Scholarship Update December 1, 2017–

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
Ron Brown Scholar Program / 11/1/17 and 1/9/18 / Ron Brown Scholar Program: African-American seniors may be eligible for $10,000/yr renewable scholarship ($40,000 total). Applicants are evaluated on academic excellence, leadership potential, community service, & financial need. Must have made significant contributions to society. App requires essays, letters of rec, and transcript. Apply by 11/1/17 to be considered for this and other scholarships. To apply only for the Ron Brown Scholar Program, applications must be submitted by January 9, 2018. Go to www.ronbrown.org for details.
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois / Priority Deadline:
12/1/17
Regular Deadline:
2/15/18 / Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois: Scholarship and training for students pursuing a degree in education. Receive tuition assistance of up to $23,000 at one of 52 participating Illinois schools. Students must major in education, have at least 2.5 cum GPA and ACT Composite of 22+ with 16+ on Writing portion or 1110 SAT. Selected students will participate in 4 summer Institute programs, have job placement assistance, & mentoring, and will work for at least 5 years in an Illinois School of Need. Students can nominate themselves or be nominated by a teacher or counselor by going online at www.goldenapple.org.
Kids’ Chance Inc., of Illinois Scholarship / 12/1/17 / Kids’ Chance Inc., of Illinois Scholarship: Open to students who have a parent who was killed or seriously injured as a result of a work related accident that meets the criteria of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act and that has resulted in demonstrated financial need. Applicants must be enrolled, accepted or applying for acceptance as a full-time or part-time student at an accrediteduniversity, college or technical school. Application is available at www.kidschanceofillinois.com/scholarships/
Greenhouse Scholarship / 12/1/17 / Greenhouse Scholarship: Awards: $5,000 renewable or $2,000 flex funding. Also gives personal and professional support along with funding during all 4 years of college. Open to low income students who are academically driven, exceptional leaders, and compelled to help their communities. Must have an unweighted GPA of 3.5+ and have an annual household income no greater than $70,000. Must be planning to attend a 4-year college/university. Application is online at www.greenhousescholars.fluidreview.com.
Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers / 12/1/17 / Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers: Awards up to $2,000. Open to students pursuing or planning to pursue a career as a high school physics teacher. Must be a US citizen. More information and online application can be found at www.aapt.org/programs/grants/lotze.cfm.
National Space Club Scholarship / 12/2/17 / National Space Club Scholarship: Awards 1 $10,000 towards tuition. Open to seniors who have the intention of pursuing a career in the STEM field with a preference for those with space related interests. The National Space Club and Foundation gives one student the opportunity to give the keynote address at the National Space Club and Foundation's annual Goddard Memorial Dinner, one of the space industry's most prestigious gatherings. The student must intend to pursue a career in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) fields, be academically strong and excel in public speaking. Information and online application and video submission can be found at www.spaceclub.org/scholarship/.
AXA Achievement Scholarship / 12/15/17 / AXA Achievement Scholarship: Scholarship for seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in activities in school, community or the workplace and will be attending a 2 or 4 year college/university next fall. Winners may be awarded $2,500, $10,000, or $25,000. Very competitive. Apps available online at www.axa-achievement.com.
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Taylor Scholarship -University of Minnesota / 12/29/17 / Mr. and Mrs. George W. Taylor-University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering “Cost of Attendance” Four Year Scholarship: The value of this scholarship is estimated to be in excess of $100,000. Open to students planning to attend the University of Minnesota and major in Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Computer Science Engineering. Should have financial need (although not required), must be in top 10% of class, have ACT Composite of 30+, with Math score of 29+ (or respective SAT equivalents). Must be willing to work summers and perhaps Winter Breaks in a discipline that will use and enhance an engineering education. See Mrs. Grygiel in Room 234 for an application.
Future of Assisted Living Scholarship / 12/31/17 / Future of Assisted Living Scholarship: Awards three $2,000 scholarships. Open to students who are planning to attend a 2- or 4-year accredited college/university. Must submit a 500-750 word essay response to the question: How can your major of study improve the lives of seniors in assisted living facilities in your town? For information, visit SeniorAdvisor.com Assisted Living page.
Children of Veterans Tuition Waiver / 1/2/18 / Children of Veterans Tuition Waiver: This is a 4-year, in-state tuition waiver that may be used at any University of Illinois campus (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, Springfield, or Health Sciences Center). Each county can award one waiver per conflict and up to 3 waivers total. Please see Mrs. Grygiel in Room 234 or email at for an application and more information.
JFK Profiles in Courage Essay Contest / January 4, 2018 / JFK Profiles in Courage Essay Contest – Scholarship essay contest for 9-12th graders will award $500-20,000. Essay should be creative and demonstrate the understanding of the book by John F. Kennedy Profiles of Courage. Must be an original essay of 700-1000 words about an act of political courage by an elected official (serving on or after 1917). More information available online at www.jfklibrary.org. Click on Education. Students must register and submit essays online.
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program / January 4, 2018 / GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program: In honor of the legacy of President Ronald Reagan, approximately 20 students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship will receive a $10,000 renewable scholarship. Must have a 3.0+ GPA and financial need. Apply online at www.reaganfoundation.org/scholarships.
Rockford Promise Scholarship / January 11, 2018 for Rockford University
March 2, 2018 for Rock Valley College / Rockford Promise Scholarship: Open to seniors who attend school in the Rockford School District and who plan to attend either Rockford University or Rock Valley College in the Fall 2018. Strong preference is given to students in the Ellis Heights or Midtown Neighborhood or those who live just outside its borders. However, any senior may apply. Students with strong test scores and GPA may find the application at http://www.rockfordpromise.org/scholarships/
YWCA Bright Future Scholarship / 1/19/18 / YWCA Bright Future Scholarship: Awards two $1,500 scholarships. Open to female seniors who are residents of Boone, Winnebago, Stephenson, or Jo Daviess County. Must maintain a 2.5/4.0 GPA or higher and plan to continue education after high school. Applicant should display leadership characteristics and the potential to affect change, courage and tenacity to overcome obstacles, creative thinking and problem solving. Student should be responsible, tolerant of others, committed to diversity, and have strong oral and written skills. Application may be downloaded at www.ywcanwil.org/ywca-leader-luncheon. Mail to: YWCA Northwestern Illinois, Bright Future Application, 4990 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108.
La Voz Latina Scholarship / 1/19/18 / La Voz Latina Scholarship: Open to high school graduates of Hispanic/Latino descent who reside in Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, or Jo Daviess Counties, are enrolled in a post-secondary education program for the fall 2018, and have financial need. Must maintain a 2.5 GPA. Applicants will be evaluated based on: Academic achievements (includes review of transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, scholastic achievements and awards), level of involvement in school and community activities, completed description of projected financial needs as stated in part 2 of application, strength of essay written for application (limit of two pages with a legible font no smaller than 10pt, double spaced), and submission of at least two letters of recommendation (3-4 are encouraged with at least one of the letters written by a teacher, school counselor or administrator).
Scholarship winners will be expected to submit a suitable photo, attend YWCA Northwestern Illinois’ Leader Luncheon. Application may be downloaded at www.ywcanwil.org/ywca-leader-luncheon. Mail application to: YWCA Northwestern Illinois, La Voz Latina Scholarship Application, 4990 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108.
Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarship / End of January 2018 / Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarship: Four year scholarship covering full tuition, books, fees, and uniforms plus a monthly stipend. Students can apply for 1 of 3 scholarship options: Navy, Marines or Nurse which will prepare student to be an officer in the Navy. After graduation, student will be a commissioned officer serving in the Navy. Students must have an ACT of 22 in English and 21 in Math. For more information go to www.nrotc.navy.mil
Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) / If start app by 2/4/18, complete by 3/4/18 / Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC): Full tuition scholarship and fees, allowance for books, and up to $5,000 stipend for students planning on attending four-year college. Students must meet physical standards, have a 2.5 GPA and SAT of 1000+ or ACT score of 19 or higher. Student agrees to accept a commission and serve in the Army on Active Duty or in a Reserve Component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard). More information available at www.goarmy.com/rotc.
Community Foundation Scholarships / 2/1/18 / Community Foundation Scholarships: Awards more than $200,000 in scholarships to students in the local area. One application can be submitted for multiple scholarship opportunities. More information to come. Application opens December 1st at www.cfnil.org.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship / 2/1/18 / Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship: Application opens Nov. 1. Scholarships available for minority HS seniors with leadership potential, dedication to community service, financial need, & SAT of 1000 or ACT of 21. Awards up to $30,000 over 4 years. Apps and letter of rec. must be submitted online at www.jackierobinson.org, click on Apply for Scholarship. Application opens live on Nov. 1st.
Intertribal Timber Council Scholarship / 2/7/18 / Intertribal Timber Council Scholarship: Awards $2,000 to graduating seniors with Native American descent who are pursuing higher education in Natural Resources. Must submit letter of application, resume, 3 signed letters of reference on letterhead and dated within the last 6 months, transcript, and evidence of validated enrollment in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Corporation or Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB). Inquiries and applications should be directed to the Intertribal Timber Council office.
ATTN: Education Committee Intertribal Timber Council
1112N. E. 21st Avenue, Suite 4
Portland, Oregon 97232-2114
Phone number is 503-282-4296
Kiwanis Club of Rockford Education Grant / 2/16/18 / Kiwanis Club of Rockford Education Grant: Award varies from $2,000-3,000. Open to graduating seniors who have frequent committed participation in projects and programs that make the school and community better. Must have plans and be admitted to a college or university. Application can be found at www.kiwanisclubofrockford.com, click on Education Grant. Complete online (no handwritten applications), print out, and send through US mail. Along with application (including contact sheet with signature), must include transcript with SAT or ACT scores, SAR Summary form from the FAFSA, and 3 letters of recommendation (no family members). See Mrs. Grygiel in Rm 234 with questions.
Illinois AMVETS Scholarships / 3/1/18 / 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. Click on What We Do, then click on Programs, then click on Scholarships. Scroll to see all available and online applications.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Rockford Area Affiliate STEM Scholarship / 3/19/18 / AAUW Rockford Area Affiliate STEM Scholarship: Awards $1,000 to four female seniors in Winnebago, Boone, or Ogle Counties. Must have 3.5 GPA or higher and plan to pursue a field of study in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM). Submit application, transcripts, ACT scores, essay, 2 letters of rec (at least one from a STEM teacher), involved in school and community, and description of projected financial expenses and resources (in application). Application is available at http://rockfordarea-il.aauw.net/scholarship/.
Masonic and Scottish Rite Scholarships / 4/1/18 / Masonic and Scottish Rite Scholarships: Multiple renewable scholarship opportunities for the relatives of Scottish Rite Masons. Go to www.freeportmasonictemple.org. Click on Scholarships for a complete listing of opportunities. Click on Scholarship Form at the top right-hand side for the application. Four require Masonic relationship and two do NOT require Masonic relationship and are open to the public.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund / 4/26/18 / Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Awards vary from $500 to $5,000 based on relative need. Open to students of Hispanic Heritage. Must have 3.0 GPA or higher, plan to enroll full-time in an accredited 4-year university during fall of 2018, and complete the FAFSA. US Citizen, Permanent Legal Resident, DACA or Eligible Non-Citizen. Emphasis on Science, Technology, Math, or Engineering majors although all majors accepted. Application is available on January 6th. For more information, visit https://www.hsf.net/
American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship / 5/1/18 / American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship: Open to students in grades 9-12. Awards range from $1,000-$5,000 (nonrenewable). Financial need is not considered. All income levels are encouraged to apply. Online application available at www.americancollegefoundation.org. Must submit unofficial transcript and essay along with application.
Rockford Trail Blazer Scholarship / 5/15/18 / Rockford Trail Blazer Scholarship: Awards $500. NO ESSAY REQUIRED! Applicants will be asked to conceptualize and execute a project or idea that will improve their environment/community. Applicants must attend a 4-year college in the fall 2018, have at least a 3.5 GPA, and be involved in extracurricular school activities and volunteer in their community. Must also be endorsed by their Guidance Counselor confirming that they qualify for this scholarship program. See Mrs. Grygiel in room 234 or email at for application.