Scholarships
Understanding Scholarships
Scholarships are not just for those at the top of the class academically. Check each scholarship application, as the criteria for who can apply varies widely. Through the individual essay, students can convey goals and interests in a way that will give the reviewers the confidence to know this student is serious about reaching his or her potential through higher education.
Each year, millions of scholarship dollars go unused simply because students did not apply! Parents generally have a keener sense of what it takes to finance a college education than their students might, so we advise parents to take an active role in encouraging their child to pursue scholarship opportunities. There is no limit to the number of scholarships a student can receive, so do not hesitate to apply to all for which you are eligible.
Finding Scholarships
Scholarship Applications
Scholarships will be updated as they are received in the school counseling office. Please be aware of dates on applications as scholarship information, guidelines, and requirements could change from year to year. Check in the guidance office for more information.
Scholarship Opportunities by Month
January 2024
Community Advisory Panel (CAP) of the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery Scholarship
*Senior eligible for graduation from AHS
*Essay required
*Letters of recommendation required
*Attending 2 or 4 year program at a community college or university or vocational/technical pathway.
Application due by March 1, 2024 submitted by student via email submission or mail.
Phillips 66 Scholar
Calling ALL graduating high school seniors.
Scholarship Informational meeting;
Saturday January 6, 2024
12pm @ 2512 Amelia St. Alton, IL 62002
*$5,500 per year 4-year University and $1,500 per year Community college or Technical School
First Presbyterian Church Memorial Scholarships
Jay Reed Delano, Jr and the Robert B. Lynn, Jr Scholarships
*Top 40% of class, preference to those in top 10%.
*Consideration given to students who have demonstrated leadership and acceptance of responsibility in school, church, or community activities.
Virginia J Stooker Memorial Scholarship
*Graduate in good standing of AHS or Marquette.
*Applicant must be in the top 10% of the class.
*Preference will be given to members or children of members of First Presbyterian Church of Alton, Illinois.
*If no applicant in a particular year is an attendee of First Presbyterian Church of Alton, Illinois, preference will be given to students with an interest in theater and/or music.
*Eligibility will be determined without regard for the income of the applicant or the applicant's family.
Lorelle Webb Memorial Scholarship
*Graduating female students from AHS or Marquette.
*Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
*Applicants shall have participated in some extracurricular activities and community service.
*Awarded without regard to income, however, income may be considered when applicants otherwise have similar qualifications.
Frank K Webb Memorial Scholarship
*Graduating male students from AHS or Marquette.
*Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
*Applicants shall have participated in some extracurricular activities and community service.
*Awarded without regard to income, however, income may be considered when applicants otherwise have similar qualifications.
ALL DUE BY FEB 22, 2024
Application for all First Presbyterian Church
1st MidAmerica Credit Union Scholarship
https:www.1stmidamerica.org/services/member-benefits/scholarship-application
*Application due March 29th
*Include essay or video with following prompt: If you were given $10,000 and 30 days to make an impact on your community, what would you do? Details on application.
The Springfield in Illinois Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Female High School Senior Leadership Scholarship
*Completed applications due by March 30
*Essay prompt: Why you think you should be chosen to represent you Catholic women today.
*2 letters of recommendation
*Four $2000 scholarships awarded
Jennifer (Elledge) Elias Memorial Nursing Scholarship
*Must have a 3.0 or higher GPA
* One $500 Scholarship Awarded
*Complete and Return Application by March 28, 2024 to AHS Guidance office or email application to bar_b50@outlook.com
2024 Southern Illinois Builders Association Building Trades/Vocational Educational Classes Grant Application
Hagan Scholarship Foundation
*This scholarship provides up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters.
* Click here for eligibility requirements and more information
* Application deadline is March 1, 2024
Vantage Credit Union Scholarship
*10 $1000 Scholarships avaialbe to qualifying high school seniors
* Applications can be submitted though the website at www.vcu.com/qfe.
*Deadline to submit Application is March 1st
* Letters of Recommendation are due March 8th
For More Information See this Flyer
William Roller Scholarship
*Provides one $1000 scholarship to qualifying graduating seniors.
*Student must demonstrate good citizenship which enhances their school and community
*Student has been accepted by an accredited University, College, or Vocational School
*Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5
*Application due by May 1st
YWCA Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leaders Scholarship
*Open to young women attending high school in Madison County
*Completed Application
*2 letters of recommendation
*Official transcript (Parchment)
*Typed 250-500 word essay- see application for details.
*Deadline-March 15, 2024
2024 Brunjes Scholarship Application
*Any AHS graduating senior
*Essay-see prompt in application
*Letter of recommendation
*Application and Activities forms
Return to AHS library by 4PM on Monday March 25, 2024
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship
*African American female graduating from a Madison County high school.
*Minimum 3.0 GPA.
* Include official transcript.
*Provide evidence of extracurricular activities, awards, community service and other accomplishments.
*3 letters of recommendations.
Must provide a recent photograph.
The Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship
*Graduating Illinois high school senior
*Must apply to an Illinois university/college
*Must be an Illinois resident
*Must have a history of extracurricular activities that demonstrates a willingness to accept leadership responsibilities or a commitment to civic responsibility, social consciousness and a willingness to serve the community.
*Must submit an essay, application, transcript, recommendation and cover letter- see application for additional information.
*Due March 1, 2024
FebRuARY 2024
AFCEA Scott Chapter Scholarships
*Scholarships available for students pursuing a degree in a STEM related field
*Application Deadline April 1, 2024
Alton High Memorial Scholarship
*Any Senior can apply
*Due March 28, 2024
Redbird Sprit Scholarship
*Any Senior Can Apply
* Due March 28, 2024
ASA'S Construction LLC Scholarship
*Must be planning to attend a vocational program
Dan Ruppert Scholarship
*Must be planning to attend a vocational program
Alton Education Association Scholarship
*Must be a child of a current AEA union member
*One $500 and Two $250 scholarships will be awarded
*Due March 29, 2024
Link to Scholarship Information
National Buffalo Soldiers Troopers Motorcycle Club, Inc.- Southwest Illinois 2024 Scholarship Essay Competition Announcement and Application
*U.S. citizen or permanent resident
*ACT/SAT scores
*Recommendations
*Signed released/parental signature
*Complete forms
*Graduating senior with GPA of 2.5
* Essay prompt on application
Due March 29, 2024
Young Women in Public Affairs
*Women aged 16-19
*Active commitment to volunteerism
*Experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid)
*Volunteer leadership achievements
*Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
*Support in Zonta International's mission of building a better world for women and girls.
Due March 10, 2024
LIBERTY BANK
*Eligible seniors will exhibit positive leadership and character in both academic and extracurricular school activities.
*Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
*Must must to enroll full time at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college, university or trade/vocational school.
*Please see application for FULL instructions including essay and community service verification.
Complete applications due by April 19, 2024
James B Clark Scholarship
*Must plan to major in education
*One time scholarship for $1000
*Return Applications and all required documents to Guidance by March 28, 2024
Larry Overath Scholarship
*Any Senior Student can apply
*$3000 awarded
*Complete Application by March 28, 2024
Delta Theta Tau Sorority Scholarship
*$500 Scholarship
*Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher
*Send applications to :
Kappa Omicron Chapter of Delta Theta Tau Sorority, Inc.
475 Sullivan Ave.
East Alton, IL 62024
*Due by March 19, 2024
Alton Memorial Health Equity Scholarship
*Must be a permanent resident of Madison County
*Students of historically marginalized populations(BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+)
*Earned a minimum of 2.5 GPA
*Plans to attend an accredited college, university, technical or certification program to prusue a career in healthcare
*Asked to consider employment at Alton Memorial Hospital during and upon completion of degree or certification
*Can be awarded up to $5000
*Application deadline March 31, 2024
*Submit application via email to April Becker at april.becker@bjc.org or Mail to One Memorial Drive, Alton Illinois 62002
Miles Davis Jazz Festival Scholarship
*Seniors seeking degrees from Colleges and Vocational Schools.
*Cumulative GPA of 2.5
*Deadline March 31st.
*Copies available in Guidance
oxyGen Scholarship
*Applicants must submit a 2-4 minute video on a STEM topic of their choice
*Applicants are eligible for a major or area of study
*Applicant must enroll in a 2 or 4 year undergraduate program
*Applications are accepted online through APRIL 30, 2024
Click here for APPLICATION and more information
SWISCA Scholarship
*$500 non renewable scholarship
*Scholarship can be used to support the following post-secondary options- 4 year college/university, 2 year college/university, Trade School, Apprenticeship/Vocational Program
*Due April 5th, 2024
2024 Beta Sigma Psi Christian Leadership Award
*$3000 scholarship given to a Christian Male freshman attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
*Runner-ups may have the opportunity to be eligible for $1000
*There are no obligations to join Beta Sigma Phi if you receive this award
*Application due by March 29th, 2024
St. Elizabeth Health Foundation Scholarship Program
*Must be pursuing a degree at an accredited college or university
*Must enroll in full-time undergraduate study for the entire upcoming academic year and be majoring in a health care occupation
* May be awarded up to $15,000
*Apply by April 11th, 2024 and 3pm CT
Finney Injury Law Scholarship
*(2) Individual $10,000 scholarships will be awarded
*Incoming freshman who belong to a minority group(including women and LBGTQIA+) that is underrepresented in the legal procession
*Minimum 2.5 GPA
*Must be pursuing a degree in the legal field
* Due July 1st, 2024
True PIKE Scholarship 2024
*Two $500 scholarships for books or tuition
*Must be incoming freshman attending Missouri State University
*Not required to join PIKE if awarded this scholarship
*Application deadline is August 31st
March 2024
Busey Bank Bridge Scholarship
*Meet the following income requirement: Annual gross family income cannot exceed 80% of the median income in your county.
*10 students will receive a $2,500 scholarship
*Application due June 3, 2024
Madison County Scholarship
*Residents of Madison County
*Must be attending a college in the State of Illinois
*5 $4,000 scholarships will be awarded
*Must meet Income Requirements
The Friends of the Sixties/Alton Black Alumni Association Scholarship
Application for if you are attending a Vocational School
Application if you are Attending a two or four year College or University
Kellsie's Hope Foundation National Nursing Scholarship
*Must be planning to attend nursing school
*Application due April 27, 2024
*Submit Application to jessica@kellsieshope.com
April 2024
May 2024
June/July 2024
Athletic Scholarships
Military Scholarships
BigFuture
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For Parents: Virtual Event 3 Ways to Attend College with Less Debt
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Fall
The Heisman High School Scholarship Program
Senior athletes
Closes October 17, 2023
Up to $10,000
Foundation for individual Rights in Education: Free Speech Essay Contest
Any junior or senior student.
Check the link for deadlines!
One $10,000 first prize, one $5,000 second prize, three $1,000 third place prizes and four $500 prizes will be awarded.
The Gate Scholarship
Minority Student
Pell grant eligible
GPA of 3.3
www.thegatescholarship.org/scholarship
Big Future on Collegeboard.org
Log into your collegeboard account and begin the search for scholarships!
Alton Pride Scholarships
Senior student
Minimum GPA 2.50
Member of or an ally for the LGBTQ+ community
*300 word essay describing how the applicant contributes to the benefit of the LGBTQ+ community.
*minimum of 4 hours of volunteer work with Alton Pride or a non-profit community organization.
*A completed application
Mail application with the essay to:
PO Box 662, Alton IL 62002
Copies of application are available in the Guidance office.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. International High School Essay Contest
African American graduating seniors
High school must be within a 50 mile radius east of the Gateway Arch
Deadline is Oct. 20, 2023
Click here to see flyer for details
Golden Apple Scholars Program
High School Seniors
Illinois Residents or DACA Students
Any student who will make a great teacher!
https://www.goldenapple.org/scholars
Illinois College Nursing program Full Tuition Scholarship
Full tuition scholarships that will cover tuition for 50 students.
Program has 100% first-time pass rate on the national exam.
Brand new nursing facility opening in 2024.
*Priority given to students who submit their Illinois College application before 12/01.
*A strong candidate will have
*3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
*1100 SAT or 22ACT
*Must reside in or attend school in the Heritage area (includes Madison County)
*No additional scholarship required
(IC is test optional, a test score is required for this scholarship)
IC Advantage Plus
Additional funding is available for all nursing students through the IC Advantage Plus program, which includes a minimum of $20,000 in scholarships per year and our commitment to meet 100% of need for Illinois residents with a 3.0 GPA. Learn more at ic.edu/advantageplus.
Illinois State Historical Society Verna Ross Orndorff Scholarship
ISHS offering $1000 for the best 1,500-word essay written by an Illinois high school student on Abraham Lincoln or the Civil War era in Illinois
*Submit by January 15, 2024
*Mail entries to PO Box 1800, Springfield , IL 62705-1800 or email Kimberly Jones at clerical@historyillinois.org
Please see the criteria, copies available in guidance: https://www.historyillinois.org/Scholarships/VernaRossOrndorffScholarship.aspx
Lewis & Clark Community College https://lc.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply.
You can access your LC email after you apply to the college or if you are enrolled in a dual credit or concurrent enrollment course through LC. Call the HELP desk (618) 468-4357 to retrieve your LC email credentials.
Visit www.lc.edu/scholarships.
Log into your application at any time to check its status and what
scholarships you qualify for.
The application will close April 8, 2024,
Scholarships will be awarded by early May.
Questions? Contact scholarships@lc.edu.
National Association Buffalo Soldiers Troopers Motorcycle Club, Inc.- Southwest Illinois 2024 Scholarship
*College Scholarship range from $1000-$3000.
*Graduating senior with a minimum un-weighted GPA of 2.5.
*Deadline Friday, March 29, 2024.
*Printed copies are available in the Guidance office.
Busey Bank Community Scholarship Program
Turn in to Mrs. Williams in Guidance
*Positive leadership and character exhibited in both academic and extra-curricular school activities.
*Positive leadership and character exhibited in community and/or religious activities.
*Applicants must have maintained a "B" average or better for seven semesters of high school.
*Applicants must plan to enroll full-time at an accredited 2 or 4 year college, university or trade/vocational school.
*Gender, race, or financial need will not be criteria for selection.
*Copies Available In Guidance
CBAI Foundation For Community Banking
2024 Annual Scholarship
*Deadline- February 16, 2024 (There are conflicting dates, abide by this one)
*Not based on financial need
*One-page essay required
*$500-$1000 scholarships awarded
*Copies available in guidance
Amtrak Academic Scholarships
*Several scholarships awarded, please see flyer
*GPA of 2.8 at time of award
*Fill out electronic application with essay.
*Can fill out more than one scholarship application if criteria is met.
Miles Davis Jazz Festival Scholarship
*Seniors seeking degrees from Colleges and Vocational Schools.
*Cumulative GPA of 2.5
*Deadline March 31st.
*Copies available in Guidance
Power for Progress
Southwestern Electric Company
*Applicant's parents or guardians must be active member of Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc. prior to submitting this application.
*Must graduate from high school during spring 2024
*Must meet academic requirements for admission to a college or technical school as a full-time student fall 2024.
*Must exemplify good citizenship.
*Submit a complete application prior to deadline.
*Copies available in Guidance
The Friends of the Sixties/Alton Black Alumni Association
3 Separate Scholarships
The Scholarship Committee will award a recurring, $1000 scholarship to the recipient in the selection of the Leo C. Cox Memorial Scholarship. Awardee will forfeit their award if not in good academic standing for each renewable year and does not submit required documentation by the designated deadline.
The Scholarship Committee will award a one-time, $500 scholarship to the 2nd runner up in the selection of the Leo C. Cox Memorial Scholarship.
The Scholarship Committee will award a one-time $500 scholarship to the recipient on the selection of the Leo C. Cox Memorial Vocational/Technical Career Scholarship.
Due March 29, 2024
*Copies available in Guidance.
Leo C. Cox Memorial Scholarship
Leo C Cox Memorial Scholarship
Hugh J. White Chapter-Tuskegee Airmen, Inc
*Seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
*A 2 page essay that reflects an overview of their history and how their experience has impacted the applicant personally.
Validation of parents financial status as reflected on application form.
Deadline January 22, 2024
*Copies available in Guidance
Illinois Society of Professional Engineers Scholarships
*Applicants should have a B or better in courses which are accredited toward the engineering degree.
*Applicants should show evidence of financial need.
*Applicants must attend an engineering program at an Illinois or Missouri university or a college that is ABET-accredited.
*Entire application must be postmarked by March 8, 2024.
*Copies available in Guidance
Farm Credit Illinois
*Farm Credit Illinois annually recognizes two students of color as Diversity in Agriculture Scholars.
*Recipients receive $1,250 in the 2024 fall semester and $1,250 in the 2026 fall semester.
*Apply by February 29, 2024 at www.farmcreditIL.com/scholarship
(Lincoln Land Community College's agriculture program provides a $1,250 scholarship match to Farm Credit Illinois Agriculture Scholars enrolling full time in agriculture in the Fall 2024 semester.)
Alton Section NCNW Inc. Hazel M. Killion Scholarship
*Students must reside in service area of Alton School District #11.
*Applicant must have a C average.
*Applicant must plan to attend one of the following accredited institutions upon graduations: 4-year College/University, Community/Junior College, Technical/Vocational School
*Applicant must submit a 250-ord essay answering- What qualities do you possess that demonstrate the qualities of our founder, Mary McLeod Bethune?
THERE ARE MANY INSTRUCTIONS FOUND HERE, PLEASE CLICK ON AND READ:
*Applications must be received by March 15th, 2024 to P.O. Box 764, Alton, Il 62002
*Copies available in Guidance
Community Advisory Panel (CAP) of the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery Scholarship
*Senior eligible for graduation from AHS
*Essay required
*Letters of recommendation required
*Attending 2 or 4 year program at a community college or university or vocational/technical pathway.
Application due by March 1, 2024 submitted by student via email submission or mail.
Copies available in Guidance
Phillips 66 Scholar
Calling ALL graduating high school seniors.
Scholarship Informational meeting;
Saturday January 6, 2024
12pm @ 2512 Amelia St. Alton, IL 62002
*$5,500 per year 4-year University and $1,500 per year Community college or Technical School
First Presbyterian Church Memorial Scholarships
Jay Reed Delano, Jr and the Robert B. Lynn, Jr Scholarships
*Top 40% of class, preference to those in top 10%.
*Consideration given to students who have demonstrated leadership and acceptance of responsibility in school, church, or community activities.
Virginia J Stooker Memorial Scholarship
*Graduate in good standing of AHS or Marquette.
*Applicant must be in the top 10% of the class.
*Preference will be given to members or children of members of First Presbyterian Church of Alton, Illinois.
*If no applicant in a particular year is an attendee of First Presbyterian Church of Alton, Illinois, preference will be given to students with an interest in theater and/or music.
*Eligibility will be determined without regard for the income of the applicant or the applicant's family.
Lorelle Webb Memorial Scholarship
*Graduating female students from AHS or Marquette.
*Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
*Applicants shall have participated in some extracurricular activities and community service.
*Awarded without regard to income, however, income may be considered when applicants otherwise have similar qualifications.
Frank K Webb Memorial Scholarship
*Graduating male students from AHS or Marquette.
*Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
*Applicants shall have participated in some extracurricular activities and community service.
*Awarded without regard to income, however, income may be considered when applicants otherwise have similar qualifications.
ALL DUE BY FEB 22, 2024
Application for all First Presbyterian Church
Copies available in Guidance
Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial
The Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial Scholarship AND Lovejoy Memorial Academic Achievement Award
*Complete the application form
*Secure a copy of your high school transcript
*Have two adults complete the recommendation/personality rating form
*Upper third of class
*Economic Need
*Character and Growth Potential
*Strength of recommendations
DUE BY MARCH 4, 2024
Application for Elijah P. Lovejoy
Copies available in Guidance
DCFS Scholarship
*Any student with whom the department has court-ordered legal responsibility or who was formerly under car and has been adopted or aged out.
Please see Mrs. Williams in guidance for information.