Scholarships
The scholarships will be listed below by month and its due date. If you have any questions about the scholarship please contact an
Upward Bound staff member.
Upward Bound staff member.
Local scholarships
Waubonsee Foundation Scholarship
DUNHAM QUICKPATH DEGREE PROGRAM
Dr. Lucile Gustafson Scholarship (WCC)
community foundation of the fox river valley
meyer wealth advisors business scholarship
Aurora Actionaires foundation, Inc.
two rivers head start scholarship information
IACAC Scholarship
MInority teachers of illinois scholarship March 1
Hansen-Furnas foundation scholarships March 1
Illinois Society of Professional Engineers march 31
DOUG HOEFT SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION APRIL 1
carillion men's breakfast club scholarship April 15
Continuous scholarships
asian & pacific islander american scholarship fund
Gates MILLENNIUM scholars
Hispanic scholarship fund
united negro college fund
society of women engineers
September 2018
We, the Future contest $ Varies
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 17--High School Students may submit: Entrepreneurial, Essay, PSA, Short Film, Song or STEM. Contest is open to all United States citizens or legal residents who are students in grades 9-12 and are 14 to 19 years old at the time of entry, attending public, private, religious, home school program and charter schools.
Gates scholarship $ Varies
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18--The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, full scholarship for exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority, high school seniors. Starting in 2018, the scholarship will be awarded to 300 top student leaders each year with the intent of promoting their academic excellence through college graduation, and providing them the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Quest Bridge national college match
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 27-- A free, online National College Match application, including information on your academic and extracurricular accomplishments, financial background*, two essays, short answer questions. This is for highly-selected colleges.
NICHE no essay sCHOLARSHIP $2,000
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30--Niche is a leader in college reviews and rankings with more than 500,000 student reviews on more than 7,000 schools. Niche awards a $2,000 "No Essay" Scholarship every month that is open to all high school and college students and those planning to enroll in the next 12 months.
dON'T TEXT AND DRIVE SCHOLARSHIP $1,000
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30--What does it mean to be digitally responsible? Complete a 140-character message about texting while driving. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full length 500- to 1,000-word essay about texting while driving.
odenza marketing scholarship $500.00
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30--Scholarship is open to students between the ages of 16 and 25 who are citizens of the United States and have a GPA of at least 2.5. Applicant must submit two essays on given topics.
shout it out scholarship $1,500
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30--Submit an online short written response (250 words or less) for the question: "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?"
shipdig.com scholarship $500.00
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30--Scholarship is open to high school seniors and college students enrolled in an accredited academic institution. Applicant must submit an essay on the most interesting item they have received in the mail.
october 2018
hispanic heritage foundation youth awards
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15--Entering its 19th year, the Youth Awards honor Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their focus in various categories including: Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, Science, Technology, and Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM). Students have an average GPA of 3.5 or higher, and are promoted as role models to inspire others and shatter negative stereotypes. Youth Awardees can receive grants for education or community projects to encourage social innovation and entrepreneurship.
hal leonard collegiate jazz scholarship $1,000
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15--This scholarship is for deserving university students entering or continuing their collegiate jazz studies. Applicants should demonstrate financial need related to college tuition and/or school related expenses. Recipients must participate in a jazz class or ensemble during the school year after the scholarship is granted.
hotelscheap.org scholarship $1,500
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15--To apply for the scholarship, he or she must answer four personal, open-ended, and thought-provoking questions. The students whose responses are the most persuasive, compelling, and well-written, as judged by our executive management team will be considered finalists.
bruce fishkin scholarship fund $varies
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15--To apply for the scholarship, he or she must answer four personal, open-ended, and thought-provoking questions. The students whose responses are the most persuasive, compelling, and well-written, as judged by our executive management team will be considered finalists.
College jumpstart scholarship $1,000
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 17--The College JumpStart Scholarship is an annual, merit-based competition -- financial need is not considered -- that is open to 10th-12th graders, college students and non-traditional students. The main requirement is that you are committed to going to school and can express your goals for getting a higher education.
dr. pepper tuition giveaway $1,000 to $100,000
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 17--Online entry: 1. Go to the website 2. Connect with your Facebook account and authorize the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway application. Ensure your full profile is completed by updating your profile with your most current city, major and university on your personal Facebook page 3. Create your goal by answering "Tell us how you'll change the world in 350 characters or less." Participants can change or modify his/her goal up until the point he/she receive 50 votes, after which point the goal is locked.
horatio alger assn state scholarships $10,000
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 25--Be enrolled full time as a high school senior in the United States; be progressing normally toward graduation in spring/summer of 2017 with plans to enter a college in the United States no later than the fall following graduation. 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). Student must also have a critical financial need.
williams-mystic/joseph conrad ocean essay $400
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 28--Submissions of either fiction or nonfiction should be between 1,000-5,000 words. Submissions may be about any topic and in any genre as long as the ocean or a major body of water is the primary setting or aspect of concern. The essay may be nature writing, environmental or political activism, literary or historic scholarship, or simply good storytelling. If submitting poetry, please send more than 6 poems. The submitted work must be in English and unpublished at the time of submission, though it may be under consideration. It may have been submitted for a course.
I heart my school scholarship $500
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31--We love our school and want to find out why you love yours. It could be an awesome teacher, a great neighborhood near campus, or that weekly concert on the square. You tell us! To win, describe 5 great things you love but most people don’t know about your school. Your piece should be no more than 1000 words, but you can include up to 5 related pictures (only your own pictures, please).
Coca-cola scholars foundation scholarship $20,000
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31--The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors each year. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, and their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.
November 2018
PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD $1,000 to $5,000
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 8--This award is for students in middle school and high school who have made a difference through volunteering over the past year. To qualify, applicants must be in grades 5-12 as of November 4 and legal residents of any US state or Washington DC.
MaryKNOLL ESSAY CONTEST
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 10--This contest is for students in grades 6 through 12. To apply, applicants must write an essay the topic, "Have courage. Go forward. Make noise."
Jack Kent Cook Foundation Scholarship $1,000 to $40,000
This scholarship program is for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need and seeking attendance to the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. To qualify, applicants must have a 3.5 GPA or above and demonstrate significant unmet financial need.DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 14--
MARYKNOLLS SOCIETY ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP $150 TO $1,000
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 14- This contest is for students in grades 6 through 12. To apply, applicants must write an essay the topic, "Have courage. Go forward. Make noise."
Toptal STEM Scholarships for Women $5,000
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 15-Scholarship is open to female students throughout the world who are 13 years of age and interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
be a better you scholarship
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 19--This scholarship is for students who want to take their academic dreams to the next level. Students must be at least 16 years old and either seniors in high school or currently attending an accredited university or college (undergraduate and graduate students are both eligible).
ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION: MOST VALUABLE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP $1000 TO $12,500
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 27-- This scholarship is for high school seniors who will enroll full-time at an accredited US college or university and are US citizens. Scholarships will be awarded based on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks. See website for more details.
Best essay scholarship contest
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30--This scholarship is for students at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges. High school students who have just enrolled in college are eligible. Applicants must write an essay following one of the given prompts.
DECEMBER 2018
gOLDEN aPPLE sCHOLARSHIP $vARIES
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 1 (PRIORITY DEADLINE) --Do you dream of teaching and giving back? Golden Apple is the answer. Start your Golden Apple Scholars application today and fulfill your passion for teaching as you become an educator and a force for change in the lives of students across Illinois.
NATIONAL SPACE KEYNOTE SCHOLARSHIP $10,000
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 2--This scholarship is for high school seniors, college undergraduate students, and graduate students with definite plans to pursue a career in the science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields.
lETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE COMPETITION $200-$1000.00
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15-- This competition is for students in grades 4 through 12 and homeschooled students at equivalent grade levels. To qualify, applicants must be at least 9 years of age and legal US residents. To apply, applicants must write and submit a letter addressed to the author of a book, poem, or play of their choice. Applicants should address how the author's work changed them. See website for complete details.
BURGER KING SCHOLARS PROGRAM $1000 TO $50,000
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15-- This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors who are residents of the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico. Scholarships will be awarded based on academic record and participation in school and community activities.
kENNETH p cARP cOLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP $1000
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 31--The Kenneth P. Carp college scholarship is open to individuals who are planning to attend or currently enrolled in an accredited United States college or university. In order to participate, applicants must submit a 500-word essay from the website. Click on link for more information.
ACLS Medical Training scholarship $1000
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 31--You are already dedicating your life to helping those in need. Why not do something to help yourself? You are entering a profession in which you may be called upon to provide basic life support, advanced cardiovascular life support, or pediatric advanced life support. Are you excited? Is this scary? How will you handle the situation when the time comes? If you have already performed lifesaving techniques, what was it like? Did you use the skills you were taught? There are no correct answers—we are looking for honest, compelling essays.
January 2019
State farm Good neighbor scholarship
DEADLINE: JANUARY 1--The State Farm Companies Foundation believes all children deserve an education that helps them reach their potential and prepares them for life. The State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship Program was established to provide financial assistance to students who plan to attend college, technical, or vocational school, but may not be able to meet the expenses of a higher education without such aid and often do not qualify for other scholarships.
Fifty scholarships in the amount of $5,000 ($2,500 per year – two year renewable) are awarded to graduating high school seniors to attend an accredited U.S. two- or four-year college or university, technical, or vocational school.
Fifty scholarships in the amount of $5,000 ($2,500 per year – two year renewable) are awarded to graduating high school seniors to attend an accredited U.S. two- or four-year college or university, technical, or vocational school.
John F. Kennedy ProfiLes of courage essay contest
DEADLINE: JANUARY 6--This is an essay contest for US high school students who are attending public, private, parochial, or home schools and students under the age of enrolled in high school correspondence/GED programs. To apply, applicants must write an essay on a specified topic related to political courage.
technology addiction awareness scholarship
DEADLINE: JANUARY 30--Complete the application form below including a 140-character message about technology addiction. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full length 500- to 1,000-word essay about technology addiction.
FEBRUARY 2019
Jackie Robinson foundation Scholarship
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1--Through its Mentoring and Leadership Development Program, the Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships of up to $28,000/four years to minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice.
AMS minority scholarship
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 8--The AMS Minority Scholarships will award funding to minority students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the sciences, especially Hispanic, Native American, and Black/African American students.
VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP SCHOLARSHIP
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 20--The Vegetarian Resource Group each year will award $20,000 in college scholarship money to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or fowl. Vegans are vegetarians who do not use other animal products such as dairy or eggs. One award of $10,000 and two awards of $5,000 will be given. Entries may only be sent by students graduating from high school in SPRING 2018.
p.l.a.y. sCHOLARSHIP $1,000
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28--Students from across the U.S. are invited to apply for P.L.A.Y.’s annual Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship rewards one student who can tell the best story, describing the impact he or she made in the life of a rescue animal or animal welfare cause in general.
March 2019
Back 2 School Illinois Scholarship
DEADLINE: MARCH 1--Back 2 School Illinois (B2SI) believes education is the key to America's future, and these scholarships will help unlock brighter futures for deserving and dedicated students. $2500 cash grant for freshman year of study.
CREATE-A-GREETING CARD SCHOLARSHIP
DEADLINE: MARCH 1--Would you like your artwork featured by the leading publisher of premium quality cards in the United States? Here's your chance! We formally invite you to enter our 10th Annual Create-A-Greeting Card $10,000 contest. Design a greeting card for the opportunity to win yourself a $10,000 scholarship and $1,000 for your school. Plus, your winning entry will be made into a bona fide greeting card by The Gallery Collection.
Junior league of Kane & Dupage Counties, INc. Volunteer scholarship $1000
DEADLINE: MARCH 1--Voluntarism is an important part of a thriving community and it is more important than ever to support this spirit of giving and leadership. With that in mind, the Junior League of Kane & DuPage Counties, Inc. (JLKD) is delighted to announce that we will award one $1,000 scholarship to a college-bound, female high school student who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to voluntarism.
TZU Chi Scholarship
DEADLINE: MARCH 1--Tzu Chi USA Scholars is a scholarship program funded by Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation to recognize and provide financial assistance to outstanding college-bound high school graduates and continuing undergraduate students in selected areas of the United States. Tzu Chi USA Scholars are selected on the basis of their financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Each Scholar will receive an award of US$1,000.
Karen Lynne Harris Memorial Scholarship
DEADLINE: MARCH 3--Zeta Phi Beta, Zeta Zeta Chapter is proud to sponsor and award an annual scholarship dedicated to the memory of our Triumphant Soror Karen Lynne Harris. Karen Lynne Harris was a charter member of Zeta Zeta chapter who held the sorority in high regard. The scholarship is open to applicants who meet the following criteria: 1. Female high school student graduating at the end of the 2016-17 academic year. 2. U.S. Citizen 3. Resident of the Chicago land area (Chicago and its surrounding suburbs) 4. Has a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
Fontana transport inc.
DEADLINE: MARCH 15--Scholars Program is a program for High School Students who have worked hard and deserve an opportunity to earn a scholarship.
jostens renaissance scholarship
DEADLINE: MARCH 15--Applicants to the Jostens Renaissance Scholarship Program must -
- Be from a school with a Jostens Renaissance Program.
- Have demonstrated solid academic performance and potential.
- Be high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year.
- Describe how they have participated in impacting their school's climate and culture using Jostens Renaissance activities and/or resources.
IFI Chicago White Sox Fatherhood essay contest
DEADLINE: MARCH 15--“What My Father Means To Me” is this year’s theme for the essays. We guarantee every essay submitted will be read at least once if not multiple times. All students submitting an essay through their school will receive a Certificate of Participation and a coupon sheet, which includes discounts on events and merchandise, and specially priced Chicago White Sox tickets.
Hispanic Scholarship fund
DEADLINE: MARCH 30- Awards are based on merit; amounts range from $500 to $5,000, based on relative need, among the Scholars selected.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Must be of Hispanic Heritage
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for High School Students
- Plan to enroll Full-Time in an accredited, not-for-profit, 4-year university, or graduate school, during the FALL of a scholarship cycle (year)
- U.S. Citizen, Permanent Legal Resident, DACA or Eligible Non-Citizen (as defined by FAFSA)
- Complete FAFSA or state based financial aid application (if applicable)
LULAC National Scholarship fund
DEADLINE: MARCH 31--LNSF Award Criteria: Applicants are eligible for the following three types of scholarship awards.
- National Scholastic Achievement Awards ($2,000) --GPA of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale or equivalent, and if the student is an entering freshman, 29 or higher on the ACT test, or 1350 or higher on the SAT test.
- Honors Awards ($500 to $2,000) --GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale or equivalent, and if the student is an entering freshman, 23 or higher on the ACT test, or 1100 or higher on the SAT test.
- General Awards ($250 to $1,000)--Grades and academic performance will serve as indicators of potential; however, an emphasis may be placed on the individual's motivation, sincerity, and community involvement.
cesar'S sCHOLARS fUND sCHOLARSHIP $3,000
DEADLINE: MARCH 31--THE CRITERIA: • You must be of Latino heritage • You must live within the Chicago city limits • You must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of graduation • You must be accepted to the college or university that you plan on attending by the time the scholarship is awarded • You must have participated in extracurricular activities while in high school • You must have been, or be currently involved in community service • You must have a household income that is below $50,000 a year
TRIO Educational opportunity assn Board of Directors Scholarship $1,000
DEADLINE: MARCH 31- The student applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant holds first-generation, low-income, or disabled TRIO student status;
- is enrolled, or anticipated enrollment for current high school seniors, in a two-year or four-year post-secondary institution for the next academic year;
- has cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; and
- can demonstrate involvement in co-curricular or community activities.
- ESSAY: In 600 words or less, describe 1) the impact of TRIO/EOP on your education; 2) your co-curricular and/or community involvement; 3) and why the EOA Board of Directors Scholarship is important to you.
TRIO Educational opportunity assn-ELI Scholarship $1,000
DEADLINE: MARCH 31- One student in the EOA region will be awarded $1000 toward their educational needs. The Emerging Leader Institute (ELI) Scholarship fund was established in collaboration with the EOA Emerging Leaders Institute and the EOA Foundation (EOAF). Since 2002, select EOA ELI cohorts have fundraised each year for student scholarships. One $1000 Emerging Leader Institute Scholarship will be available in 2017. This is a one time, non-renewable scholarship.
APRIL 2019
davis-putter scholarship
DEADLINE: APRIL 1--This scholarship is for students who are active in movements for social and/or economic justice. Scholarships are awarded to students who are able to do academic work at the college or university level or are enrolled in a trade or technical program and who are active in the progressive movement. See website for more details.
signet classics student essay scholarship contest
DEADLINE: APRIL 14--This scholarship is for high school juniors and seniors between the ages of 16 and 18. To apply, students must write an essay on one of the given topics for this year's competition book, Shakespeare's, The Tempest.
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes Scholarship
DEADLINE: APRIL 15--This annual award is for outstanding young leaders who have shown leadership and courage in developing and implementing an extraordinary service project. The project must clearly benefit other people. Potential applicants must be nominated as individuals by adults who have a solid knowledge of the nominee and their work, but who are not related to the nominee. Nominees must have participated in the heroic work for which they are being nominated within the 12 months prior to the nomination deadline.
National Society of high school scholars
DEADLINE: APRIL 18--This scholarship is for high school seniors and college freshmen who are members of NSHSS.
j. villagomez foundation scholarship
DEADLINE: APRIL 18--This scholarship is for high school seniors of Hispanic/Latino origin in the Chicagoland area in Illinois. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale; have a minimum ACT score of 20 or SAT score of 1500; and attend a community college or university in the fall. To apply, applicants must submit a two-page essay on the following topic: "Explain why attending college is important to you, and the importance of becoming an active member of your community."
MAY 2019
UNCF/koch Scholarship
The UNCF/Koch Scholars Program (UKSP) is designed to teach students how to develop and apply an entrepreneurial mindset by exploring how the study of entrepreneurship, innovation and economics contribute to well being for individuals, communities and societies. To Apply for a UKSP Undergraduate Scholarship, an Applicant Must Be: (1) African-American (2) A High School Senior Applying to or Admitted to an Eligible Four-Year College or University OR A College Freshman Attending an Eligible Four-Year College or University (3) Pursuing One of the Seven Eligible Disciplines: (a) Accounting, (b) Business, (c) Economics, (d) Engineering, (e) History, (f) Philosophy or (g) Political Science. Reference Supporting Documents to Verify Your School and Major Eligibility. See Important Note Below.** (4) A High School Senior OR College Freshman with a Cumulative 2.7 GPA (5) A Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States.
edward & shirley calahan foundation scholarship $2000
DEADLINE: MAY 1--The Edward and Shirley Calahan Scholarship Fund goal is to provide assistance to financially challenged low income students who desire a college education but do not have the financial means to pay for their college expenses.
STEPHANIE JOSEPH FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
DEADLINE: MAY 1--This scholarship fund has been developed in loving memory of Stephanie Joseph, who was an inspiration to many and will remain in our hearts forever. The recipient of this scholarship will be awarded funds to pursue academic ambitions with the courage, passion, valor, and strength that Stephanie showed while faced with overwhelming adversity. The individual must possess the strong desire to attend college and continue academic pursuits in the face of hardship and adversity. The hardship may be on a personal level or within their immediate family.