Scholarships & Important Info for Seniors

2023-2024

(Newest Listed First)

Kids Chance of Illinois Scholarship

  • Applicant must be between the ages of 18-25 at the time of the full disbursement of the Kids’ Chance Inc. of Illinois, scholarship award.

  • Student applicant and/or deceased/injured worker are not required to be a legal resident of Illinois.

  • Applicant must be able to demonstrate financial need.

  • Applicant must have achieved a high school diploma by the time of the first disbursement of the scholarship award.

  • Applicant must be enrolled, accepted or applying for acceptance as a full-time or part-time student at an accredited university, college or technical school.

  • Awards will be disbursed to the Office of the Bursar two times a year at the beginning of each academic term. 

  • Apply at https://www.kidschanceofillinois.com/apply-for-scholarship.html

  • Application must be received by May 31, 2024

Thyme to Garden Club Memorial Scholarship

  • Open to seniors

  • Award amount $250

  • Application deadline is April 1, 2024

  • See your counselor for an application

2024 BCMW Scholarship Program

  • BCMW is offering 5 $1,000 scholarships

  • Applicant must be planning to attend a community college, vocational school or a 4 year college/university

  • Eligibility is income based

  • Applications are available at http://www.bcmwcommunityservices.org/scholarships-1.html

  • Applications must be received by March 29, 2024

  • See your counselor for additional information

Willow Grove Elementary School Alumni Scholarship

CTHS Class of 57 Scholarship

  • Current CHS senior

  • Application deadline is April 5th, 2024

  • See your counselor for an application

Tri-State Desk and Derrick Club

  • Must be a U.S. citizen

  • Must have a career goal in the natural gas and oil industry

  • No age restrictions as long as applicant has a high school diploma, GED, or high school transcript showing completion through homeschooling

  • Must be an Indiana, Illinois, or Kentucky resident OR a student attending, or planning to attend an accredited Indiana, Illinois, or Kentucky technical trade school

  • The goal of this scholarship program is to provide the means for an individual to obtain a trade that is likely to be used in the oil, gas, and energy industries

  • Award amount of up to $3,000

  • Application deadline is April 1, 2024

  • See your counselor for an application

Beta Sigma Psi Christian Leadership

  • Open to the Christian Males planning to attend University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana

  • Award amounts range from $1000-$3000

  • Application deadline is March 29th, 2024

  • Apply here

The Society of American Military Engineers

  • The Scott Field Post will sponsor academic scholarships and needs-based scholarships for High School students who excel in math, science, and technical courses and are interested in pursuing degrees in a science, technology, or engineering-related field.
    Academic Scholarships:
    The Scott Field Post will sponsor multiple one-time $2,000 scholarships this academic year. 

  • The individuals selected for these scholarships shall show both academic excellence as well as being active in the community.

  • Needs Based Scholarships:

  •  The individuals selected for this scholarship shall have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and demonstrate a financial need based on their participation in the free or reduced-price school meal program

  • If you or any student has questions, please contact me at 618-972-2498 or email at thill@hanson-inc.com.

  • All Completed application packets should be received by March 29, 2024, for consideration

  • See your counselor for an application

Alamelu Lakshmanan Health Care Scholarship

The following criteria are established for the award:

  • The applicant must be a resident of Marion County

  • The applicant may be a full-time or part-time student enrolled in an Allied Health Program at an accredited college to include but not limited to Nursing, Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, Medical Coding, Pharmacy, or Medicine

  • The applicant must submit a copy of his/her high school transcript and GPA, or a copy of his/her GED Diploma and test scores

  • The recipient must maintain a GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for the award

  • The candidate must agree that he/she will apply for employment first with Salem Township Hospital. If this term is breached by the candidate, he/she will be considered in default and will be asked to reimburse the STH Foundation

  • One scholarship will be awarded for $1,000 and will be credited to the recipient’s account and is restricted to tuition, books, and fees at an accredited college.

  • Apply at https://salemtownhosp.com/alamelu-lakshmanan-health-career-scholarship/

  • Application deadline is April 30, 2024

Salem Township Hospital Allied Health Scholarship

The following criteria are established for the awards:

  • The applicant must be a resident of Marion County and/or surrounding counties

  • The recipient must not have received any other Ratermann Scholarship

  • The applicant may be a full time or part time student enrolled in an Allied Health Program at an accredited college to include but not limited to Nursing, Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, Medical Coding, Pharmacy or Medicine

  • The applicant must submit a copy of his/her high school transcript and GPA, or a copy of his/her GED Diploma and test scores

  • The recipient must maintain a GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for the award

  • The candidate must agree that he/she will apply for employment first with Salem Township Hospital. If this term is breached by the candidate, he/she will be considered in default and will be asked to reimburse the STH Foundation

  • Four scholarships will be awarded for $2,500 each and will be credited to the recipient’s account and is restricted to tuition, books and fees at an accredited college.

Rotary International District 6510 Foundation Scholarship Committee

  • Selection criteria:

    • Academics at B average or better (Maximum of 5 points)

    • School involvement:

      • Service, Clubs, Athletics, etc.

      • Cite/explain leadership roles (officer, chair, section leader, awards, etc.) (Maximum of 10 points)

    • Community Involvement and Volunteerism:

      • Cite/explain leadership roles as above

      • Include full/part time jobs you have had to support your own ambitions (Maximum of 10 points)

    • Educational and Career plan (Maximum of 5 points)

    • Essay:

      • Maximum 400 words

      • Describe how the Rotary Motto "Service Above Self" affects, has affected, or will affect your life in the future (Maximum of 10 pints

    • Award amount: $2,500

    • Application deadline is March 1, 2024

    • See your counselor for an application

Rotary 6510 Gregory F Yank Scholarship

  • Eligibility:

    • High School Senior, or College Student, or Graduate Student, or Trade School Student

    • Reside in Rotary District 6510. or attend a College/University/Trade School in District 6510

      • (South of I-70 to the Ohio/Mississippi Rivers)

    • Academics at B average or better, include a copy of your most current transcript

    • Resume of School Involvement

      • Service, Clubs, Athletics, etc.

      • Cite Leadership roles (Officer, chair, section leader, awards, etc.)

    • Resume of Community Involvement and Volunteerism

      • Cite leadership roles as above, and full/part time jobs

      • Educational and Career plan

      • A list of Scholarships (and $ values) that you are receiving

      • An essay about how the concept of "Servant Leader" affects, has affected, or will affect your life in the future

      • Applications must be received by April 1, 2024

      • Award amount is $2,500

      • See your counselor for an application

Central City Lioness Lions Scholarship

  • Open to Centralia High School seniors

  • Application deadline is March 31, 2024

  • See your counselor for an application

Bradford National Bank Scholarship

  • The Bradford National Bank scholarship has been given out annually since 1999

  • It has a value of $1,000 payable to a college or university of the recipient's choice

  • The recipient must maintain a respectable grade point average and must display qualities of leadership, dependability, and honesty

  • This scholarship will be awarded to a student to a student who has not received a full tuition and room and board scholarship

  • Two scholarships will be awarded to Centralia High School seniors

  • All applications must be turned into Centralia High School Guidance Office on or before Friday, April 5th, 2024

  • Apply here

SIU Credit Union Scholarship

  • Each year, SIU Credit Union offers graduating high school seniors enrolling into a two or four-year college; community college students transferring into a four-year university; or adult students returning to college, the opportunity to apply for one of our 10 $1,000 scholarships.

  • All applications for the 2024 Scholarship Program must be submitted no later than Friday, March 29, 2024

  • Scholarship winners will be announced in May 2024

  • To learn more or to obtain our scholarship application, click here

    • Or call 618-457-3595 or stop by a local SIU Credit Union Branch

Marion County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship

  • Be a high school graduate or graduating in 2024

  • Be a Marion CFB member, spouse, or child of a member (minimum of 2-years)

  • Be accepted for enrollment (or enrolled) at a post-secondary school (good toward BS, no graduate study)

  • Exhibit potential for successful completion of course study

  • Be a resident of Illinois

  • Not be an immediate relative (spouse, children, and parents) of the members and spouses of the Foundation's Scholarship Review Committee

  • Past recipients may reapply, but no student may win more than 2 scholarships from the Marion County Farm Bureau Foundation. However, the Swan Memorial Scholarship is open to all applicants, even if you have won 2 scholarships in the past from the foundation

  • Completed applications and supporting materials must be submitted online by midnight on

    March 15, 2024

  • Apply here

Herb and Garden Club Scholarship

  • Graduating seniors

  • Any student entering a program leading to a degree/certification for a career or profession in Horticulture

  • Award amount is $500

  • Applications must be received by April 1, 2024

  • See your counselor for more information

Peoples National Bank Scholarship

  • Positive leadership and character exhibited in both academic and extra-curricular school activities.

  • Positive leadership and character exhibited in community activities.

  • Full time enrollment in an accredited two/four-year college, university or trade/vocational school. (Proof of enrollment will be required for release of scholarship funds.)

  • Eligible applicants must be a graduating senior of a high school within an approved market area of Peoples National Bank.

  • Applicants must have maintained a “B” average or better for seven semesters of high school.

  • Student/Applicant or one or both parents/guardians of student/applicant must be a customer or employee of Peoples National Bank.

    The Scholarship Selection Committee of Peoples National Bank will administer the application and selection process for the scholarship award.

  • Applicants must submit a neatly completed application form and furnish a high school transcript for 3.5 years to verify grade point average of “B” average.

  • Applicants must have the application and transcript turned in to Peoples National Bank by March 4, 2024.

    Submit by email to Scholarship@peoplesnationalbank.com or mail to PO Box 908, Mt. Vernon IL 62864, Attn: HR.

  • The Scholarship Selection Committee will evaluate the applications and approve the selection of recipients.

    ·       

  • Award amount is $500

  • Apply here

Bradford National Bank

  1. This scholarship is funded by Bradford National Bank in Greenville. These scholarships will be administered by Bradford National Bank.

  2. The Bradford National Bank scholarship has been given out annually since 1999. It has a value of $1,000 payable to a college or university of the recipient’s choice.

  3. The recipient must maintain a respectable grade point average and must display qualities of leadership, dependability, and honesty.

  4. This scholarship will be awarded to a student who has not received a full tuition and room and board scholarship.

  5. A total of 18 scholarships will be awarded. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in Bond County Unit #1 (Mulberry), Bond County Community Unit #2 (Greenville), Highland Community High School District Unit #5, Triad/Marine Community Unit #2 High School, Centralia High School, Nashville High School, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, Breese Central High School #71, and Mater Dei Catholic High School to graduating seniors. 

  6. The selection committee for this scholarship will consist of at least four persons: The principal or their designated representative, a high school teacher, a guidance counselor, and a representative of Bradford National Bank.

  7. The scholarship must be used in the same calendar year in which it was awarded. In the event the recipient cannot use it,  the scholarship must be relinquished, and it will be awarded to another student.

  8. The recipient will receive a certificate stating, “Bradford National Bank Scholarship” and bearing the recipient’s name.

  9. Family members and relatives of Bradford National Bank employees, directors, and board members will not be eligible for this scholarship.

  10. Applications must be submitted online by APRIL 19, 2024 for all students at all schools.  Online applications will be distributed to the respective schools.


Heneghan and Associates

  • Must be a high school senior

  • Enrolled or in the process of enrolling in either Engineering or Surveying

    higher education programs

  • Award based on SAT, class rank and grade point average

  • Award amount of $500

  • Application must be postmarked by Friday, March 22, 2024

  • See your counselor for an application

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

  •  Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements:

    • Earned a high school diploma from an accredited institution, or

    • Earned a General Education Development (GED) certificate/diploma or

    • Met the state criteria for high school graduation before the start of the school year

      for which they are applying for the scholarship.

  • 2) In addition, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

    • The Department has court-ordered legal responsibility for the applicant, or

    • The applicant aged out of the Department’s care at age 18 or older, or

    • The applicant who was formerly under care has been adopted or placed in

      private

      guardianship.

  •  Applicants must submit the following documents in one email no later than March 31, 2023:

  •  Apply here

ISCA Student Scholarship

  • The applicant must be graduating from high school student in 2024.

  • At least one school counselor at the applying student's high school must be an

    ISCA member.

  • The applicant must be enrolling in one of the following post-secondary

    options: 4-Year College/University, 2-Year College/University, Trade School, or

    Apprenticeship/Vocational Program.

  • Student must answer all application questions

  • The deadline to apply is February 16th, 2024

  • Apply at here

Horatio Alger Scholarship

  • Be enrolled full time as a high school junior in the United States

  • Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution)

  • Demonstrate critical financial need ($65,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)

  • Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities

  • Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity

  • Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and

  • Be a United States citizen

  • Apply at horatioalger.org/scholarships

  • Application deadline is March 15, 2024

Farm Credit Agriculture Scholarship

  • Award amount of $2,500

  • Apply by February 29, 2024

  • For additional information, click here

To be eligible for the Farm Credit Illinois Agriculture Scholarship, the following statements must be true

  • I am currently a high school senior and plan to enroll at a college or trade school in the Fall of 2024

  • I plan to pursue a career and major in agriculture, food systems, or natural resources

  • I reside in one of the 60 southern Illinois counties served by Farm Credit Illinois - or my family farms in one of those counties

Americanism Essay Contest

  • Class II for 9th & 10th Grades

  • Class III for 11th & 12th Grades

  • Must be a US citizen

  • Essay must reach local American Legion Post by February 2, 2024

  • Class III award of up to $1,200 Scholarship

  • Class II award of up to $200 cash award

  • See your counselor for contest details

Tuskegee Airman

  • Scholarship awards are based on:

    • Academic performance

    • Financial need

    • Two themed essays

    • Timely submission of the completed application

  • Application must be received by January 22, 2024

  • Award amount of $1,500

  • See your counselor for an application

Madge El. Riechman Scholarship Fund
Lillian May Harris Fund
Fred L. Wham Jr. Grace J. Wham Fund

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

Elizabeth L. Edwards Scholarship Fund

  • Funds are awarded t graduates of Centralia High School and Kaskaskia College to obtain degrees in the medical, business, and education fields.

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

Paul W. and Jean Zimmerman Rau Scholarship

  • Funds are provided to graduates of Centralia High School who pursue a business degree at Kaskaskia College

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

Hazel Bledsoe Memorial Scholarship Fund

  • Centralia High School graduated majoring in Consumer Science may receive funds.

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

Marian Ruth Bude Scholarship Fund

  • Must be a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Elementary School in Centralia and Centralia High School

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

Fred L. Wham Jr. and Grace J. Wham Fund Nursing Scholarship

  • Must be a graduate of Centralia High School and pursuing a nursing degree at Kaskaskia College.

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship Fund

  • Must be a United States of American citizen, graduating high school senior of GED recipient and be a resident of Marion, Clinton, Jefferson or Washington County. Preference is given to an honorably discharged veteran or descendant of such a veteran of the armed forces of the United States.

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

Jerry & Rosemary Wilson Scholarship Fund

  • Must be a graduate of Centralia High School and preference shall be given to students attending Kaskaskia College

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

Robert D. & Donna Quick Scholarship Fund

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

Hall Medical Scholarship

  • Must reside in the Centralia High School District and be pursuing a degree in any profession within the field of medicine.

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

Hall Business Scholarship

  • Must reside in the Centralia High School District and be pursuing a degree in the field of business.

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

Vaughn-Gardner Scholarship Fund

  • Grant is awarded to one student attending Kaskaskia College

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

James P. and Martha Maulding Eggers Endowed STEM Scholarship

  • Applicants must pursue a course of a study in STEM subject area (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), or a course of study to become an educator in one of those areas and be working toward a degree.

  • Open to current Centralia High School seniors

  • For additional information see your counselor for an application

  • Click here to apply

Centralia Business and Profession Women Scholarship

  • Applicant must be enrolled at Centralia High School

  • Must be a member of the graduating class of 2024

  • Applicant must have at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average

  • Essay is required

  • Application deadline is March 31, 2024

  • See your counselor for an application