Scholarship Update March 1, 2016–

Scholarships are listed in order of deadline

** Please note: Information provided here is only a snapshot of what is available.

Name of Scholarship / Deadline / Description of Scholarship and Application Website
Rockford Promise Scholarship / 3/1/16 / Rockford Promise Scholarship: Open to seniors who live in the Ellis Heights and Midtown neighborhoods. Scholarship will fund up to 64 credit hours for RVC or a tuition grant for Rockford University (a max of 4 years equal with payments equal to 32 credit hours at RVC in-district rate). Must complete a Rockford Promise Application (see Mrs. Grygiel), as well as a Community Foundation of Northern Illinois scholarship application and FAFSA.
Illinois AMVETS Scholarships / 3/1/16 / Illinois AMVETS Scholarships: Available to Illinois high school seniors. Qualifications/awards vary. Several scholarships offered:
Service Foundation Scholarships, Sad Sacks Nursing Scholarships, Junior ROTC Scholarships, Trade School Scholarships, Ladies Auxiliary Memorial Scholarships (for child/grandchild of a Veteran who served after 9/15/40, Honorably Discharged) and Ladies Auxiliary Worchid Scholarships (for child of a deceased father/mother who was a Veteran who served after 9/15/40,Honorably Discharged. Need not be killed in action or died as a result of a service-connected disability. Visit www.ilamvets.org.
Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship / 3/1/16 / Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship: Awards 7- $1,500 scholarships. Open to seniors who are US citizens and residents of Illinois. Must have a 3.0+ GPA and plan to attend a university/college in Illinois. Selection based on academics, leadership, service to school and/or community, essay, and 2 letters of recommendation. See Mrs. Grygiel in Rm 234 or email her at for an application.
State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship Program / 3/2/16 / State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship Program: Awards 50-$2,500 scholarships (renewable up to one additional year). Open to High school seniors (12th grade or fourth year) with a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 to 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, a demonstrated financial need, and U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. Online application: https://www.scholarsapply.org/statefarmgoodneighborscholarship.
Lee J. Brockway Scholarship / 3/4/16 / Lee J. Brockway Scholarship: Awards $1,000. Open to seniors intending to enroll in a field related to educational facility planning and design. This would include, but not limited to, architecture, engineering, interior design, facility planning, and construction management. Must reside in Illinois or various other states. Selection based on outstanding character, integrity, and self-motivation, outstanding leadership potential, and active participation in school and community activities. For more information and application, go to Lee J. Brockway Application Submission Guidelines. Click on Lee J. Brockway Application.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Rockford Alumnae Chapter Scholarship / 3/5/16 / Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Rockford Alumnae Chapter Scholarship: Open to African-American female seniors living Winnebago County, Freeport, and DeKalb. Must have 2.5+ cum GPA and be involved in the community and school. Application, essay, and 2 letters of rec (one from educator and one from a community/church leader) must be submitted by March 5th. Please see Mrs. Grygiel in room 234 or email her at for an application.
Rock Valley College Golden Eagle Scholars / 3/11/16 / Rock Valley College Golden Eagle Scholars: Awards up to $2,400 in scholarship over 2 academic years and special leadership development programming through the Golden Eagle Leadership Academy, Open to students who will be attending Rock Valley College in the fall. Must have 3.0 GPA, demonstration of participation in extra-curricular activities or community service, 19+ ACT in reading and English, and 18+ACT in Math or comparable qualifications based on Accuplacer testing results.
Richard L. Fairgrieves Memorial Scholarship / 3/11/16 / Richard L. Fairgrieves Memorial Scholarship: $1,000 (non-renewable) award provided to a graduating senior from a Boone County and a Winnebago County High School wishing to further their education by
attending an accredited college, junior college or university (public
or private). Not available to students attending trade or vocational schools. Must have 3.0+ cum GPA and good moral character. Online application:
http://wincoil.us/departments/regional-office-of-education/.
Illinois Lumber and Material Dealers Association Educational Foundation Scholarship / 3/14/16 / Illinois Lumber and Material Dealers Association Educational Foundation Scholarship: Award varies from $500-$1,000. Open to students who wish to pursue a career in a lumber and building materials field. Please see Mrs. Grygiel in room 234 or email her at to get the application and more information.
Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District / 3/18/16 / Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District: Awards $500-1,000. Open seniors residing in Winnebago County who plan to major in Soil and/or Water Conservation or a related natural resource field. Selection will be based on academic achievement, community service related to conservation activities, and educational & career goals. Application & more info can be found at www.winnebagoswcd.org.
Mercy Health System Scholarships / 3/18/16 / Mercy Health System Scholarships: 2 scholarships available for students pursuing a health care-related profession from a 2-yr or 4-yr college or university: 1) Sister Mary Michael Berry Scholarship – Awards 2-$2,000 to graduating seniors attending HS in Wisconsin or Illinois Mercy service areas. 2) Minority/Veteran Scholarship – Awards 1-$2,000 scholarship to a person of minority or veteran status living in the WI or IL Mercy service areas. Please see Mrs. Grygiel in room 234 or email at for an application.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Rkfd Area Branch Donna Joy Memorial STEM Scholarship / 3/21/16 / AAUW Rockford Area Branch Donna Joy Memorial STEM Scholarship: 2 students will be awarded $1,000. Open to female seniors who live in Winnebago, Boone, or Ogle County. Must have a 3.5 GPA and have plans to pursue a major in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM). Application is available at: http://rockfordarea-il.aauw.net/scholarship. Award based on transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, awards, level of involvement in school and community, financial need, and at least 2 letters of recommendation (one by a STEM teacher).
Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Scholarship / 3/25/16 / Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Scholarship: At least 10 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be awarded. Must be a senior in good standing, living in the state of Illinois (does not need to be a US citizen), have a significant hearing loss in one or both ears, and exhibit financial need. Application and more information can be downloaded at www.deanritter.org/2016-scholarship.
AHEC Health Profession Student Training Award / 3/31/16 / AHEC Health Profession Student Training Award: Open to students intending to enroll in a health career and who have participated in one or more AHEC events. Must have at least a 2.5 cum GPA. Must submit completed application, transcript, proof of enrollment or acceptance, and recommendation form. See Mrs. Grygiel in room 234 for an application.
Rockford Health System - Ethnic Minority Nursing Scholarship / 3/31/16 / Rockford Health System – Ethnic Minority Nursing Scholarship: Awards 12- $2,000 scholarships. Open to seniors in Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, McHenry, DeKalb, Lee, LaSalle, Whiteside, Rock, Walworth, Lake, Greene and Jefferson Counties or already enrolled in a regional college nursing program. At least 3 of the 12 scholarships will be awarded to Hispanic nursing students who are fluent in Spanish (both oral and written). Must have 2.5+ cum GPA and accepted into a nursing program. Requires application, 2 letters of rec (one from academic source and one from an extra-curricular source), and essay. Applications are available at www.rockfordhealthsystem.org, click on Careers.
Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund / 3/31/16 / Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund: Open to seniors from the following ethnic groups: Cambodia (Khmer, Cham, Khmer Loeu, or other), Laos (Hmong, Lao, lu Mien or Mien, Khmu, Taidam, or other), Vietnam (Vietnamese, Khmer Kampuchea Krom, Montagnards, or other), and Ethnic Chinese from one of these 3 Southeast Asian countries. Must be an Illinois resident, with min cum GPA of 2.5 and proof of acceptance into a college/university/technical school. Please see Mrs. Grygiel in room 234 or email at for an application.
Rockford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
Ina M. Cholke and Olga Dean Bullard Trust Fund Scholarship / 3/31/16 / Rockford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary – Ina M. Cholke and Olga Dean Bullard Trust Fund Scholarship: Awards $2,500 to a high school senior entering a health care career such as nursing, respiratory care, child care development, medical transcriptionist certification, coding certification. Must live in Winnebago County. Preference will be given to students attending Rock Valley College. For an application, please email Mrs. Grygiel at or come to room 234.
Karen Hill Memorial Scholarship offered by the Northern Illinois Antique Dealers Association (NIADA) / 3/31/16 / Karen Hill Memorial Scholarship offered by the Northern Illinois Antique Dealers Association (NIADA): Awards 2- $1,000. Open to graduating seniors who are interested in studying history, art, design, historic preservation, or a related field. Required: 3 letters of rec (at least one from a teacher or professor outlining your potential in your field of study), transcript, paragraph listing accomplishments, service organizations, work experience, and other relevant information, an essay (500-1000 words regarding a specified topic). See Mrs. Grygiel in room 234 or email at for informational sheet with essay topics.
Jane Lyons Memorial Scholarship / 4/1/16 / Jane Lyons Memorial Scholarship: Awards $2,500 to one girl, renewable. Open to females living in Winnebago or Boone County or a participant in a Rockford Park District golf program. Must enjoy playing the game of golf and plan to enroll in full-time 2- or 4-year degree program for fall 2016. Application requirements: Provide a letter that includes specific information (see Mrs. Grygiel in room 234 for this information) and at least 2 letters of rec. (one from a principal, teacher, or coach). All materials should be sent to: Rockford Park District, Jane Lyons Memorial Scholarship, 401 S. Main St., Rockford, IL 61101.
Masonic and Scottish Rite Scholarships / 4/1/16 / Masonic and Scottish Rite Scholarships: Multiple renewable scholarship opportunities for the relatives of Scottish Rite Masons. Go to www.freeportmasonictemple.org. Click on Charities and Scholarships, and then Available Scholarships for a complete listing of opportunities.
Masonic and Scottish Rite Illinois Health Care Scholarship / 4/1/16 / Masonic and Scottish Rite Illinois Health Care Scholarship: Renewable scholarship available to Illinois residents pursuing a career in health care. Does NOT require Masonic relationship. Must have a 3.0 GPA. Send applications to the Scottish Rite Valley in which home residence lies. To apply, go to
www.freeportmasonictemple.org. Click on Charities and Scholarships, and then Available Scholarships for a complete listing of opportunities.
American College Foundation Scholarship / 4/1/16 / American College Foundation Scholarship: Visionary Scholarship Program awards 1- $5,000 and 5-$1,000, nonrenewable. Open to all high school students. Must be a US citizen. Requires application, transcript, and essay. Application may be found at www.AmericanCollegeFoundation.org.
Alpine Kiwanis Scholarship / 4/1/16 / Alpine Kiwanis Scholarship: Awards ten $1,500 scholarships. Open to seniors who have frequent participation in both school and community programs, financial need, and an interest, academic ability, and plan to continue his/her education beyond high school or community college levels. Application may be found at www.alpinekiwanis-il.com, click on Scholarship Application. Or you can see Mrs. Grygiel in Room 234 for an application. Also requires transcript, essay, list of activities, and 2 letters of rec.
Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship / 4/1/16 / Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship: Award is renewable for 4 years. Open to seniors who are residents of Boone or Winnebago County. Must be a Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau member, spouse of member, or member’s child. Member must have had membership for at least one full year. Evaluation based on academic performance, ACT score, interest in agriculture and agribusiness, and excellent character and personality. Requires transcript, essay and one letter of recommendation from an educator. Download application at:
http://www.winnebagoboonefarmbureau.org/SCHOLARSHIPS.php
Womanspace Scholarship / 4/1/16 / Womanspace Scholarship: Awards $1,000. Open to seniors in Winnebago, Boone, or Ogle County who have chosen a field of study in Fine Art, Writing, or Women’s Studies. Must have a 3.0+ cum GPA. Selection will be based on strength of academics, level of involvement in school/community, projected financial expenses, essay, and 2 letters of rec (one must be from a teacher in the area of the student’s intended course of study). For the application, visit www.womanspace-rockford.org. Click on Scholarship Opportunity on left hand side.
Fred and Lena Meijer Scholarship / 4/1/16 / Fred and Lena Meijer Scholarship: 2-$10,000 scholarships and 100-$3,000 college scholarships will be awarded. Must be Meijer Store team members or children of Meijer Store team members with an employee start date prior to 4/2/15. Scholarship application at https://meijerscholarship.egrant.net. You will need and Employee ID and Unit Number along with transcript. For questions, contact Ruth Bishop at or 616-284-4903.
Junior League of Rockford, Inc Scholarship
Outstanding Volunteer Community Service Award / 4/1/16 / Junior League of Rockford, Inc. Scholarship: Awards $1,000 to a female high school senior who has a proven record as a committed volunteer in the Rockford area. Applications available online at www.jlrockford.org or see Mrs. Grygiel in room 234 for an application.
Winnebago County Retired Teachers Association Blanche J. Martin Scholarship / 4/15/16 / Winnebago County Retired Teachers Association Blanche J. Martin Scholarship: Award varies ($2,000 average, highest $4,000). Open to seniors in Winnebago County planning to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Must have and maintain a 3.0+ cum GPA. Please email Mrs. Grygiel at for an application. Applications are also available at ROE, 300 Heart Boulevard, Loves Park. Application, essay, 3 letters of rec, and transcript required.
Nu Pi Sigma Scholarship Honoring A. Langston Taylor / 4/15/16 / Nu Pi Sigma Scholarship Honoring A. Langston Taylor: Awards $1,000. Open to senior male minority student in RPS District 205. Must have a 3.0+ cum GPA and ACT Composite of 20+. Must send a list of extracurricular activities, one letter of rec from a teacher, counselor, or principal, proof of enrollment in a college/university, and an essay of 500 words or less on the topic: “What character traits of Abram Langston Taylor do you have that would make Rockford a better place?”
Student-View Scholarship Program / 4/22/16 / Student-View Scholarship: No ACT, essay, or lengthy application forms. Just log on to www.student-view.com and complete a 15-20 minute application survey about colleges in your area. The scholarship will be awarded through a random drawing of all completed applications. Student Insights is a market research firm helping colleges and universities communicate more effectively with high school seniors.