SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Seniors are reminded to check the college/university websites for scholarships specific to those universities.  Merit scholarships for universities are available in the Fall.  Opportunities for these may be included on the admissions application but sometimes require a separate application.  Universities offer additional scholarships in the Spring Semester and these are usually specific to program of study. 

Good luck with your scholarship search!


There are several scholarship search engines you can "join" at no charge.  We do not endorse these programs.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission supports a program called College Greenlight which contains some scholarship information.  Students can view this at the link below.  
ISAC also has grant programs and loan repayment programs for certain fields.  This is worth taking a look at to see if your field may qualify! 
Another more localized (Illinois and Missouri) scholarship center is the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis.  In addition to scholarship opportunities, they offer interest free loans to students with financial need.   Applications for loans are usually due in mid April. 
REMEMBER.....You should NEVER pay money to enter a scholarship contest.  These are almost always a scam!

Scholarships with Rolling Deadlines
Scholarships with Deadlines
College Board Opportunity Scholarships

Amount:  Varying up to $40,000

Criteria:  Junior who will graduate in 2021
College Board, the same organization that sponsors the SAT, is offering a scholarship opportunity for juniors across the nation.  By completing 6 steps necessary for post-high school planning, you will be entered into a random drawing for a possible scholarship worth $40,000. 

Step 1:  Build a college list (600 random scholarships valued at $500)
Step 2:  Practice for the SAT (1500 scholarships valued at $1000)
Step 3:  Improve your SAT Score (150 scholarships valued at $2000)
Step 4:  Strengthen your college list (400 scholarships valued at $500)
Step 5:  Complete the FAFSA (800 scholarships valued at $1000)
Step 6:  Apply to college (500 scholarships valued at $1000)
Complete the Journey:  Complete all 6 steps for a chance at a $40,000 Scholarship (25 randomly selected each year!)

Deadline:  Each step has its own deadline. The first month for junior eligibility will be January 2020.  

For more information and to apply, please visit the link below.
​
Vertical Divider
Army ROTC Scholarship
Amount:  2, 3 and 4-year scholarships which offer full tuition and fees and a monthly stipend.  Tuition can be used at any college that offers Army ROTC.
 Criteria:
◦       Be a U.S Citizen
◦       Be between 17-26 years old
◦       HS GPA of at least 2.5
◦       HS diploma or equivalent
◦       Min score of 1000 SAT(math/verbal 0r min of 19 ACT
◦       Meet physical standards
◦       Agree to accept commission and serve in the Active Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard
Deadline:  To appear before a selection board, applications must be submitted by October 7, 2019, December 30, 2019 or March 9,2020
For more information, view the flyer below, the powerpoint provided by Eastern IL University or go online! Application is available online. Any interested students are also encouraged to see their school counselor for more information!
Vertical Divider
ACT Registration Scholarship

Amount:  "Test Day" prize valued at $10,00.  Includes:  $5,000 non-renewable scholarship and a technology prize bundle consisting of a laptop computer (with warranty), 21.5” 4K display, laptop stand, external keyboard, external mouse, premium headphones, tablet computer, electronic stylus, software package, technology backpack and $650 cash gift card
​               "Grand Prize" valued at $45,000.  Includes:  $40,000 Scholarship (4-years at $10,000) and the same technology package as described above. 

Criteria:  Sophomore,Junior and senior students who register to take the ACT exam on one of the test dates from September of 2019 to June of 2020. 

Deadline:  Applicable ACT Registration Deadlines for each exam.  

For more information, as well as to register for an upcoming ACT and to "Opt-In" to the scholarship opportunity, visit the link below! 
Vertical Divider
 Heisman High School Scholarship
 
Amount:  Scholarships will be awarded ranging from $500 to $5,000
 
Criteria:  Senior with at least a 3.0 GPA who participates in at least one of the National Federation of State High School sanctioned sports who also excels in academic, extra-curricular and community-leadership.       
 
Deadline: Student must apply online and have his/her application reviewed by his/her counselor by October 29, 2019.
 
Applications available online at the link below. 
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
 
Amount:  Potential award of $1000 or $5000 plus all expense paid trip to Washington D.C.
 
Criteria:  Student grades 5-12 who has engaged in volunteer activities
 
Deadline:  Online application submitted to school principal by November 5, 2019
 
For more information click the link below
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund
​
Amount: Varying Amounts 

Criteria: Senior who meets one of the following requirements: 

The dependent son or daughter of a U.S. Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Guardsman or Marine who has become permanently disabled as a result of an operational mission or training accident. 

The dependent son or daughter of a U.S. Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Guardsman or Marine who has been killed in action. 

The dependent son or daughter of a U.S. Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Guardsman or Marine who has been classified as a Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA). 

Deadline: Open?
Vertical Divider
​Illinois Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Essay Contest
 
Amount:  Local Level:  $500   State Level:  $1000   National Level:  $5000/$2500/$1000
 
Criteria:  High School students in grades 9-12 who American Citizens or Legal Aliens can submit an essay about an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the US Constitution.
 
Deadline:  All essays must be received no later than January 1, 2020
 
For more information, check the link below. 
GE Reagan Foundation Scholarship
 
Amount:  $10,000 renewable for 4 years
 
Criteria:   Seniors who demonstrate at school, at the workplace, and within the community the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship, strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent), who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study toward a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States for the entire 2017-2018 academic year.
 
Deadline:  January 3, 2020
 
Applications can be found at the link below.
Quest for Education Scholarship
 
Amount:  Ten $1,000 scholarship
           
Criteria:  High school senior who is a member of Vantage Credit Union
 
Deadline:  Applications and letter of recommendation due by January 10, 2020
 
More details can be found at the link below.  
​JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest
 
Amount:  $10,000 top prize with varying amounts for other finalists
           
Criteria:  High school student—submit an essay describing the political courage of a US elected official.
 
Deadline:  Received by January 17, 2020
 
More details can be found at the link below. Student must register online.
The Busey Bank Community Scholarship Program
 
Amount:  $2000 renewable over 4 years
 
Criteria:  One senior will be chosen from the applicants to represent CM in this competition.  Student must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA and must demonstrate positive leadership and character in academic, extra-curricular, and community/religious activities. 
 
Deadline:  Applications must be returned to the Counseling Office by 3:00 PM on Friday, January 31, 2020. 
 
Applications available at the link below.
Vertical Divider
Illinois Gateways to Opportunities Scholarship

Amount:  Scholarship covers the cost of tuition dependent upon income level

Criteria:  We have been informed that our CM students who successfully completed the ECE course taught by Mrs. Neilson can apply regardless of the criteria below as long as the student is pursing a degree in Early Childhood Education.  
  • Educate and care for Illinois children.
  • Have been employed at their current center or home for a minimum of one year.
  • Have been employed at an ISBE funded PFA program for one full school year.
  • Work an average of 15 hours per week or more on a continuous employment basis (includes work and benefit time).
  • Meet wage requirements.
  • Be a citizen of the United States or legal alien.
  • Commit to work in early care and education (ECE) or school-age child care for a period of time, based on scholarship type

 Deadline:  Applications are accepted year-round; however scholarships are awarded on a first come basis.  

Application and additional information available at the link below.
Vertical Divider
Illinois Chemical Education Foundation
 
Amount:  $2000
 
Criteria:  Senior student planning to attend a post-secondary educational institution. Applicants should have an interest in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering or teaching high school chemistry.
 
Deadline:  Application packet postmarked by February 21, 2020
 
For more information and the application, click the link below.
Greater St. Louis Mothers of Twins Club
 
Amount:  Non-renewable $1000
 
Criteria: Senior:  Must be a multiple birth child (twin, triplet, etc) Academic achievement, leadership, community service and financial need will be considered
 
Deadline: Application must be received by February 21, 2020
 
Applications may be obtained online at the link below.
Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program
Norredden Gene Cowen Scholarship
 
Amount:  Varying:  Covers tuition, fees, tools, uniforms and books
 
Criteria:  Senior who plans to attend a trade or vocational program, GED program or apprenticeship.  Student must reside in a small town (less than 10,000 in population).  Must have a high school GPA of 3.3 or lower. 
 
Deadline:  Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2020. 
 
For more information and for the application, visit the link below. 
The Home Builders Assoc Professional Women in Building Council Metro East Scholarship
 
Amount:  $500
 
Criteria:  Open to female senior students who are interested in a career path which may include construction management, construction technology, civil engineering, architecture, design or any of the trade specialties at the college or university level.  C+ average or better.
 
Deadline:  Received by March 31, 2020. 
 
Application and more information available at the link below. 
​Golden Apple Scholars IL
 
Amount:  Up to $23,000 in financial assistance plus many more support services
 
Criteria:  Senior planning to pursue a career as an educator in IL.  Must teach for a minimum of 5 years in an Illinois “school of need.”  Minimum GPA of 2.5, ACT 22 or greater with a writing score of at least a 6 or SAT of at least 1110 with a writing score 26 or greater. 
 
Deadline:  Apply online on or before April 3, 2020
 
Application and additional information available at the link below.