Illinois Scholarships

First-generation graduate students who are permanent residents of California, Illinois, New York, or Texas and demonstrate financial need may apply for the David C. Lizárraga Fellowship from the TELACU Education Foundation, sponsored by Toyota. Priority goes to full-time Business or Engineering majors enrolled for the full academic year, though other graduate fields may be considered. Fellowships are $5,000. The number of recipients varies. Complete the online application with transcripts and financial documentation. Selected applicants participate in an interview evaluated on leadership, achievement, community commitment, and need. The fellowship supports students committed to economic empowerment in underserved communities.

Illinois residents of Italian extraction who demonstrate financial need and high academic achievement may apply for the Frank J. Vigilante Scholarship from the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. One-time annual scholarships of up to $5,000 are awarded. Students may reapply in future cycles. Applicants must be admitted to or enrolled at an accredited college or university and submit a 500-word essay on how the scholarship will help them reach personal and professional goals. Apply between June 1 and November 1 each year.

Illinois high school seniors, community college students, and freshmen or sophomores at partner universities who plan to teach in Illinois schools-of-need may apply for the Golden Apple Scholars Program. U.S. residents (including citizens, noncitizens, and DACA recipients) with at least a 2.5 GPA are eligible. Scholars receive up to $2,500 per year in their first two years and up to $5,000 per year in years three through five toward tuition, fees, and room and board, plus paid summer institutes, mentoring, and job placement support. Recipients must earn Illinois teaching certification and teach at least five years in an approved Illinois school-of-need within seven years of graduation. Apply with references, personal statements, unofficial transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores (required for homeschooled students). Selected applicants participate in an interview.

Graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Utah, or select California counties may apply for the Greenhouse Scholars Whole Person College Program. Applicants need a 3.5+ unweighted GPA and household income at or below $80,000. Up to 37 scholars receive up to $5,000 per academic year in last-dollar tuition support over five undergraduate years, plus mentorship, professional networking, leadership training, internship support, flex funding grants, and community projects. Part 1 requires a short answer response; eligible applicants are invited to Part 2 with transcripts, test scores, two recommendations, four written responses, a five-minute video, and proof of income. Finalists attend in-person interviews. Semi-finalists and finalists complete a multi-stage application process.

Chicago or suburban high school seniors age 24 or younger, CCH youth leaders, or former CCH Law Project clients who experienced homelessness and hold a 2.5 GPA may apply. Renewable $4,000 scholarships are offered; at least five awards are granted annually. Applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college. Submit FAFSA, transcripts, essays, two recommendations, and homeless status verification from a school liaison or shelter provider by the posted deadline.

Women age 23 or older who are residents of Elmhurst, Addison, Bensenville, Berkeley, Northlake, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, or Villa Park, Illinois, and have completed at least 12 credit hours at an accredited college may apply for AAUW Elmhurst Area returning-student grants. Three awards of $3,500 are offered. Grants support undergraduate or graduate study, full or part time. Submit the online application with a resume, official acceptance letter, professional recommendation, transcript, and a personal background and goals essay. The Elmhurst Area Branch offers grants to local women who need financial help to continue their education.

High school seniors and college students residing in BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois service area counties may enter the BBB Foundation College Scholarship Video Program. Ten recipients each receive $3,000 for tuition at an accredited post-secondary institution. Create a video under 90 seconds on an ethics prompt, introduce yourself and your school, and submit a written statement of financial need. Entries are accepted January 1 through March 22.

High school seniors who reside in the Greater Des Moines, Quad Cities, or Siouxland regions served by BBB Greater Iowa may apply for the Students of Integrity Scholarship. Six $2,500 scholarships are awarded annually. Submit a 1,000-word essay on an ethical decision-making situation and your personal definition of integrity, school involvement details, future education plans, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation (only one from school personnel). Applications are judged on essay quality, school involvement, and recommendations.

College students currently enrolled in an aviation program who maintain a B average or better may apply for the Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship from the National Air Transportation Foundation. Preference is given to residents of Kansas, Missouri, or Illinois. One $2,500 scholarship is awarded for initial or primary flight training. Download the Appraisal and Endorsement Form before applying online. Submit the completed application and required documents by the last Friday in November. An aviation professional recommendation is preferred. The scholarship honors Dan L. Meisinger Sr., founder of Executive Beechcraft, whose aviation career spanned 63 years.

Illinois residents enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college, trade school, or university who are survivors of or affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking (or who plan to work in the domestic or sexual violence field) may apply for Doves Hope Foundation scholarships. Awards are up to $2,500. Submit a transcript or acceptance letter, completed application, and one 500 to 1,000 word essay on a provided topic by May 8. Eligible applicants include victims and survivors, children who witnessed domestic violence, nonviolent caregivers, and those with a demonstrated desire to work in the violence prevention field. Scholarships support essays that inspire hope and foster positive change.