SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are funds meant to assist college-bound students in paying their college tuition and fees. This is by no means a complete list of scholarships that AO students can apply for. You can also do internet searches and apply for scholarships through your specific college or university. Scholarship applications can take some time, but they can be so worth it. Scholarships do NOT have to be paid back, and some are even renewable, meaning you can renew it for the same amount for the four years you're in college!
When a deadline passes, the scholarship will be moved to the bottom of this page.
Scholarship To-Do Worksheet - to help you stay organized and on-track!
ROTC Scholarships
The Reserve Officer Training Corps is a wait to enlist in the military and go to college, debt-free. ROTC programs are college-specific. After graduating with a college degree, graduates fulfill a standard service commitment as a commissioned officer. Talk to Mrs. Mendez for more information.
The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship. All information can be found at the website linked above. Applications are due by December 1, 2024.
This is a scholarship and mentorship program for future teachers. Click above for the flyer or go to goldenapple.org for more information. The priority deadline for applications is December 1, 2024 (this should be your goal), and the final deadline April 1, 2025.
Illinois State Historical Society Verna Ross Orndorff Scholarship
$1,000 will be awarded to the best 1,500 word essay on the subject of Abraham Lincoln or the Civil War era in Illinois. Click above for the description and here for the entry form to accompany your essay. Entries are due on January 31, 2024.
Voice of Democracy Scholarship
This year's topic is Is America Today our Forefathers' Vision? Submissions will include a 3-5 minute video essay, typed essay, and a completed entry form. Click above for the website, or here for the entry form. Submissions must be received by October 31, 2024.
Go to the above link to complete the universal scholarship application for Richland. You'll complete one application and you'll be applied to any scholarship for which you're eligible through the Richland Foundation. Students can apply for scholarships after they have registered for classes. Spring registration opens in March/April.
Richland Honors Program For students interested in more rigorous coursework, honors designations on their Richland transcript, opportunities for research projects with faculty, opportunities for leadership and service, and honors fieldtrips and events. consider applying to the RCC Honors Program. More scholarship money is available through the honors program as well. Eligibility for the honors program includes a 4.375/5.0 GPA. Click the link for a QR code to apply.
Paying for College Information from ISAC:
https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/
Financial Aid for Medical Professions
Financial Aid for Teachers & Golden Apple Scholars Program
Financial Aid for Veterans or Children of Veterans
Financial Aid for Dependents of Police Officers, Fire Fighters, or Correctional Officers
2024-25 PAST DUE SCHOLARSHIPS: