Illinois

Illinois Scholarships and Grants

You’ve worked hard – from K through 12 – and now it’s time for college. Bet at times you thought you’d never get here! You are a senior and getting ready to go to college, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have a little help to do so. Scholarships, loans and grants were created just for that purpose – a little help, and sometimes, a lot of help. You’d be amazed at the dollars out there waiting for you to find them. Listed below are only a few of programs available, but one might be just right for you. Check them out and for more, go see our high school guidance counselor – they are there to help you!

American Legion Illinois Boy Scout

This is a scholarship which can be used for undergraduate study to study journalism at an accredited college or university. To qualify, you or a parent must be a member or participant in the Boy Scouts of America. You must be a high school senior and resident of Illinois. Once you meet all of the qualifications, the next step is participation in a competition requiring a 500-word essay on the American Legion, Americanism, and the Boy Scout program. Winners will be selected based on this competition, talent, and interest in writing and journalism. There are two awards: $700 for first place, and $200 for second. For more info, check out this website. www.illegion.org.

American Legion Auxiliary Student Nurse Scholarship

Have you always wanted to be a nurse or is it a recent decision? Well, if you reside in Illinois, are a high school senior, and are sponsored by a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit, you can apply for this scholarship. Award is $1,000 and can be used at any 2 year or 4-year institution. For more information, please contact your local unit. Website is www.illegion.org/auxiliary.

Horatio Alger Idaho Scholarship Program

If you are a high school senior who has already faced and overcome great obstacles in your life, you need to take a closer look at this program.

Other requirements include Illinois residency and that you are a high school senior; that you be able to demonstrate financial need; that you have maintained a record of good academic achievement; and, that you are service orientated. To apply you will need to submit an essay, copy of your transcript showing a minimum 2.0 GPA, a letter of support, and an income statement. The scholarship may be used for full time undergrad study at a 2 or 4-year university or college. Please visit this website for additional information: www.hortioalger.org/scholarships. These scholarships are for $5,000.

Illinois General Assembly Legislative Scholarship

This is a renewable scholarship that can be used at Illinois state-supported schools. To be eligible you must reside in the state and be nominated by a member of the General Assembly. To seek nomination, get in touch with your County Clerk’s office and get the name and telephone number of your legislators. You must reside in the district represented by your nominator. This award pays full tuition. Contact your state senator and state representative for an application. Also, check this website: www.isbe.state.il.us.

Minority Teachers of Illinois

If you long to be a teacher, this scholarship might provide the help you are looking for. To apply, you must be an Alaskan native, Asian American, African American, Mexican American, Hispanic American, Puerto Rican, or American Indian, and reside in Illinois. The monies provided may be used at ISAC-approved institutions in the state. In addition to those qualifications noted above you must have a GPA of 2.5 or better, and plan to major in education.

This scholarship is in the amount of $5,000, but you will be required to sign a commitment to teach one year for each year of scholarship awarded, and you have to spend that time teaching in a non-profit Illinois preschool, elementary or secondary school with at least 30% minority enrollment. AND, if you do not fulfill this teaching commitment, the scholarship will revert to a loan, and the entire amount, plus interest, will need to be repaid. For additional information contact ISAC or visit the website, www.collegezone.com.

Monetary Award Program (MAP)

This is a renewable scholarship based on financial need and does not designate a major field of study. It can be used at ISAC-MAP approved colleges or universities in Illinois. Requirements include that you be a high school senior who resides in the state, and that you demonstrate financial need., by completing the FASFA application, which can be obtained free on the web, www.fasfa.ed.gov. The amount of this award is determined by funding available each year; it is $4,968 in 2010. Contact the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for details, www.collegezone.com.

College Bound

If you live or go to high school within the city limits of Chicago, are a high school junior, have high grades, and can prove financial need, you may be eligible for this unique scholarship! It is different because it provides financial support for five years, including one year of college preparatory study, a $5,000 merit scholarship, summer programming and internship opportunities. Application requirements include an essay, letters of recommendation, and your transcript. If you are the special student that meets all of these qualifications, please contact Scholarship Chicago at www.scholarshipchicago.org.