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!

2024-25 Scholarships at AOHS Overview

Decatur Memorial Foundation Scholarships

These scholarships are for students pursuing careers in healthcare or agriculture. All information is at the link above. Applications can be mailed or emailed and are due by May 2, 2025. If you need help sending in your application, come see Mrs. Mendez.

Decatur Family YMCA Petrowsky Soccer Scholarship

Each year, the YMCA selects 2 area high school seniors, one male and one female student, to receive a $500 scholarship (payable to the college of recipient’s choice). Scholarship applicants must have previously played soccer in the Decatur Family YMCA Youth Soccer League at some point in his or her career as a young athlete. Applicants need to complete the application (linked above) and write a short essay about their experience as a Decatur Family YMCA Soccer player. Applications will be reviewed by a selection board comprised of Decatur Family YMCA Directors and Board Members. Email Dominic Santomassimo at dominic.santomassimo@decaturymca.org with questions.

Applications are due by mail to the address provided by April 20, 2025.

PEO Scholarship - "Women Helping Women Reach For The Stars"

Multiple $1000 scholarships open to young women residing in Macon County who are currently seniors in high school graduating in the spring of 2025. Applicants must be accepted to attend an accredited two or four-year undergraduate college or university in the United States or Canada.
Applications are due April 15th, 2025 by 6PM CDT. Please contact Molly Berry at mberry@millikin.edu with questions.

Finalists will be notified by Wednesday April 23rd, 2025 CDT to set up an interview with the scholarship committee the week of April 28th, 2025. If you are selected as a finalist, we will ask for a copy of your high school transcript before your interview.

Gary C. Brandon Trade School Student Scholarship

Gary C. Brandon was a 1962 Graduate of Argenta-Oreana High School. After graduating from high school, he attended Bradley University in Peoria for a year and was also a reservist in the U.S. Army. He then worked at Caterpillar Tractor until he moved with his family to middle Tennessee in 1981. Prior to the move, he spent hours in the Decatur Public Library researching and designing a solar home. He built the solar home, and three additional homes over the years. Cars were also a passion of his, and he could educate you on anything you needed to know, especially Fords! Gary passed away in February 2025. He was concerned that future generations were losing interest in skilled trades. His three daughters felt that assisting an Argenta-Oreana student in attending a trades school would be the best way we could honor him. This one-time award is available to a 2025 graduating Senior of Argenta-Oreana High School who will be attending a U.S. trade school after graduating. The application is attached above and is due to the counseling office by April 15, 2025.

Illinois Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship

This scholarship is facilitated by our local chapter of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers. Seniors interested in pursuing Engineering in college should apply. The application is linked above and is due May 16, 2025. Despite the mention in the application, there will not be in-person interviews held this year.

DeWitt, Macon, Piatt Prairie Beef Association Scholarship

Open to graduating high school seniors who have been somewhat involved in the beef industry. Student must be planning to attend a 4, 2-year, Tech, or Trade program. One letter of recommendation must be sent to the email provided at the top of the application. Applications are due by April 14, 2025.

Bridge to Betterment Scholarship- Bridge Fellowship

This is a local scholarship through the Bridge Church of Argenta for AOHS seniors. There are no specific major requirements for this scholarship, but please be sure to read the application thoroughly to be sure and include all of the required documents. All applications are due to the address provided by April 14, 2025. If you would like Mrs. Mendez to mail it, please turn it in one week prior to the due date.

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.

Richland Scholarships

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.

Illinois Student Assistance Commission: Paying for College Resources

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:

AOEA Scholarship

AOHS Athletic Booster Scholarship

Golden Apple Scholars Program

BLDD- Because Life Deserves Design Scholarship

Illinois Masonic Scottish Rite Scholarship Applications (Valley of Springfield)