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 2023
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Qualifications - Demonstrate the attributes of leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within their communities, schools, and workplaces
Plan to enroll in a full‑time undergraduate course of study at an accredited four‑year college or university in the United States for the entire 2023-2024 academic school year
Deadline - January 5, 2023
Up to 40,000
Ron Brown Scholarship
Qualifications - Must be Black/African American, must excel academically, Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential, must participate in community service activities, demonstrate financial need.
Deadline - January 9, 2023
$40,000
Jackie Robinson Foundation
Qualifications - Graduating minority high school senior, Record of academic excellence, Demonstrate leadership potential, Plan to attend accredited 4 year college/university
Deadline - January 11. 2023
30,000
Bezos Scholar Application
Qualifications - Be a junior at the time they are applying to the program.
Be enrolled in or have taken during their high school career, one or more honors, Advanced Placement (AP)
Deadline - January 12, 2023
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship by Amazon
Qualifications - Planning to attain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, or other computer science related field of study from an accredited 4-year college or from a 2-year college with the intent to transfer to a 4-year college.
Deadline - January 20, 2023
40,000
Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship
Graduating students from high school
Demonstrate financial need
January 23, 2023
1,500
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes (2023)
by Foot Locker Foundation
Qualifications - Embody good sportsmanship and strong moral character.
Display academic excellence, Come from diverse backgrounds, Be currently involved in high school sports, intramural sports, or community based sports.
Deadline - January 30, 2023
Up to 20,000
Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI)
Qualifications - Open to All Students Pursuing Degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Deadline - January 31, 2023
$10,000 per year for four years
Feburary 2023
Busey Bank Community Scholarship Program
Qualifications - Positive leadership and character exhibited in both academic and extra-curricular school activities, Positive leadership and character exhibited in community and/or religious activities, Maintained a “B” average or better for seven semesters of high school.
Deadline - February 7, 2023
$2,000
Zonta Club of Alton-Wood River: 2022 Young Women in Public Affairs Award
Qualifications - 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 of Zonta International’s mission of empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.
Deadline - February 10, 2023
$1,000
CNB Bank Scholarship
Qualifications - Essay Writing Contest for students from Illinois high schools.
Seniors graduating in the spring and entering an institution of higher education in the fall.
Deadline - February 17, 2023
1,000
YWCA: Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leaders Scholarship
Qualifications - Senior female students, 2.5 GPA of higher
Deadline - February 23, 2023
$1,000
First Presbyterian Memorial Scholarships
Qualifications - Applicant must rank in the top 10% of their graduating class, interest in music or theater, demonstrate leadership and accept responsibility in school, community, and , church activities.
Deadline - February 23, 2023
$500-$1,000
Farm Credit Illinois
Qualifications - High school seniors with agricultural career aspirations planning to enroll in an agriculture-based college curriculum next fall.
Deadline - February 28, 2023
$2,000
Sparkling Ice
Qualifications - Must have a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4 point scale (high school/home schooled seniors).
Deadline - February 28, 2023
5,000
AT&T 2022 oxyGEN Scholarship
Qualifications - Demonstrate a passion for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) topic, but they are NOT required to be pursuing a degree in a STEM field
Deadline - February 28, 2023
Minimum awarded is $1,000
March 2023
Township Officials of Illinois
Qualifications - Must be applied to attend a university/college located in Illinois, Must be attending a full time student, 500 word essay
Deadline - March 1, 2023
2,000
Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial Scholarship
Qualifications - Carry at least the minimum academic load, Maintain a “C” average, Upper third of graduating class.
Deadline - March 1, 2023
$2,000-25,000
Application Link
Recommendation #1
Recommendation #2
Community Advisory Panel (CAP) of the Phillip 66 Wood River Refinery Scholarship
Qualifications - Any Senior student
Deadline - March 1, 2023
$1,000
Application Link
Phillip 66 Scholar
Qualifications - High School Senior in the Boys and Girl Club in Alton or Bethalto
Deadline - March 1, 2023
5,500 pre year for 4 Year or 1,500 pre year for Community College or Technical School
Application Link
The Save Abandoned Babies Foundation Scholarship
Qualifications - Any Senior student
Deadline - March 1, 2023
1,000
Grace Skief Scholarship
Qualifications - Any Senior student
Deadline - March 3, 2023
$500
CBAI Foundation for Community Banking Annual Scholarship
Qualifications - Top High School Seniors
Deadline - March 3, 2023
$1,000 renewable
Vantage Credit Union Quest for Education Scholarship
Qualifications - Any Vantage Credit Union member (primary account holder) who is a graduating high school senior may apply * for our QFE scholarship. If you’re not a member, you may open an account and become eligible to apply.
Deadline - March 3, 2023
$1,000
Illinois Chemical Education Foundation: Lupita Turriff Hispanic Student Scholarship
Qualifications - Open to all Hispanic students who are first generation students to attend college and are seeking a college degree.
Deadline - March 3, 2023
$2,000
Illinois Chemical Education Foundation: High School Senior Scholarship Application
Qualifications - Open to students seeking degrees in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering or High School Chemistry Teaching
Deadline - March 3, 2023
$2,000
Illinois Chemical Education Foundation: Ecolab High School Senior Scholarship Application
Qualifications - Open Only to Students Seeking Degrees in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering or High School Chemistry Teaching
Deadline - March 3, 2023
$2,000
Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Qualifications - Must be an active member of Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc., Must be attending accredited college or a technical school in Fall 2023
Deadline - March 10, 2023
1,000
FamilyFarms Charities:
-The Ag Career Scholarship
-The Trade School Scholarship
-The Accounting/Finance Scholarship
Qualifications:
Ag Scholarship- Senior students who are pursuing a bachelor's degree in agriculture field.
Trade School Scholarship- Senior student who plans on pursuing a trade school or junior college degree in agriculture.
Accounting/Finance Scholarship- Junior/Seniors in College who are pursuing a bachelor's degree in agricultural finance or accounting.
Deadline - March 15, 2023
$1,000
Illinois Sheriffs’ Association
Qualifications - Must be attending an institution of higher learning within the state of Illinois, Students must be enrolled as full time in 23-24 year
Deadline - March 15, 2023
$500.00
Horatio Algers Association
Qualifications - Eligible students who have faced and overcame great obstacles in their young lives, Integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, 2.0 GPA or higher
Deadline - March 15, 2023
Critical financial need
Alton Section NCNW, Inc. Scholarship
Qualifications - Demonstrate Ability to Lead and Serve, Academic Accomplishments, Community Service, Personal Essay, References, and Financial Need
Deadline - March 17, 2023
Awarded Annually pending on funds available
Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Southwest Illinois 2023 Scholarship Essay Competition
Qualifications - Any graduating Senior.
Deadline - March 24, 2023
$1,000- $3,000
Instructions & Guidelines
Application
James B. Clark Scholarship
Qualifications - Majoring in Education, “B” or “C” average in high school, Complete Community Service, Three letters of recommendation
Deadline - March 24, 2023
$1,000
Redbird Spirit Scholarship
Qualifications - Any Senior Student
Deadline - March 25,2023
$500.00
Larry Overath
Qualifications - Any Senior Student
Deadline - March 25, 2023
$3,000
Dan Ruppert Scholarship
Qualifications - Student planning on attending a vocational school.
Deadline - March 25, 2023
$500.00
Asa Construction LLC Scholarship
Qualifications - Student planning on attending a vocational school
Deadline - March 25, 2023
$500
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Qualifications - Students attending selected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs)
Deadline - March 27, 2023
$10,000
Alton Educational Foundation: In Memory of Orville & Kathleen Brunjes
Qualifications - Alton High Student who has been highly involved in their school community and wants to continue their education.
Completed application packets must be submitted to
Deadline - March 27, 2023 by 4 PM to AHS library - Fiona Griswold
$1,000
Alton Memorial Health Equity Scholarship
Qualifications - Permanent residents of Madison County, High school seniors or graduates within the last 2 years (also includes those obtaining a GED), Students of historically marginalized populations (BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+), Earned a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average while in high school or earned a GED, Plans to attend an accredited college, university, technical or certification program to pursue a career in healthcare beginning in the fall of 2022, Recipients asked to consider employment at Alton Memorial Hospital during and upon completion of degree or certification
Deadline - March 31, 2023
$5,000
Miles Davis Jazz Festival: Miles Davis Scholarship
Qualifications - Students must have achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
Deadline - March 31, 2023
1st MidAmerica Credit Union
Qualifications - Any Senior Student
Deadline - March 31, 2023
$1,000
Heneghan & Associates, P.C. Scholarship
Qualifications - Enrolled or in the process of enrolling in either Civil Engineering or Surveying higher-education programs.
Deadline - March 31, 2023
$500
“No Sweat” Scholarship
Qualifications - Scholarship you can use for any educational purpose, from books to summer camp.
Deadline - March 31, 2023
$2,500.00
2023 NTMA Scholarship Application
Qualifications - National Tooling & Machining Foundation (NTMF) awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students pursing two-year, four-year or advanced degrees in manufacturing.
Deadline - March 31, 2023
2,500
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 2022 Scholarship
Qualifications - African American female senior student, 3.0 GPA or higher
Deadline - March 31, 2023
$8,000.00
Friends of the 60’s Alton Black Alumni Association
Qualifications - Any Senior student, Minimum of 2.5 GPA
Deadline - March 31, 2023
$1,000
Friends of the 60’s Alton Black Alumni Association
Qualifications - Student planning on attending a vocational school
Deadline - March 31, 2023
$1,000
Alton Education Association
Qualifications - The applicant must be a child of a current AEA union member. They must be a senior planning to attend a college, university or trade school. Additionally, applicants must exemplify commitment to their community and academic endeavors.
Deadline - March 31, 2023
$500
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC. East. St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Scholarships
Qualifications - African-American, female, graduating Senior.
Deadline - March 31, 2023
$500 - $1,000
*Please note the Alfrenia Young Hampton Scholarship (listed on the website) is reserved for School District 189 students only. Also, please note the instructions on how to open the files and type into the documents.Professional Women in Building Scholarship Program
Qualifications - Female Senior student in a construction-related career path which may include construction management, construction technology, civil engineering, architecture, design, or any of the trade specialties at the college, trade school or university they plan on attending.
Deadline - January 1, 2023 thru March 31st, 2023
$500.00
The Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP) N.G. Cowen Scholarship
Qualifications - Plans to attend vocational, trade, or apprenticeship programs, Reside in Southern Illinois town with population of 10,000 or less, GPA 3.3 or lower
Deadline - March 31, 2023
Vary
April 2023
Varble Orthodontics Educational Scholarship
Qualifications - Any Senior Student
Deadline - April 1, 2023
$500
Midwest Members Credit Union
Qualifications - Applicants must be a member, or their parents must be a member of Midwest Members Credit Union for at least 3 months prior to applying, Applicants must possess a 3.0 grade point average or better, Applicant must provide an essay of 500-1000
Deadline - April 1, 2023
$1,000
The Higher Education for Compassionate Care Memorial Scholarship
Qualifications - Juniors and Seniors of high schools in the Greater St. Louis area intending to pursue degrees in fields that support physical and mental health
Deadline - April 1, 2023
$1,000
Golden Apple Scholar
Qualifications - Pursuing a degree in Education in the State of Illinois
*Completed online application, 2.5 GPA, Qualifying standardized test scores (ACT or SAT)
Priority Application Deadline - December 15th, 2022
Final Application Deadline - April 1, 2023
Up to $23,000
Association of the US Army St. Louis Gateway Chapter Annual Scholarship
Qualifications -
To be eligible for the scholarship at least one of the following must apply to you:
A parent who is currently a member of any Active, Guard or Reserve component of the U.S. Army.
A parent who served in the U.S. Army, Army National Guard or Army Reserve, i.e. an Army Veteran.
A parent who currently works for an Army defense contractor or an Army defense agency.
A parent who is a member in good standing of the Association of the United States Army – St. Louis Gateway Chapter.
The student is in a High School Army JROTC program.
Deadline - Apr 12, 2023
$1,000-$3,000
Metro Area Professional Organization (MAPO)
Qualifications - Any Senior Student
Deadline - April 14, 2023
Dorothy Olson Pauletti Scholarship
Qualifications - Submit a video recording of one classical piece (baroque, classical, romantic or contemporary period), Complete the application, Submit a letter of recommendation
Deadline - April 14, 2023
$1,000
Liberty Bank
Qualifications - Positive leadership and character exhibited in both academic and extracurricular school activities, Positive leadership exhibited in community service and/or religious activities, Must have a "B" average, or a cumulative GPA of 3.0
Deadline - April 14, 2023
$1,000 renewable
Green Ambassador Program (GAP)
Qualifications- Must view all Green Ambassador Program webinars, Submit a video for our Community Sustainability Challenge, Teams may consist of up to three members. Individuals may apply.
Deadline - April 15, 2023
$500 - $2,000
AFCEA International Scott-St. Louis Chapter: 2022 STEM Grant Application
Qualifications - Applicants must be (or plan to be) enrolled in programs or pursuing classes related to electronics, electronic communications, electrical engineering, information systems, computer science or technology, physics, or mathematics.
Deadline - April 15, 2023
Vary
Scholarship Link
Scholarship Info
Illinois Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship: St. Clair of the Minois Society of Professional Engineers
Qualifications - Any graduating senior who plans to study engineering.
Deadline - April 15, 2023
$2,000
University of Illinois FarmHouse Fraternity
Qualifications - To be eligible you must be a male student who will be attending the University of Illinois for the first time during the next fall semester. All majors are encouraged to apply.
Deadline - April 15, 2023
$500 - $4,000
Alton High Memorial
Qualifications - Any Senior Student
Deadline - April 15, 2023
$500.00
BJC Scholars Fund
Qualifications - Graduating Senior, Plan to attend an accredited, nonprofit four-year, in-state public institutions (or any out-of-state school that allows in-state tuition reciprocity), 2.0 cumulative grade point average while in high school, Demonstrate significant financial need
Deadline - April 17, 2024
up to $12,000 renewable
May 2023
Lewis & Clark Community College Scholarship
Qualifications - Any student planning on attending LCCC.
Deadline - May 1, 2023
Vary
East End Improvement Association Scholarship
Qualifications - Students must demonstrate good citizenship through extra-curricular activities in or away from their school which enhances their community or school, 2.5 GPA or better
Deadline - May 1, 2023
$1,000
The Nature Institute Scholarship Award
Qualifications - Students who demonstrate an interest in positively impacting the natural world through their field of study. Two scholarship awards have been established to honor individuals who have made contributions to their community through volunteerism and environmental stewardship.
Deadline - May 5, 2023
$2,500
TC Energy
Qualifications - STEM Scholarship, Indigenous Legacy, Trades
May 5, 2023
$5,000
HGU Build A Better Future Scholarship
Qualifications - Multi Step Application with three parts and a 2-5 minute video, Scholarship will be a design thinking community improvement project based on the LAUNCH Cycle.
Deadline - May 28, 2023
$10,000
Air Force ROTC Tuition Waiver for SIUE
Qualifications - Plan to join Air Force ROTC, Must be an Illinois resident
- Earned at least a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA, Accepted (or pending) admission to SIUE, Intent to meet additional requirements by end of first college semester (see application attachments)
Deadline - May 31,2023
Tuition Waiver
June/July 2023
The Illinois Psychiatric Society Carl C. Bell, MD Memorial Award Essay Contest
Qualifications - Any High School Senior
June 1, 2023
$500. 00
Madison County Scholarship
Qualifications - Students attending a college, university or training program in the State of Illinois for the 2023 Fall semester/2024 Spring semester.
Deadline - June 23, 2023
$2,000.00
Finney Injury Law Scholarship
Qualifications - 3.0 GPA or higher, Minimum 1100 SAT or 22 ACT score.
Deadline - July 1, 2023
$2,500.00
Athletic Scholarships
Military Scholarships
BigFuture
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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.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PId4IyZ404jzCcIzwgxQQXJxaioSMwwB/edit
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qMafCg8IVWSWRIwh0zbtry_4qeeAncwF/edit
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