Rural Nurse Practitioner Scholarship

The scholarship program, administered by the Rural Illinois Medical Student Assistance Program, awards $4,000 to registered nurses seeking to become nurse practitioners. Applications are only open to Illinois residents.

ICTM Scholarships

Annually, three students are granted $1,500 to study mathematics to become teachers in the state of Illinois. Applicants must be an undergraduate at an accredited college or university in Illinois.

Zakat Foundation Community Service Scholarship

Preparing for college is an exciting time, but it can also be an overwhelming undertaking, especially for students graduating during a pandemic.

¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program

The ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program offers 185 $1,500 flight e-passes to undergraduate and graduate students who travel away from home to study.

Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship

The ILBCF awards a scholarship of $1,000 to a number of undergraduate students in the state of Illinois to complete their undergraduate studies of choice at two- or four-year institutions.

IHLA Educational Foundation Scholarship

The scholarship, administered by the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association and ranges from $1,000 to $4,000, is to financially assist students who pursue hospitality management degrees at accredited colleges and universities.

Illinois Section One AWWA Operator Scholarship

The One AWWA Operator Scholarship is an award of up to $2,000 to Illinois-based applicants seeking to enter or progress their work in the state’s water, wastewater, or stormwater industry.

ISAWWA Outreach Safe Water Scholarship

The ISAWWA Outreach Safe Water Scholarship of $5,000, offered by ISAAWWA, is a merit-based scholarship program to financially support deserving undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in a water resources-related field.

KASF Midwestern Regional Chapter Scholarships

The Korean American Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships for all academic levels ranging from $500 to $5,000 to eligible students to complete their desired degrees. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

BLM² Scholarship

The BLM² Foundation awards $1,000 to six successful applicants to address the financial needs of minority students to pursue higher education at accredited colleges or universities across the U.S.

About Illinois Scholarships

Attending college in Illinois can be a great way to start your educational journey. Illinois is home to more than 270 post-secondary public and private institutions. It is ranked #12 in education overall by U.S. News and comes in the top 5 for Pre-K-12 education. For higher education, it is ranked at #31. These rankings are based on different metrics like graduation rates, educational attainment, college costs, and student debts.

Educational institutions in Illinois have excellent academic programs, and they also provide a vibrant atmosphere that encourages learning and growth outside the classroom. The college enrollments in Illinois are quite high and equal to around 689,957. This makes up around 3.6% of the total college enrollment in America. However, many students who enroll in a post-secondary institution fail to graduate. One of the main reasons for this is that they are unable to afford the rising cost of college. Most students, therefore, end up taking out loans.

The total student loan debt in the United States totals around $1.766 trillion out of which more than 90% are federal loans. Illinois also has a high amount of student debt with the average student loan debt exceeding the average national student debt by around 5%. The high debt can become a financial burden on students and can affect their future. They would be able to save less for a home, a car, for family, and retirement too. Therefore, it is critical for students to try and pay for college using other resources first as much as they can before opting for loans. Other financial aid options include scholarships, federal grants, and aid from your college.

Scholarships are a great way to cover tuition costs and college-related living expenses without increasing the debt burden. This is because scholarships are awarded as financial gifts to selected students and do not require any repayment. There are scholarships available in Illinois for students of all ages and backgrounds and some scholarships also offer to cover the full cost of tuition. We’ve gathered some of the best scholarships that Illinois has to offer and have also provided information on how to apply and what the requirements are. Keep reading to find the best scholarship opportunities in Illinois.

Colleges in Illinois

Illinois has around 62 public post-secondary educational institutes and more than 200 private ones. It houses some of the best universities in America including Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Northwestern University is a private institution with 8,659 undergraduate enrollments. It is one of the leading institutions ranked at number 9th in America and is situated in Evanston, Illinois. It is quite selective with student applications and has a lower acceptance rate of 7%. Being a private institution, it has a high cost of tuition of $65,997 (2023-2024). Their tuition cost is much higher than the annual national average cost of tuition of $43,477.

The University of Chicago is one of the most prestigious private research universities in the world and in America, located in Hyde Park on the south side of Chicago. It is home to students from various backgrounds and ethnicities. It ranks at number 12th on the list of the Best National University Rankings published by the U.S. News. The university gets 34,641 applications on average with an acceptance rate of around 5%. Their average cost of tuition totals up to $65,619.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a more affordable option compared to the previous two with an average tuition cost of $36,068 for out-of-state students and $17,572 for in-state. It is a public institution with a much higher acceptance rate of 45%. It also offers on-campus living which can cost up to $13,938.

Colleges That Accept 3.0 GPA in Illinois

There are quite a few colleges in Illinois that accept students with a 3.0 GPA and slightly lower. Northeastern Illinois University is one such example that accepts students with around 3.0 GPA on average. It is one of the best public 4-year institutions in Illinois and is located in the busy city of Chicago.

National Loius University is another example which is a private 4-year institution that is also open to students with a 3.0 GPA or slightly lower. There are three campuses of this university located within the state with one being in Chicago, another in Wheeling, and the third one in Lisle.

Roosevelt University is also located in Chicago, Illinois and it does not base its admissions solely on the GPA but takes a holistic approach when selecting students. A strong letter of recommendation, a personal statement, and your passion and determination can also land you a place in the institution.

Cost of College in Illinois

Colleges and universities in Illinois have a higher average cost of tuition compared to the whole country. However, the cost of living in Illinois is lower than in many other states which makes the total cost of attendance around the same level. The actual cost of college will depend on the type of institution a student is attending. It varies significantly between public and private institutions, in-state and out-of-state students, on-campus and off-campus students, and full-time and part-time students.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data from 2019-2020, the average net price of tuition and fees for in-state, full-time students in 2020 was $14,455 at public four-year institutions, $4,035 at public two-year institutions, and $12,410 for graduate schools.

However, if you look at the cost of tuition for out-of-state students full-time students, it almost doubles up to $29,515 at public four-year institutions, $11,450 at public two-year institutions, and $12,410 at public graduate schools. Private institution tuition and fees for these students is even higher, being $35,570 at 4-year institutions and $26,597 at private graduate schools.

For on-campus students, there will be an added expense for room and board making the overall costs to rise. One option for students is to go for part-time as it spreads out the costs more making each semester more affordable, or look for full-ride scholarships covering 100% of cost like the Evans Scholars Program , Exelon HBCU Corporate Scholars Program , and McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship .

Illinois Student Demographics

Illinois has a total enrollment of around 689,957 out of which around 531,334 are undergraduate enrolments and approximately 158,623 are graduate enrolments. Around 58% of these enrolments are full-time and the majority consists of the female population which is around 59% of the total enrolment.

The highest number of enrolments consists of White Americans, totaling up to 325,877 approximately, followed by Hispanics. Black and African Americans make up around 12% of the total enrolments and around 7% are Asians. Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders share the smallest percentage of the total enrolment which is less than 1%.

Average Student Debt in Illinois

The total student debt in America is more than a trillion with an average of $28,950 per student nationally. This total debt amount includes both federal and private loans. Illinois makes up around $61 billion of the total national debt in America with an average of around $37,233 per person, which is higher than the national average. There are about 1,630,000 student borrowers living in the state of Illinois and out of those 21.8% owe $20,000 to $40,000 in loans.

How to Get Illinois Scholarships

How To Apply

Applying for scholarships is an easy process. Scholaroo provides a plethora of Illinois scholarships that you can apply for. You can save all the scholarships that you are eligible for by creating a Scholaroo account. You can also track your saved scholarships.

The following are the main steps to follow when applying for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded on the basis of the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements It is important to understand what the scholarship demands, for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the applicant like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter basically contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many scholarships, whether they are merit-based or need-based, usually require school transcripts that show the academic performance of an individual. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like a contest where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT test scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to make sure that you do not miss out on any opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or someone from the family to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit Your Application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and keep in mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships in Illinois. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time in order to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities in Illinois come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Illinois offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities. You can even check on scholarship websites for scholarships specific to your state or area.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and make an outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance at qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the amount of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

Illinois Scholarships for High School Students

High school students have many choices for scholarships available to them. It is a good idea to apply to as many scholarships as you are eligible for. This way high students can collect a good amount of money that they can save for future college expenses.

1. Greenhouse Scholarship 2. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program 3. Illinois Sheriffs’ Association College Scholarship 4. Evans Scholars Program

Illinois Scholarships for All Undergraduate Students

The undergraduate degree usually consists of 4 years of education. First-year students are referred to as college freshmen, second-year students are college sophomores, third-year students are juniors, and final-year students are college seniors. Even though the graduation rate in Illinois has hit its highest in 2022 and was 87.3%, many students still fail to graduate. One of the main reasons for this is the high college-associated costs.

It may be challenging for many students to cover all educational costs by themselves or with the help of their parents only. Some students from low-income backgrounds especially suffer and end up in great debt by the end of their fourth year of college. Scholarships can help such students take off some of the financial burden so they can focus better on their studies and complete their degrees.

All Undergraduate students including college freshmen, college sophomores, college juniors, and seniors can apply for the following scholarships.

1. IAW Helen Henert Agricultural Education Scholarship 2. Exelon HBCU Corporate Scholars Program 3. ISAWWA Outreach Safe Water Scholarship 4. Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship 5. Rural Nurse Practitioner Scholarship

Illinois Scholarships for Graduate Students

The cost of a graduate degree is also quite high for students to afford on their own. They end up taking loans for it which becomes a long-term financial burden on them. There are scholarships available for Illinois students pursuing a graduate degree that can help them pay off a part of the college expenses.

1. ISAWWA Outreach Safe Water Scholarship 2. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program

Illinois Teacher scholarships

Students pursuing a teacher degree can apply for most college scholarships that are generally open for all majors. However, there are teacher-specific scholarships in Illinois too to consider. These scholarships are exclusively for students who become teachers and therefore would be less competitive to win compared to general scholarships for all majors.

1. Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation Scholarships 2. Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship

Illinois Nursing Scholarships

Nursing major students can apply for the general scholarships available to college students but they have a much higher competition as much more people are applying for them. There are some scholarships especially designed to support nursing students in Illinois. Some such scholarships may require the student to commit a certain number of years at a specified location in exchange for the scholarship money.

1. Nursing Education Scholarship Program 2. Rural Nurse Practitioner Scholarship

Illinois Women Scholarships

Women make up a larger percentage of the total student enrolment in colleges in Illinois across all levels. Most of these women are not able to finance their degrees and associated expenses fully independently. For women who are mothers or are single moms, pursuing a college education becomes even harder due to more financial constraints and responsibilities that these groups of women have. Scholarship money, therefore, can be a huge help which can help lessen their financial burden. American Transmission Co. Scholarship is a great scholarship for Illinois women offered by the Society of Women Engineers. It is for women who are engineering, engineering technology, or computer science full-time students studying in the state of Illinois.

Merit Scholarships at Illinois Colleges and Universities

Many Illinois universities offer merit-based scholarships to their students. These scholarships are based on the academic performance of the student mainly. However, universities also consider extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, and community service when selecting finalists.

The University of Chicago offers multiple merit scholarships that award at least $2,000 to students with outstanding academic results. Financial need is not considered for the awards. First-year admissions are automatically considered for the merit scholarships offered by the university and applicants are notified about a decision through the end of April.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also offers scholarships to its first-year resident and non-resident students. Enrollment in the university automatically makes the first-years from all majors eligible for the scholarships. There are multiple scholarships that are merit-based and awards can vary from at least $2,000 to the full cost of tuition.

The Illinois State University is another great educational institution that provides financial help to its students in the form of merit scholarships. A few of their many merit-based awards for first-year students include Redbird Academic Scholarship which requires a 3.0+ cumulative GPA , Jesse W. Fell Scholarship that requires 3.75+ cumulative GPA, and the Transfer Student Scholarship with a requirement of 3.5+ cumulative transfer GPA for eligibility. The Redbird Academic Scholarship and Transfer Student Scholarship awards up to $5,000 and $3,000, and eligible students are automatically considered upon enrollment. The Jesse W. Fell Scholarship awards up to $48,000 and it requires submitting a scholarship application by mid-December.

Resources for Illinois Scholarships

It might make it easy to find relevant scholarships in Illinois if students know where to find them. You can always go through the scholarship websites and find one relevant to you or look for opportunities that various state-based and not-for-profit organizations offer on their websites.

Illinois Student Assistance Commission is one of the leading state agencies in Illinois that offer scholarships and grants to students who are Illinois residents. They usually disburse the amount to the institutions. There are various scholarship opportunities based on varying eligibility factors like financial need, academic achievement, major, or military service.

Another non-profit organization to consider is Hope Chicago . It is a scholarship focused organization that provides students and their parents/guardians with the financial support they need to graduate from college successfully.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation , or NMSC, is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides scholarships to students nationwide based on academic excellence. They provide multiple levels of award money and issue around 7,140 merit-based scholarships. They only cater to undergraduate students studying at an accredited college or university in the United States.

Many universities also offer in-house scholarships for their students. You can always refer to your university’s financial aid office and ask about any available scholarship or other financial aid that you may be eligible for.

Illinois Student College Grants

Grants are gift aid that are usually issued to the students by the government and require no repayment. There are many state-based organizations in Illinois that offer grants to students.

Illinois Student Assistance Commission , or ISAS, is a government organization that offers various grants to Illinois students. Students might have to submit a FAFSA to become eligible for the grants they offer including the State of Illinois ‎Monetary Award Program (MAP), ‎Federal Pell Grant, and ‎Illinois National Guard (ING). You could also reach out to the financial aid office of your public-funded educational institution to find out about the grants offered. Illinois State University, for example, offers the Illinois State University Access Grant to needy students.

Frequently asked questions

What scholarships are available in illinois.

We have more than 30 Illinois scholarships listed on our website for students. Some of them are even full-ride scholarships covering all of the tuition costs. There are multiple types of scholarships including academic merit-based awards, athletic awards, service-related grants, need-based aid, and more. Each type has its own eligibility requirements so it is important to review them before submitting your application.

The Greenhouse Scholarship , ISAWWA IPSI Scholarship , and Kenneth C. Novak Manufacturing Scholarship are three of the many options that you can consider. You can scroll through our list  above for more.

What is the $1000 scholarship for Illinois 2023?

Getting $1,000 at least in scholarship money can help pay off a chunk of tuition and fees or may also be used towards educational-related living expenses. A few of the best ones that award at least $1,000 are listed below:

• IHLA Educational Foundation Scholarship ($1,000–$4,000)
• InspirASIAN Scholarships ($1,000)
• IACAC Transfer Scholarship ($1,000)
• Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship ($1,000)

Do I need to be an Illinois resident to qualify for Illinois scholarships?

State-based scholarships do require the applicants to be residents of that state or attend a public university or college in that state. However, there are other scholarships that are offered to non-Illinois residents. You can go through the eligibility criteria of a scholarship to find out whether they allow non-residents to apply or not.

When can I start applying for Illinois Scholarships?

You can start applying for scholarships as soon as you are in high school. This can allow you to take advantage of more scholarship opportunities that can come your way till you get to college. It will help you collect enough money to pay for college by yourself and you would not have to take loans or other forms of debt for college-related expenses.

Do I have to have a certain GPA to apply?

Different scholarships have different selection criteria. Some are merit-based and do have a minimum GPA requirement. However, there are many others that are not based on the student’s GPA but on other factors like financial need, ethnicity, athletic talent, artistic talent, musical talent, and so on.

To find the scholarship best suited to you, use the filters on scholarship websites that will help narrow down the list to the most relevant ones.

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10 Illinois Scholarships to Save You Thousands on College

What’s covered:, tips on applying to scholarships.

Illinois is home to some of the top schools in the nation, including the University of Chicago, Northwestern, and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Helping Prairie State students cover the cost of attending these selective institutions—along with other great colleges and universities both inside and outside of Illinois—are numerous scholarships directed exclusively at Illinois students. Below you’ll find a selection of the best Illinois scholarships. 

1. Anhelo Project Dream Scholarships

Amount: Varies

Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: High school seniors and Illinois residents attending college, university, or a vocational training program located within Illinois 

Application Requirements: Transcript(s), minimum 2.5 GPA, two letters of recommendation, resume, and proof of income

Anhelo Project Dream Scholarships are funded by the Anhelo Project, a Chicago-based non-profit that supports undocumented students pursuing post-secondary education in Illinois. DACA status is not needed to earn this award, however, undocumented students are strongly encouraged to apply. What is required of winners is their time—Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship recipients must volunteer for 20 hours the following academic year at Anhelo Project events. 

2. Billy Smith Memorial Scholarship

Amount: N/A

Deadline: February 1 

Eligibility: Graduating senior who played at least three years of baseball or softball in high school (including their senior year), is planning to major in a sports-related field, and is a resident of one of the following counties:

Application Requirements: Essay and a minimum 3.0 GPA

Students as strong on the diamond as they are in the classroom will want to explore this sporty scholarship. The Billy Smith Scholarship memorializes the activities its namesakes loved best by providing funding for high school baseball and softball players to attend college and pursue a career in a sports-related field. Applicants are tasked with composing an essay exploring why they are the best candidate to receive the award while considering the background of the award. 

3. Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute (BCDI) Green Family Scholarship

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: March 2 

Eligibility: Resident of the BCDI service area (downstate Illinois), congenital or acquired chronic bleeding disorder or a congenital clotting disorder diagnosis, annual Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) comprehensive clinic attendance, and planning to enroll full-time in a  vocational school, junior college, or four-year university

Application Requirements: Demonstrated desire for success, essay, and minimum 2.5 GPA

The Green Family Scholarship fund is sponsored through The Community Foundation of Illinois. The intention of the scholarship is to assist recipients in acquiring a technical or higher education. Up to five recipients are chosen annually and awards can be applied to the cost of tuition, books, and other course fees. 

4. Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Scholarships  

Amount: $3,500

Deadline: May 6  

Eligibility: High school seniors who are residents of Chicagoland and its suburbs who have experienced homelessness and are admitted to, or enrolled in, a two- or four-year college or university 

Application Requirements: Transcript, two letters of recommendation, completed short-answer questions, FAFSA, minimum 2.5 GPA, and certification form 

The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Scholarships are renewable awards for students who succeeded in school despite the challenge of experiencing homelessness, living in a shelter, on the street, or doubled-up in someone else’s home. A testament to the tenacity and determination of scholarship recipients is their graduation rate—almost half (47%) of eligible Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Scholarship recipients have earned a bachelor’s degree (just 21% of first-generation students from the lowest income bracket earn a bachelor’s from a four-year school within six years).

5. Friends of Volo Bog Entering College Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: High School Senior planning to environmental or natural science in college who resides in:

• Lake County 
• McHenry County 
• Kane County 
• Cook County 
• DuPage County 
• Kendall County 
• Will County

Application Requirements: Transcript, letter of recommendation, essay, and minimum B average 

This scholarship is aimed at outstanding students interested in pursuing a career related to preserving the natural environment. Along those lines, applicants are required to submit a short essay that explores their motivation and goals for an environmental or natural science career, their thoughts about environmental issues, and how their experiences and skills will help them find success in the field. 

6. Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program

Amount: Up to $23,000

Deadline: April 1 

Eligibility: Illinois residents who are high school seniors, attend Illinois community colleges, or are freshman and sophomores at partner colleges and universities    

Application Requirements: Transcript, two references, and the completion of a series of short personal statements

One of the most generous Illinois scholarships, the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program aims to prepare and assist the next generation of Illinois teachers. In addition to financial support, Golden Apple Scholars receive first-hand classroom experience, mentoring, and job placement assistance. To successfully complete the Golden Apple Scholars, recipients are required to earn a bachelor’s degree from a partner school, acquire an Illinois teaching certificate, and teach for five years in an Illinois school-of-need within seven years of graduation. 

7. Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) Scholarships  

Amount: N/A  

Deadline: April 28 

Eligibility: Applicant or their family is a member of the JASC and enrolled, or planning to enroll, full-time at an institution of advanced learning the following academic year

Application Requirements: Transcript, essay, two references, and a list of extracurricular activities and community service

The Japanese American Service Committee was founded in 1946, following the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. The organization was originally founded to “resettle” Japanese Americans coming to Chicago and called the Chicago Resettlers Committee. Today, the JASC promotes Japanese American history, culture, and heritage while it encourages community service. Japanese American ancestry isn’t required to win an award, however, membership in the JASC is required and community service to Japanese American organizations is a factor used to determine recipients.  

8. Palumbo Family Foundation Scholarships  

Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduates with an annual adjusted gross family income of $63,000 or less who are residents of:

• Dupage County 
• Will County 

Application Requirements: Transcript, income verification, two or more references, and a minimum 3.0 GPA

Aimed at making a difference in the Chicagoland community, the Palumbo Family Foundation Scholarship provides financial support to students from low-income families and helps them realize their dreams of furthering their education. The scholarship is open to Illinois students from select counties who will enroll—either full- or part-time—as an undergraduate at a two- or four-year college or university, or vocational school, the following academic year. 

9. National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBI) Scholarships  

Amount: Up to $5,000

Eligibility: Legally blind resident of, or student in, Illinois who is enrolled full-time in an accredited two-year, four-year, or graduate college or university program

Application Requirements: Personal essay 

Every year, the NFBI invests in the future of qualified legally blind students by providing financial support through its scholarship program. Recipients are selected using numerous criteria, including academic performance and service to the community. Applicants are also required to submit an essay that paints a biographical sketch and addresses questions like: How has your blindness affected you? How do you handle it at school, on the job, and in interpersonal relationships? What do you hope to become?

10. Robert Sherman Fine Art Scholarship   

Amount: $1,000  

Deadline: March 30 

Eligibility: Graduating senior who resides in Glenview, attends school in district 225, and is planning to major in visual art

Application Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, a short essay, and a portfolio of at least ten images

The Robert Sherman Fine Art Scholarship is sponsored by the Glenview Art League with the intention of supporting area artists and the development of fine art in the community. Visual arts include painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, and filmmaking. Recipients are chosen on the quality of their work and the strength of their recommendations. Awards are paid directly to winners to use at their discretion toward the cost of college.  

As the cost of college continues to climb, competition for scholarships is becoming increasingly intense. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to improve your odds of winning an award. 

Apply to Institutions 

Private scholarships—such as those listed above—are an excellent opportunity to earn some cash for college, but the really big awards are often provided by schools themselves. Colleges grant $175 billion in scholarship money each year! Many colleges and universities award substantial scholarships based on merit, such as academic performance or extracurricular activities. Remember to explore institutional opportunities as well as outside scholarships. 

Look at Schools Where Your Profile is Strong 

Many well-known, highly respected schools like those of the Ivy League don’t need to attract strong applicants—they already receive far more than they can admit—consequently, they do not award any merit aid. Conversely, less-selective schools are more likely to woo attention-grabbing applicants by offering them scholarships. When building your college list, include one or two safety schools where you have a strong chance of winning substantial merit aid.  

Pay Attention to Small Awards 

Small awards, such as a scholarship for students from a single Illinois town or county, can add up quickly. Plus, they often are not nearly as competitive as larger awards. Incorporate them into your scholarship strategy to improve your chances of winning an award.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

2024 Illinois Scholarships

Illinois is not immune from the nationwide trend of rising tuition costs. The average tuition for Illinois universities is a whopping $17,903.00 and the total cost of attendance is $41,616.00. 66% of student graduates in Illinois graduate with an average debt load of $29,855.00. That’s why hundreds of thousands of students in Illinois turn either to scholarships or student loans.

These IL scholarships are available for men, women and a variety of students in Illinois, and any Illinois resident regardless of their interests or background. Illinois scholarships are available for college students, for adults going back to school, and all types of IL students or IL residents, and especially targeted to help middle class families afford a top-of-the-line education. The best part about these scholarships is they are easy (many require nothing more than filling out a simple form) and they don’t need to be paid back!

While some scholarships are easy and can be completed in under 30 seconds, others require more upfront information. We’ve marked easy scholarships with a little “Easy Apply” so you can prioritize them. This is the complete list of the best scholarships for Illinois residents.

How much total award money and scholarships are available for IL residents?

There are 458 scholarships totaling $1,781,697.00 available to Illinois residents. You can easily browse through all 458 scholarships below.

How many scholarships are available for moms and single moms in Illinois?

Moms in Illinois are eligible for all the same scholarships as IL residents. Therefore, the 458 scholarships worth $1,781,697.00 mentioned above is also available to moms and single moms. In addition, however, you can check out additional scholarships for moms, which have been provided exclusively for moms and single moms, and you can find from the main scholarship search engine page.

How many scholarships are available for college students in Illinois?

458 scholarships worth $1,781,697.00 are available for college students in IL. In addition, we encourage current college students in Illinois to check scholarships by school and, specifically, colleges in Illinois for more options. Here are links for scholarships at the 20 largest colleges in Illinois:

How many scholarships are available for high school seniors in Illinois?

458 scholarships totaling $1,781,697.00 are available for high school seniors in IL. In addition, we encourage current high school students to check out more from the scholarship search engine .

Do I need to be a resident of IL to apply to these scholarships?

Our scholarship search automatically returns scholarships by all different types of requirements. The below scholarships are either explicitly available for Illinois residents, or they do not require specific state residency at all and are therefore available to IL students and residents, as well as others across the country.

• Illinois Scholarships by County
• Cook County Scholarships
• DuPage County Scholarships
• Lake County Scholarships
• Will County Scholarships
• Kane County Scholarships
• McHenry County Scholarships
• Winnebago County Scholarships
• St. Clair County Scholarships
• Madison County Scholarships
• Champaign County Scholarships
• Illinois Scholarships by Town
• Chicago Scholarships
• Naperville Scholarships
• Joliet Scholarships
• Aurora Scholarships
• Elgin Scholarships
• Rockford Scholarships
• Springfield Scholarships
• Peoria Scholarships
• Illinois Scholarships by College
• American Academy of Art Scholarships
• Augustana College Scholarships
• Aurora University Scholarships
• Blackburn College Scholarships
• Bradley University Scholarships
• Chicago State University Scholarships
• Columbia College Chicago Scholarships
• East-West University Scholarships
• Eastern Illinois University Scholarships
• Elmhurst College Scholarships

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Illinois Scholarships for High School and College Students

Scholarships in Illinois to Apply to in 2024

Mary Alice Kramer Aspiring Nurse Scholarship

Eligibility criteria:.

• Education Level : High school or undergraduate student
• Field of Study : Nursing
• GPA : 3.0 or higher
• State : Resident of IL

Cindy J. Visser Memorial Nursing Scholarship

• State : Illinois

Amoah-Koi Scholarship

• Race : Black/African
• Education Level : Graduate student

Samantha S. Roberts Memorial Scholarship

• State : WI, IL, IA, MI, MN, KS, NE, or OH
• Field of Study : Art

Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship

Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

• Background : Child of a parent with ALS
• Financial Status : Family facing financial hardship
• Education Level : Current or prospective college student

A Heroes Family Scholarship

First-Generation College Students Scholarship

• Background : First-generation college student
• Education Level : High school senior or current undergraduate student

Raquel Merlini Pay it Forward Scholarship

• Marital Status : Single Mother and/or divorced
• Pending major : Pursuing or considering pursuing a degree in the medical field

CapCut Meme Master Scholarship

"The Summer I Turned Pretty" Fan Scholarship

Once Upon a #BookTok Scholarship

Lewis University Launch Your Career Scholarship

• Year of high school (if applicable) : Senior

Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior planning to attend trade school

Jacob Naumann Memorial Scholarship

• State : Illinois or Missouri
• Field of Interest : Music
• Education Level : High school junior or senior or undergraduate student

Creative Arts Scholarship

• Field : Performing arts: music, dance, theater, etc.
• Education Level : High school senior, undergraduate

Most Improved Student Scholarship

• Education Level : High school seniors
• Background : Improvement academically and personally

Rising Scholarship

• Education Level : High school
• Gender : Woman

Deacon William E. Johnson Sr. Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior or undergraduate student
• Financial Status : Low-income
• Race : BIPOC

Nick Huffman Memorial Scholarship

• Career of Interest : Television/radio communications or creative writing

Tina and Danny Rodriguez Scholarship

• Desired Degree : Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, EMS, 911 Services
• Location : Illinois

HomeCare.com Nursing Scholarship

• Major of interest : Nursing/ADN
• State : Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, New York, Michigan, Georgia, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Arizona, or Alabama

West Pullman Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
• Race : Black
• Field of Study : English, Theater or Film (playwriting preferred)

Nabi Nicole Grant Memorial Scholarship

• Race : African American
• Gender : Female-identifying
• Field of Study : Theology or Religious Studies
• Education Level : Any

Adam T. Hallberg Mental Illness Study Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate or graduate student
• State : Iowa or Illinois
• Background : Volunteer or internship experience in the mental health field
• Field of Study : Mental health services

About scholarships in Illinois

Illinois is home to many students looking for higher education opportunities. With prestigious institutions for those who demonstrate academic achievement as well as larger and more accepting institutions, Illinois offers many different options for college students. 

Unfortunately, college costs are rapidly rising, making it difficult for low-income or middle-class students to afford their costs. As a result, many undergraduate students and graduates now rely on student loans to finance their education.

In the US alone, 45 million borrowers are paying off student loans and collectively owe $1.71 trillion. Illinois is no exception, with many students struggling to pay their tuition and other educational expenses without taking out debt. Though student loans allow lower-income students to pursue their goals, they can also be difficult to pay off, especially if one takes out private loans with high interest rates. 

Student debt can also make it difficult to pursue other life goals, like buying homes, saving for retirement, starting businesses, or even having children. As a result, it can be critical for students with financial need to seek out financial aid other than loans. This aid can include education scholarship opportunities, federal grants, or aid directly from one's college. Keep reading to find exclusive scholarships for students in Illinois.

Illinois students and student debt

Colleges in illinois.

Illinois colleges have an average acceptance rate of 58.01%. Illinois has some prestigious and highly selective options like the University of Chicago, with a 7.31% acceptance rate. The University of Chicago ranks sixth out of national universities and has 6,989 current undergraduate students. 

Northwestern University is another prestigious college in Illinois, ranking ninth out of national universities with 8,194 undergraduate students.

Students looking for a larger and less competitive college experience can consider schools such as the University of Illinois-Chicago. Students who want a smaller college experience can also find great options in Illinois, such as Eureka College with just 511 undergraduate students.

The graduation rate of Illinois students is 65.18%, with women having a higher graduation rate than men, 67.39%compared to 62.55%. 

Illinois college demographics

Illinois colleges have a total of 693,740 students, 411,509 of whom are female as compared to just 282,231 men. 536,769of the college students in Illinois are undergraduates and 156,971 are graduates. Of all college students in Illinois, 350,917take fully online classes and another 149,814 take some online courses. As a result, just 193,009 students in Illinois take fully in-person classes.

340,594 Illinois college students are white but there's also a significant Hispanic population in college, with 133,274Hispanic students. Additionally, there are 83,378 Black students, 51,153 Asian students, and 20,402 mixed-race students in Illinois colleges.

College costs in Illinois

The average cost of living is $14,306 for on-campus students and $13,680 for off-campus students. Tuition for in-state students costs an average of $5,475, resulting in living costs being the highest expense for many students. In-state graduate students pay a higher average tuition rate of $12,394.

Out-of-state students pay an average of $40,868 if living on campus and $40,242 if living off campus. For out-of-state students, tuition alone costs an average of $21,070 for undergraduate students and $19,921 for graduate students.

While 66.72% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, the average aid amount is just $8,578, leaving a high remaining cost. 

Student debt in Illinois

Illinois students, like other students around the country, struggle to pay the astronomical costs of higher education out of pocket. As a result, 57% of Illinois graduates have student debt and 10% have private student loans. The average student debt in Illinois is $28,552, placing Illinois roughly in the middle of average student debt by state and below the national average of $37,693.

The best scholarships for Illinois students

When it comes to applying for scholarships, it can be difficult to decide where to start. Each type of scholarship has different advantages and drawbacks but state-based Scholarships in Illinois can be great opportunities. Since fewer students will be eligible to apply for local scholarships, your chance of winning will be higher!

This $2,775 scholarship was created in memory of Deacon William E. Johnson Sr. and seeks to support low-income BIPOC students. High school seniors and undergraduate students who are studying in Illinois can apply for this scholarship by writing about someone who impacted their education journey and their plans for helping their community. 

Three winners will be selected and the scholarship closes on April 26th, so don't wait!

In memory of Tina and Danny Rodriguez, this $523 scholarship will award a high school student in Illinois who is interested in a career in law enforcement, fire safety, EMS, or 911 services. 

This $8,000 will support four high school students in Illinois who are interested in pursuing careers in nursing. Eligible students can apply by writing a short essay about their inspiration for pursuing nursing and how they'll help the public through their practice.

Additional scholarships that students in Illinois should consider 

State-based scholarships like the ones above are a great way to begin your scholarship search, but there are plenty of other scholarships you should consider. Non-local scholarships that are open to students regardless of location can also be worthwhile opportunities. Narrow scholarships with many eligibility requirements can be especially rewarding since you will be up against less competition!

Scholarships for high school students in Illinois

High school is often less demanding than college, so it can be a great idea to begin searching for college scholarships while still in high school. Any scholarships that you win will be held for you until you begin college, so don't wait to start applying! The following scholarships are a great way to get started.

• Paige's Promise Scholarship
• Robert Wechman Mental Health Scholarship
• CollegeXpress No-Essay Scholarship

Scholarships for high school freshmen in Illinois

High school freshmen often don't know that they can start applying for scholarships. Additionally, many freshmen haven't started thinking seriously about college and their financial plans, so many don't bother to apply for scholarships. By applying early, you can give yourself extra time to earn college funding, making it easier to afford college when you finally start. Check out the following scholarships that you can apply for as a high school freshman.

• WiseGeek Lifelong Learners No-Essay Grant
• Haiti Rising Christlike Scholarship
• Andrew Perez Mental Illness/Suicidal Awareness Education Scholarship

Scholarships for high school sophomores in Illinois

Like freshmen, many high school sophomores don't take the time to apply for scholarships. Junior and senior year are often more busy and stressful, between college visits, college applications, AP classes, and standardized tests. Sophomore year can therefore be an excellent time to apply for scholarships like the ones below.

• Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
• Morning Brew Tech & Business News Scholarship
• Bold Dream Big Scholarship

Scholarships for high school juniors in Illinois

Though junior year may be busy as you consider your college plan and start working on your applications and on ACT or SAT prep, it can still be worthwhile to apply for scholarships. Some high school scholarships are exclusively open to upperclassmen, so consider taking advantage of those opportunities. You can get started with the following scholarships:

• Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship
• Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship
• Future of Aviation Scholarship

Scholarships for high school seniors in Illinois

High school seniors can benefit from the many scholarships that are only open to high school senior students. Some undergraduate scholarships are also open to high school students who are graduating seniors, resulting in many opportunities for Illinois residents preparing to attend college. 

• Graduate Debt-Free Scholarship
• Eleven Scholarship
• Melaninwhitecoats Podcast Annual Scholarship
• JoLynn Blanton Memorial Scholarship

Illinois college scholarships for current college students

Current college students, including college freshmen, upperclassmen, and even graduate students can still benefit from scholarships. It can be difficult to attend school if you're not from a wealthy family and federal financial aid often doesn't go far enough in financing students' pursuits of higher education. 

These college scholarships will support outstanding students working on undergraduate or graduate degrees. If you're a current college student, consider the following scholarships to reduce your tuition costs at an accredited college or vocational school. 

• Tony Alviani Memorial Scholarship
• Sentant Interdisciplinary Technology Scholarship
• CollegeXpress Graduate No-Essay Scholarship
• Hasanovic American Dream Scholarship

Scholarships for graduate students in Illinois

Many graduate students think it's too late to find scholarships. However, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities that are available to those pursuing advanced degrees. Additionally, many students pursuing graduate programs have student loans from their undergraduate years, making them eligible for many debt-reduction scholarships.

• @ESPDaniella Debt Grant
• Military Student Debt Grant
• Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship

Scholarships for moms in Illinois

Mothers, fathers, and other guardians often are discouraged from pursuing a college or university education due to the responsibilities and time constraints that come from raising children. Additionally, children can be expensive, making financial assistance even more essential for students who are moms.

• REVIVAL Scholarship
• It Takes An Aggie Village Scholarship
• Saroya Byrd Legacy Scholarship

Scholarships for single moms in Illinois

Being a parent already makes college more difficult, but being a single parent is even harder. As a result, many scholarships are geared specifically toward single moms who need tuition assistance in order to attend college. The following scholarships are a great place for single moms to start when seeking out financial assistance.

• Janey Mae Memorial Scholarship
• Law Family Single Parent Scholarship
• Larry Darnell Green Scholarship

Scholarships for first-generation college students in Illinois

First-generation students often have a tough time navigating the world of higher education. It can be difficult to find financial aid as many first-generation students don't know where to look due to a lack of family guidance. 

Additionally, first-generation students often come from lower-income households since their parents don't have formal education. The following scholarships can help level the playing field by helping first-generation students reduce their financial need.

• Minority/Women in STEM Scholarship
• Diversity in Law Scholarship
• McCutcheon | Nikitin First-Generation Scholarship
• Abby's First-Generation College Student Scholarship

Scholarships for Latino students in Illinois

Hispanic and Latino students can benefit from many ethnicity-based scholarships, such as the ones below. The following Hispanic American scholarships will have a smaller eligible applicant pool, making it more likely that you'll win!

• Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
• Hispanic Empowerment No-Essay Scholarship
• Snap Finance "Funding the Future" Scholarship

Frequently asked questions about scholarships in Illinois

How to apply for scholarships in illinois.

Applying for scholarships on Bold.org is fast, free, and easy! To get started, click on any of the scholarships above and make your profile. In order to find the best scholarship matches, make sure to completely fill out your profile so that it's detailed, unique, and accurate. 

Once your profile is created, you can browse through the hundreds of scholarship opportunities and you can bookmark any that interest you. To find more specific scholarships, consider using the filter features which allow you to browse by category, education level, deadline, or date added. You can also filter by type to find no-essay scholarships if you're short on time. Additionally, you can even filter by amount to find different value scholarships, ranging from $500 to full-tuition scholarships.

Once you've found a scholarship that's a good match, read the description to check the eligibility criteria that applicants must meet. If you're among the qualified students, all you need to do is follow the prompts! Most scholarships require a short essay or other written submission, which you can paste into the box at the bottom of the page. Other scholarships may require a file upload or a link submission either in place of an essay or in addition to an essay. 

Once you've put in all of your application materials, just click submit to officially enter the scholarship! 

When can I start applying?

On Bold.org , you can start applying for scholarships as soon as you're in high school and at least fourteen years old. By starting early, you'll give yourself as much time as possible to seek out scholarship awards, which will make it easier to pay for college when the time comes. 

Many students begin applying as high school seniors so they can find funding before enrolling in a college. However, plenty of college students, including graduate students, are just beginning to apply. It's never too late or too early to earn college scholarships, so start your search whenever it feels right to you. 

Even if you're an adult who has graduated and started working, you may still qualify for scholarships. Though most scholarships are only open to current students, recent graduates who have student loans are eligible for some opportunities.

Do I have to have a certain GPA to apply?

While applicants must display academic excellence or academic achievement to apply for certain scholarships, most scholarships don't have a minimum GPA required to apply. If you do exhibit academic potential, you can consider academic merit scholarships, such as those that require a minimum cumulative GPA.

If you excel in another area, consider other types of scholarships. For example, an arts scholarship or an award for students who play high school sports can benefit from athletic or artistic scholarships. Additionally, minority students, those who demonstrate financial need, or applicants who are building leadership skills can all find corresponding scholarships that match up to their demographics and backgrounds, regardless of cumulative GPA.

Are scholarships taxable in Illinois?

Scholarship money is sent straight to the accredited Illinois college of the winner and is applied directly toward educational costs, including tuition expenses, fees, and book costs. Additionally, recent graduates who win scholarships apply the money directly to their student debt. Since scholarship money goes directly towards educational expenses, it does not count as taxable income as long as the total amount received does not exceed one's educational costs. 

Applying for scholarships on Bold.org is fast, free, and easy! To get started, click on any of the scholarships above and make your profile. In order to find the best scholarship matches, make sure to completely fill out your profile so that it's detailed, unique, and accurate. Once your profile is created, you can browse through the hundreds of scholarship opportunities and you can bookmark any that interest you. To find more specific scholarships, consider using the filter features which allow you to browse by category, education level, deadline, or date added. You can also filter by type to find no-essay scholarships if you're short on time. Additionally, you can even filter by amount to find different value scholarships, ranging from $500 to full-tuition scholarships. Once you've found a scholarship that's a good match, read the description to check the eligibility criteria that applicants must meet. If you're among the qualified students, all you need to do is follow the prompts! Most scholarships require a short essay or other written submission, which you can paste into the box at the bottom of the page. Other scholarships may require a file upload or a link submission either in place of an essay or in addition to an essay. Once you've put in all of your application materials, just click submit to officially enter the scholarship!

On Bold.org, you can start applying for scholarships as soon as you're in high school and at least fourteen years old. By starting early, you'll give yourself as much time as possible to seek out scholarship awards, which will make it easier to pay for college when the time comes. Many students begin applying as high school seniors so they can find funding before enrolling in a college. However, plenty of college students, including graduate students, are just beginning to apply. It's never too late or too early to earn college scholarships, so start your search whenever it feels right to you.

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Scholarships for High School Seniors

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is proud to support local students by offering financial educational support through the gifts of our donors.

Application Portal Open Jan. 1 to June 1, 2024

Each year, The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation's scholarship program annually benefits approximately 70 enrolled students pursuing their higher education goals. These phenomenal financial awards vary in size from $500 to $10,000. The financial educational support of this program is available through open scholarship accounts and designated fund accounts provided to the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation by generous donors who are committed to improving educational outcomes in our community.

Click here to apply Click here to apply

Scholarship Requirements

All eligible students must be a high school graduate or equivalent and must be accepted into an accredited institution of higher learning within the United States of America. Eligible students must be graduating high school this school year or be an existing college/university who has received a prior scholarship. Some scholarships require essays to be written .

Scholarship Timeline

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation provides a breakdown of various steps in scholarship process to guide students, parents, and counselors. Learn more about the 2024 scholarship cycle .

Scholarships Available

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation awards over 70 scholarship annually to graduating high school seniors residing in Macon County who have been accepted at an accredited college or university.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click this link to review frequently asked questions.

Kathy Carter

If you have a question about the application process, contact Kathy Carter, HICF Scholarship Coordinator, by calling 217.429.3000, 217-220-1363 or by email at [email protected].

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Illinois Scholarships

Illinois is home not only to the Millennium Park, the Willis Tower Skydeck, and Lincoln Park but also to some prestigious colleges and universities.

Reputable institutions such as the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Northwestern University and the University of Chicago can offer you the high-quality education you deserve and prepare you for a successful career.

If you’re worried about tuition costs and other expenses, we have good news for you.

There are many scholarships available to residents of Illinois who want to pursue post-secondary education in their home state.

Check out our list and start applying today!

• AAUW Return to Learning Scholarships
• Award: $2,500
• Deadline: 04/01/2024
• ABC Humane Wildlife Control & Prevention, Inc. Academic Scholarship
• Award: $1,000
• Deadline: 07/01/2024
• ACHE Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship
• Award: $5,000
• Deadline: 03/31/2024
• Actuarial Diversity Scholarship
• Award: $4,000
• Deadline: 05/02/2024
• AEC Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition
• Award: $15,500
• Deadline: 03/27/2024
• AIA Chicago Foundation Graduate Diversity Scholarship
• Award: $10,000
• Deadline: 04/15/2024
• ALA – LITA/LSSI Scholarship
• Deadline: 03/01/2024
• Allied Van Lines Scholarship
• Deadline: 12/15/2024
• Aluminum Extrusion Student Design Competition
• Deadline: 03/29/2024
• ANS Undergraduate Scholarship
• Augustana College Rissing Scholarship
• Deadline: See Details
• Baizer Kolar P.C. Personal Injury Scholarship Opportunity
• Deadline: 05/31/2024
• Betty Harlan Memorial Art Scholarship
• Award: $200,000
• Betty Stevens-Frecknall Scholarship
• Award: $2,000
• Billy Smith Memorial Scholarship
• Deadline: 02/01/2024
• BLM² Scholarship Foundation College Scholarship
• Deadline: 07/03/2024
• Buster Lindsay Memorial Scholarship
• Award: $500
• Chicago Engineers’ Foundation Incentive Award
• Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy Scholarship
• Award: See Details
• Deadline: 05/09/2024
• Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) Scholarship
• Deadline: 03/06/2024
• Church of the Brethren Nursing Scholarships
• CRCA Scholarship
• Dairy Management, Inc. Scholarship Program
• Award: $3,500
• Deadline: 04/26/2024
• Disciples Leadership Program
• Award: $6,000
• Deadline: 01/10/2024
• Environmental Studies/Natural Science Scholarship Program
• FMS Finance and Accounting Scholarship
• Deadline: 04/19/2024
• Gold Star Mission Education Scholarship
• Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship
• Award: $15,000
• Deadline: 01/06/2024
• Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award
• Deadline: 06/30/2024
• Illinois CPA Society Accounting Tuition Scholarship
• Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarship
• Award: $180,000
• Deadline: 05/14/2024
• Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
• Award: $8,000
• JASC-Nielsen STEM Scholarship
• Jay Cutler Athletic Scholarship
• Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship
• Jesse L. Jackson-Fellows Toyota Scholarship
• Award: $25,000
• Deadline: 05/01/2024
• Josh Gottheil Memorial Bone Marrow Transplant Career Development Awards
• Deadline: 06/15/2024
• Minorities In Government Finance Scholarship
• Deadline: 01/18/2024
• Murray Wise Associates Foundation Scholarship
• National Merit Scholarship Corporation
• NAWT William Hapchuk Memorial Scholarship
• Award: $1,500
• Deadline: 01/15/2024
• Our First Amendment Freedoms Art & Essay Contest
• Deadline: 09/28/2024
• Robert Sherman Fine Art Scholarship
• Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers’ Annual Single Mother Scholarship
• Deadline: 12/05/2024
• Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships
• Award: $25,800
• Deadline: 04/30/2024
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship Program
• Society of Women Engineers Sophomore-Graduate Scholarships
• Deadline: 02/15/2024
• Soliant’s Sunrise Scholarship
• Deadline: 09/15/2024
• SOM Foundation Structural Engineering Research Fellowship
• Award: $20,000
• Deadline: 12/10/2024
• Staver Law Group National Scholarship
• Deadline: 12/01/2024
• The AIA Northeast Illinois Chapter Student Scholarship
• Award: $3,000
• The Bookoo Scholarship
• The Clubs of America Scholarship Award for Career Success
• Deadline: 08/31/2024
• The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship
• The John Galt Scholarship for Future Supply Chain Leaders Scholarship
• The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship (OPC Endowment)
• The Trotter Project’s Charlie Trotter Scholarship
• Award: $9,000
• The U. K. Gupta Family Scholarship Endowment
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarshi
• Deadline: 05/05/2024

Scholarships

3 cycles, 127+ scholarships, $500k+ awarded, just one stop . .

CFNIL is the region's largest private scholarship provider, with over 125 unique scholarships to award this year. We have worked hard to make applying for Community Foundation of Northern Illinois scholarships as simple and efficient as possible. There are three cycles, each with their own application and timeline. Each cycle's application is accessed via CFNIL's online application portal .

Need help getting started? Visit our  Scholarship Resources  page to learn how to apply! Interested in the two new scholarships available for people with intellectual disabilities? Check out these videos!

CFNIL’s scholarship funds were created by donors who recognize the importance of helping students achieve their educational goals, now and in perpetuity. The funds’ creators selected the criteria based on their interests and the community’s needs. Many of CFNIL’s scholarships are memorials, which celebrate the life and passions of individuals.

The diversity of scholarship offerings reflects the diversity of CFNIL’s donors and the communities it serves. Most scholarships are for current college students and graduating high school seniors in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties. Scholarships are available based on various factors: community engagement; academic achievement; financial need; athletic participation; field of study; and many more. There are scholarships for non-traditional, minority, and first-generation college students. Nearly two dozen scholarships are available for students with a high school diploma OR a GED — learn more on the  Scholarship Resource page.

The applications are read and scored by committees of volunteers who use a “blind” review process and make recommendations to CFNIL’s Board of Trustees. Fall scholarship recipients are announced by March 1, Winter by May 1, and Spring by June 1, and recipients, donors, reviewers, and supporters are invited to an annual Scholarship Award Night ceremony in mid-June. Awards are sent directly to the recipient’s post-secondary institution.

Questions? Need help getting started? Contact Heather !

Scholarship Filter Options

Alpha Delta Kappa Xi Education Scholarship

Primary Focus: Education/Teaching

Geography: Boone County | Ogle County | Stephenson County | Winnebago County

Specifications: Graduate Student

Deadline: February 1

Amanda Reed Memorial Scholarship

Primary Focus: Civic Engagement/Community Service

Specifications: N/A

Amber Huber Memorial Scholarship

Primary Focus: Athletics

Geography: N/A

Specifications: Byron High School | Renewable

Ann W. Dooley Advancement Scholarship

Primary Focus: Disabilities

Deadline: April 15

Ann W. Dooley Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Renewable

Anna Schiller Scholarship

Specifications: Rockford Christian High School

Annie and Oscar Blackwell Scholarship

Primary Focus: African American/Black

Specifications: Financial Need | Rockford Public School District #205

Anthony and Charlotte Kinney Scholarship

Specifications: Pecatonica High School

Ardis W. Cook Social Work Scholarship

Specifications: Rockford Public School District #205

Ashley E. Ketcher Memorial Scholarship

Primary Focus: Arts (Performing/Visual)

Specifications: Auburn High School | Financial Need

Beta Gamma Recruitment Grant

Geography: Boone County | Winnebago County

Betty Harlan Memorial Art Scholarship

Primary Focus: N/A

Geography: Boone County | Ogle County | Winnebago County

Billy Smith Memorial Scholarship

Bonnie Sorenson Scudder Scholarship

Specifications: Harvard High School

Deadline: Rolling deadline

Buster Lindsay Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Financial Need | Jefferson High School

Charles Lee Anderson Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Rock Valley College | Sycamore High School

Cheri Nordenberg Greenlee Memorial Scholarship

Primary Focus: Financial Need

Specifications: Financial Need

Coach's Corner Scholarship

Geography: Boone County

Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship

Specifications: Non-Traditional | Rockford Public School District #205

Daniel Edwards Memorial Scholarship

Primary Focus: Trades/Vocational Studies

Geography: Ogle County

David L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Byron High School | Oregon High School

Deborah Jean Rydberg Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Guilford High School

Diane Thompson-Wells Memorial Scholarship

Primary Focus: Other

Geography: USA

DKG Carolyn Wones Scholarship

Primary Focus: Academic

Dori Drummond & Elsie Cherniwchan Service Scholarship

Specifications: Auburn High School | Roosevelt Community Education Center

Dorothy Cleland Memorial NSDAR Scholarship

Geography: Winnebago County

Specifications: Academic Performance | Financial Need

Dr. Constance L. Goode Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Gussie M. Ware Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Non-Traditional

Dr. Loomis / Rockton Lions Club Scholarship

Dr. tom moore family scholarship.

Specifications: Academic Performance | Financial Need | Rockford East High School

Early Childhood Educators Scholarship

Elsie Jefko Carlson Scholarship

Specifications: Financial Need | Non-Traditional

Era L. and Frances L. Walker Scholarship

Ernest a. schlichting scholarship.

Specifications: Harlem High School | Non-Traditional

Ernest and Charlene Stachowiak Memorial Scholarship

Fehr Graham Scholarship

Primary Focus: Manufacturing/STEM

Deadline: January 1

Frances Grant Triebel Memorial NSDAR Scholarship

Fred Peterson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Hononegah High School

Gary S. Wilmer / RAMI Music Scholarship

Gene Bradford Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Byron High School

Geoffrey R. Laird Memorial Scholarship

George Whinna Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Non-Traditional | Rock Valley College | Rockford University

Harry H. and Floy B. Chapin Scholarship

Specifications: Academic Performance | Brodhead High School | Dakota High School | Durand High School | Pecatonica High School

Hazel Mortimer Hyde Memorial Conservation NSDAR Scholarship

Hegel family soccer scholarship.

Specifications: Academic Performance | Hononegah High School

Helen R. (Finley) Loescher and Stephen B. Loescher Scholarship

Specifications: Freeport High School

Howard and Eithal Curry Elementary Education Recruitment Grant

Howard D. Colman Scholarship

Specifications: Academic Performance

International Management Council (IMC) Scholarship

Primary Focus: Business

Irene K. Karsk Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Academic Performance | Pecatonica High School

It's Up To Me Scholarship

Jack Lovejoy Vocational Scholarship

Primary Focus: Non-Traditional | Trades/Vocational Studies

Specifications: Hononegah High School | South Beloit High School

Jan Stringer Scholarship

Primary Focus: Dental/Medical

Janet L. Williams Mathematics Scholarship

Jason "Jay" Ordway Memorial Scholarship

Joan stonecipher scholarship.

Primary Focus: Arts (Performing/Visual) | Non-Traditional

John D. and Melinda (Mindy) L. Stadel Scholarship

John E. Lindley Memorial Swim Scholarship

John flynn memorial scholarship, jouris family scholarship.

Karen and Robert Harter Recruitment Grant

Kari Lotko Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Boylan Central Catholic High School

Katrina Smith Memorial Scholarship

Primary Focus: Non-Traditional

Keith Maffioli Scholarship

Kiwanis Club of Rockford Higher Education Grant

Kjellstrom Women's Scholarship Initiative

Kristin Wilson Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Academic Performance | Non-Traditional | South Beloit High School

La Voz Latina Scholarship

Geography: Boone County | Jo Daviess County | Stephenson County | Winnebago County

Larry and Betty McGee Scholarship

Specifications: Academic Performance | Financial Need | Non-Traditional

League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford Scholarship

Leonard D. Carmichael Community Service Scholarship

Specifications: Financial Need | Renewable | Rochelle Township High School

Lieutenant Kelli Ingardona Memorial Scholarship

Primary Focus: Firefighter/Fire Science/Police

Margaret T. Craig Community Service Scholarship

May-Cassioppi Scholarship

Specifications: Financial Need | Guilford High School

Mike Lindberg Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Financial Need | North Boone High School

Nancy Kalchbrenner Scholarship

Nathaniel Martin "Scared Man Can't Win" Memorial Scholarship

Nettie and jesse gorov scholarship, northwest community center scholarship.

Northwestern Illinois Building Trades Blais Family Scholarship

Paul and ruth neidhold business scholarship.

Pay It Forward Scholarship

Phyllis Howard Memorial Scholarship

Pi Gamma Omega Scholarship

R.I.S.E. Nursing Scholarship

Randall A. Blank Memorial Scholarship

Regina Potts Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Non-Traditional | Rockford East High School

Richard Dopp Memorial Scholarship

Primary Focus: Business | Dental/Medical

Richard J. Schnell Memorial Scholarship

Richard L. Bernardi Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Financial Need | Non-Traditional | Rock Valley College

Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity College Scholarship

Rockford Health Careers Foundation Scholarship

Rockford Historical Society Scholarship

Rockford Products Corporation Foundation Scholarship

Rockton lions club scholarship.

Specifications: Academic Performance | Financial Need | Hononegah High School

Rod Bennett Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Dakota High School | Durand High School | Non-Traditional | Pecatonica High School | Winnebago High School

Roger L. Ekstrom Memorial Scholarship

Specifications: Academic Performance | Guilford High School

Sand Bluff Bird Observatory Dave Seal Volunteers Scholarship

Primary Focus: Conservation/Environment

Geography: Boone County | Ogle County | Rock County | Stephenson County | Winnebago County

Sand Bluff Bird Observatory Environmental Studies Scholarship

Sand Bluff Bird Observatory Lee and Lynda Johnson Founders Scholarship

Senior memorial scholarship.

Specifications: Academic Performance | Financial Need | Rockford Public School District #205

Shirley V. Schlichting Scholarship

Specifications: Harlem High School | Renewable | Rock Valley College

Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship

Specifications: Academic Performance | Non-Traditional

Sorensen Memorial Architecture Scholarship

Specifications: Academic Performance | Financial Need | Renewable

Sorensen Memorial Engineering Scholarship

Sorensen Memorial Music Scholarship

Sorensen Memorial Theater Scholarship

Susan kay munson gilmore memorial scholarship.

Specifications: Financial Need | Guilford High School | Mendota Township High School | Non-Traditional

Taus Community Endowment Scholarship

Terrance Freeman Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Tyler Kinison Memorial Scholarship

University of Michigan Scholarship

Specifications: Academic Performance | Graduate Student | Non-Traditional

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 984 Scholarship

Walter k. raczynski family scholarship, wcrta – adam prymak scholarship.

WCRTA – Blanche J. Martin Scholarship

Specifications: Graduate Student | Non-Traditional

West Gateway Coalition Scholarship

Wilbur and William Cummings Memorial Scholarship

Geography: Belvidere | Boone County

Specifications: Academic Performance | Financial Need | Non-Traditional | Renewable

Willard J. Corbett & Alice C. Corbett Scholarship

William J. Galaway Library and Information Science Scholarship

William pigott memorial scholarship.

Geography: McHenry County | Winnebago County

William R. Durham Drama/Theater Scholarship

Winnebago county veterans association scholarship.

WoTM Ruthann Gaston Women in Manufacturing Scholarship

WoTM Scholarship

Zeta Chapter Memorial Award

High School Senior Scholarships

John s. teuscher health occupation scholarship.

Two $1000 scholarships are offered annually to graduating Pike County seniors who are choosing to pursue a career in a health profession at an accredited educational institution. Among the applicable degrees that these scholarships cover are: pre-med, nursing, physical therapy, medical records, public health, allied medical technology fields, and others. These scholarships may be used for tuition, room and board, books, and supplies.

Applications are due at the Foundation office by April 1 annually for consideration.

Allan A. Seiler Fitness and Wellness Scholarship

Established in 2011, this scholarship was made possible through a donation from the Echo Pike Group in memory of Alan A. Seiler upon his death. Reflecting his commitment to fitness and a healthy lifestyle, one $300 Allan A. Seiler Scholarship is offered annually to one graduating Pike County high school senior pursuing a career in fitness or wellness-related fields and may be received for up to three successive years.

Applications are due at the Foundation office by April 1 annually.

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How to get scholarships for college in high school.

Your goal is to attend the college of your dreams, but you’ve started to discover all the expenses you’ll be responsible for when you do . College tuition, living expenses, books, supplies, the list can go on and on and can be overwhelming.

Scholarships are essentially gifts. For the most part, they don't need to be repaid. Many of them are out there, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, local community organizations, religious groups, and professional and social groups.

And there are many scholarships for students to apply for as early as their freshman year of high school.

Read on to learn more about how to get scholarships in high school.

Can high school students apply for college scholarships?

Many scholarship opportunities are available for high school students to start applying for to help pay for college. A scholarship might cover the entire cost of tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, they’re worth applying for, because any amount will help reduce the cost of your education.

Most scholarship deadlines are between September and May, although some scholarships allow you to apply throughout the year. This makes applying on breaks and off time easier so it doesn’t interfere with homework and studying.

Making the scholarship search a part of your high school routine will go a long way as far as possibly securing scholarships and will help to ensure you don’t miss deadlines.

College scholarships for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

There are many college scholarships sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school are eligible to apply for. Here’s how to begin your search:

Online scholarship databases

There are plenty of online scholarship databases you can use to begin your search. We recommend exploring several as a starting point for your search. Use them to narrow down the scholarships that are out there so that you can then research a list of scholarships further.

School counselors

Contact your high school and college counselors and let them know you’re looking for scholarships. They’ll help you narrow down what kind of scholarships you may qualify for and where to look for them.

Teachers and coaches

If you’re interested in continuing any specific academic or athletic pursuits in college, reach out to teachers and coaches at your high school for help. Even if they don’t know of any specific scholarships, they’ll be able to help you present yourself well on scholarship applications.

Special interest organizations

Organizations that serve specific hobbies, pursuits, or demographics will also have information about relevant scholarships. A huge number of scholarships are available nationwide for specific interests, activities, and communities.

State scholarships

Contact your state’s education agency for more information about their merit and need-based scholarship programs.

Never hesitate to do a web search for a specific scholarship you’re hoping may exist. You’ll be surprised at the depth and breadth of what you’ll find.

Scholarship application tips

Every scholarship has a different application process, but many of the requirements overlap. While some local organizations may ask that you fill out a physical application, most applications are filed online.

Typical academic-based scholarships will require proof that you meet the eligibility conditions and an essay based on a given topic or prompt. Athletic and talent-based scholarships will also often ask you to provide evidence of your skill, which could mean a live performance, a portfolio, or a video of your athletic achievements.

Scholarship essay writing tips

When writing a scholarship essay, it’s best to start early. Make sure your essay fits the requested topic and do plenty of research. Ask a teacher you trust to look at your essay and offer critiques.

The essay is your chance to set yourself apart from the rest of the candidates. Do everything you can to make sure it stands out.

Final thoughts

The earlier you start applying for scholarships, the better your chances of receiving aid. Stay ahead of deadlines to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward when applying for scholarships. Good luck with your search!

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West Chicago High senior named a Dell Scholar

West Chicago Community High School recently announced that senior Christopher Vargas has been selected as a 2024 Dell Scholar. This scholarship recognizes his outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to pursuing higher education.

As a Dell Scholar, Vargas will receive a $20,000 scholarship disbursed over the course of his academic career, providing invaluable financial support for his college journey. In addition to the financial award, Scholars will benefit from personalized, multifaceted support designed to address academic, financial, and emotional challenges that students may encounter while pursuing their degrees.

One of the key benefits of the Dell Scholars program is the provision of a laptop with a 4-year warranty, ensuring that Vargas has the necessary technology to excel in his studies. Additionally, he will receive textbook credits totaling up to $2,000 over four years.

Beyond financial assistance, Dell Scholars like Vargas have access to comprehensive life support services, including resources and connections for scholars and their families to navigate stress, debt, and other life circumstances. The program also offers a teletherapy service that connects students to professional counseling, childcare support, and additional life circumstance assistance.

Vargas plans to major in finance and is considering attending either Aurora University or Elmhurst University in the fall, both offering additional significant academic scholarships. His dedication to academic excellence and his ambitious goals make him an exemplary recipient of the 2024 Dell Scholarship.

"We are thrilled to see Christopher recognized as a Dell Scholar," said Principal Will Dwyer. "His hard work, determination, and passion for learning have truly set him apart. We have no doubt that he will continue to achieve great success in his academic and professional endeavors."

The entire West Chicago Wildcat community congratulates Vargas on this well-deserved honor and wishes him continued success in all his future endeavors.

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Dacono offers scholarships to high school seniors

Mar. 27—High school seniors who live in Dacono can apply for the city's college and vocational training scholarships.

Seniors from any high school may apply so long as they reside in Dacono. The deadline is April 5

In years past, scholarship amounts have ranged from $500 to $2,000, depending on the number of qualifying applicants.

Applications are available through local high school guidance counselors as well as online at www.cityofdacono.com/930/Scholarship-Program

(c)2024 the Daily Times-Call (Longmont, Colo.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Five high school students receive Y-12 scholarships

Y-12 Credit Union has announced that five area high school students will receive 2024 Bill T. Hicks Scholarship to support their educational journey.

• Jennifer Andrews – Halls High School
• Qaswa Gul – Maryville High School
• Olivia Olmstead − Hardin Valley Academy
• Skylar Ramsey – Roane County High School
• Gabriela Sanchez-Benitez – Fulton High School

The Bill T. Hicks Scholarship, established in 2011, honors the legacy of the late Bill T. Hicks, a visionary educator and former Y-12 CU board member, according to a news release. The $5,000 scholarships go annually to exceptional students committed to academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

The Credit Union’s scholarship selection committee members were impressed by the high caliber of applicants and the diverse range of talents and interests represented by this year’s students, a news release said.

“East Tennessee has some of the brightest students in the country, and this year’s scholarship applicants are a testament to that. From GPAs exceeding 4.0 to community service initiatives and a fierce commitment to pursuing excellence, these students prove that the next generation will be ready to lead the charge,” said John Nolan, the community and business development manager for Y-12 CU.

Recipients' postgraduation plans include Vanderbilt University, Lee University, Brigham Young University, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

"This year, we received the highest number of applicants since 2011, which resulted in 32 finalists,” said Y-12 CU’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Ziegler.  

The five recipients will be honored at an awards dinner in May.

Info: Visit Y-12 CU’s  Scholarship Page .

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WEATHER ALERT

A river flood warning and a rip current statement in effect for 4 regions in the area

Kprc 2 senior scholarship: klein forest high school senior hayley urquiza’s inspiring comeback.

Mariah Gardner

HOUSTON – KPRC 2 and American Furniture Warehouse are surprising 20 deserving high school seniors with scholarships in 2024. All students selected for scholarships have been nominated by their high schools.

The eleventh $2,500 scholarship winner from the Class of 2024 is Klein Forest High School’s Hayley Urquiza.

Urquiza is a determined senior who aspires to work in the health care industry with a focus on studying Radiology. She volunteers at hospitals and has worked with Project C.U.R.E. to collect donations of medical supplies and equipment for people in need. Urquiza also volunteers with her church food pantry and retreat programs.

Urquiza currently serves as Vice President for her school’s chapter of the Science National Honor Society. She is also an officer with HOSA, the Health Occupations Students of America.

Sharing her story with KPRC 2′s Melanie Camp, Urquiza noted that she has wrestled with substance abuse since eighth grade, but has made changes in her life to recover. Now, Urquiza says her grades and personal relationships have improved, writing, “I aspire to be a living example that overcoming addiction is possible. I strive to be a role model...for anyone facing similar struggles.” Urquiza urges other students to ask for help to overcome substance abuse or any issues they may be facing.

You can see the scholarship surprise for Hayley Urquiza in the video player at the top of this article.

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

2 dead after shooting at 21st birthday party with more than 50 people in attendance at house in Jacinto City

21st birthday party turns deadly after shooting at home in jacinto city; more than 50 people were in attendance, man struck by weed eater, arrested in lawn equipment robbery, 3-year-old miraculously escapes injury as alleged drunk driver crashes into house, celebrate this easter at moody gardens.

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Lawndale High School student wins $50k Edison International scholarship