Essay

You’ll need someone who knows you to write about the great 

Recommendation letter

How do I know if I meet the requirements for a scholarship?

What is a letter of recommendation?

How should I prioritize which scholarships to apply to? 

What if I don't hear back from a scholarship?

STEM Scholarship

The STEM Scholarship offers up to $10,000 for underrepresented students in sustainability and STEM with a 3.0 GPA and community impact.

Answer some open-ended questions to apply.

Short Responses

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation offers scholarships up to $5,000 for local students based on merit and need.

Check the website for additional requirements.

Other

How do I increase my chances of getting a scholarship? 

Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarship

Win up to $2,500 with the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarship for culinary and hospitality students.

Southern Illinois Community Foundation Scholarships

Southern Illinois Community Foundation offers scholarships based on merit, need, and activities. High chances for local students! Award: $250+.

You’ll fill out a special form to apply (usually a PDF).

Application form

Illinois Diversity Real Estate Scholarship

The Illinois Diversity Real Estate Scholarship awards $500 to minority students in Illinois pursuing real estate careers.

You’ll need a copy of your grades and courses taken.

Transcripts

You’ll be asked to show your SAI from the FAFSA.

FAFSA SAI confirmation

Wentcher Foundation Scholarship

The Wentcher Foundation Scholarship awards $10,000 to Chicago public high school seniors with a 3.0 GPA and leadership skills.

CBC Spouses Essay Contest

The CBC Spouses Essay Contest offers up to $2,000 for African American high school juniors and seniors. Apply now!

George M. Pullman Scholars Program

The George M. Pullman Scholars Program provides $10,000 annually for four years to eligible Cook County seniors with financial need.

Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship

The Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship offers $500 to $5,000 for eligible high school students in select states.

This application asks you to provide standardized test scores.

Test scores

Golden Apple Scholars Program in Illinois

The Golden Apple Scholars Program offers up to $23,000 in tuition assistance for aspiring teachers in Illinois.

Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation? 

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois offers scholarships up to $10,000 for local students. One application matches you with options.

Sad Sacks Nursing Scholarship

The Sad Sacks Nursing Scholarship offers $500 for nursing students, prioritizing dependents of veterans. Essay and recommendations required.

Can I use the same letter of recommendation for multiple scholarship applications?     

What's the difference between an official and unofficial transcript? 

Illinois Undergraduate/Graduate Scholarship

Illinois Scholarship for full-time students in natural resource disciplines with GPA requirements. Award: $1,000.

Volunteering or being active in your community is a must for this scholarship.

Community Service

Robert Esser Student Achievement Scholarship

The Robert Esser Scholarship offers $500 for Illinois students in lake-related programs. Emphasis on volunteer experience required.

Can I use the same essay for multiple scholarship applications?

What is financial need and how do I know if I have it? 

Fueling the Minds of the Future Scholarship

The Fueling the Minds of the Future Scholarship offers $2,500 to Chicagoland freshmen with a 2.5 GPA and financial need. Apply now!

You’ll need an overview of your experiences and accomplishments. 

Resume

HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative Scholarship

The HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative Scholarship offers $5,000 to Black students in STEM or business at select UNCF schools.

You’ll need to submit a headshot as part of your application.

Photo / headshot

The Marki Lemons Ryhal Education Advancement Scholarship

The Marki Lemons Ryhal Scholarship offers $500 for African American women at HBCUs in real estate, business, or urban planning.

The Six Meter Club of Chicago Scholarship

The Six Meter Club of Chicago offers a $500 scholarship for licensed radio amateurs in IL, IN, or WI with a GPA of 2.5+. Apply with an essay.

Research in the field is needed for this scholarship.

Research summary / thesis

How do I submit a transcript for a scholarship application? 

Bo Koster Grant for Nature Study Scholarship

The Bo Koster Grant offers up to $5,000 for Missouri and Illinois students in nature studies. Apply with an abstract, summary, and recommendations.

ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship

The ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship offers $1,000 to high school seniors in six Midwest states. Apply online.

Community Foundation of Grundy County Scholarships

Grundy County students can apply for scholarships up to $10,000 for post-high school education. High chances of winning!

Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Award

The Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Award invites Illinois students to submit original poems for a chance to win $250+.

ATLAS Fellow Scholarship Program

The ATLAS Fellow Scholarship offers up to $20,000 for high school seniors in select cities pursuing financial services careers.

The ComEd EV Rally Scholarship

The ComEd EV Rally Scholarship awards $2,000 to Illinois girls (13-18) in grades 7-12 for a STEM electric vehicle competition.

Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln Scholarships 

The Community Foundation offers $2,500+ scholarships for local students in several counties. High chances of winning! Apply now.

Edgar County Community Foundation Scholarships

Edgar County Community Foundation offers scholarships up to $4,800 for local students based on merit, need, and activities.

Jean Paul Ohadi Scholarship

AISC/Associated Steel Erectors of Chicago 

Illinois and Indiana students in Civil or Architectural Engineering can apply for a $5,000 AISC scholarship. Essay and transcripts required.

Diversity Scholarship Foundation Scholarships

Diversity Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships for law students from diverse backgrounds. Apply with resume, transcript, references, and essay.

Moline Regional Community Foundation Scholarships

Moline Regional Community Foundation offers $64,000+ in scholarships annually for local students. High chances to win! Apply now.

Edwardsville Community Foundation Scholarships

Edwardsville Community Foundation offers $2,000+ scholarships for local students based on merit, need, or activities. One application for 50 awards.

Morton Community Foundation Scholarships

Morton Community Foundation offers scholarships up to $3,500 for Morton High School graduates. Apply through MHS Counseling office.

Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation Scholarships

Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation offers scholarships for local students. Apply online with an essay and recommendations.

Increase your chances by having someone who knows you write about the great person you are.

Optional Recommendation

How do I create a resume? 

The AAF-Greater Evansville Scholarship Award

The AAF-Greater Evansville Scholarship offers $250+ for students in specific counties majoring in Advertising, Marketing, Graphic Design, or PR.

College acceptance letter / proof of enrollment

Chicago Engineers Foundation Awards for Graduating HS Seniors

CEF awards $1,200 to Chicago high school seniors accepted into engineering programs with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and test scores.

Community Foundation of Macon County Scholarships

Apply for scholarships from the Community Foundation of Macon County. Local students can win up to $10,000 with an essay and recommendations.

Galesburg Community Foundation Scholarships 

Galesburg Community Foundation offers scholarships for Knox and Warren County students based on merit, need, and activities. Apply now!

Boone County Community Foundation Scholarships

Boone County Community Foundation offers $1,000+ scholarships for local students based on merit, need, or activities. High winning chances!

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois Scholarships

Explore scholarships from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois for students based on merit, need, or activities. Apply online!

Community Foundation of East Central Illinois Scholarships

DeKalb County Community Foundation Scholarships

DeKalb County Community Foundation offers 90+ scholarships for local students, supporting education and professional development.

CBC Spouses Education Scholarship

The CBC Spouses Education Scholarship offers $2,500 to $20,000 for Black high school seniors pursuing higher education. Apply now!

GFAI Scholarship Experience

The GFAI Scholarship offers $3,500 to Illinois students in grain handling and feed industries. Work experience and blogging required.

AAF Annual Scholarship

The AAF Annual Scholarship offers over $4,000 for students in specific counties pursuing Advertising, Marketing, or related fields.

William J. Cook Scholarship

The William J. Cook Scholarship awards $7,000 to male high school seniors in Cook County, IL, based on academics and leadership.

Greenhouse Scholars

Greenhouse Scholars offers up to $5,000 for high school seniors in select states with a 3.5 GPA and financial need.

How do I get my official high school transcript?

Peters Foundation Corp Scholarship

Peters Foundation Corp Scholarship offers up to $20,000 for high school seniors in environment, conservation, forestry, or education.

IAAI Scholarship Foundation Accounting Scholarships

IAAI offers $1,000 scholarships for Illinois residents with a 'B' average in accounting. Apply with a recommendation letter.

IWEA Clean Water Scholarship

The IWEA Clean Water Scholarship offers up to $1,000 for Illinois students in water-related fields. Apply with essays and recommendations.

Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley Scholarships

Explore scholarships from the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley for college and vocational education. Apply by February 28th!