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!
BLDD- Because Life Deserves Design Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by BLDD Architects. Click the link above for more information if you're pursuing a degree related to architecture, interior design, or graphic design. This scholarship application is due March 31, 2025.
Thomas Dixon Memorial Scholarship- Kirby Auxiliary
The Thomas Dixon Memorial Scholarship was established as an endowment to honor the legacy of former CEO, Thomas Dixon. After the endowment was exhausted, the KMC Auxiliary took the initiative to continue this scholarship, funding hundreds of scholarships since its inception. This scholarship is available to students within the Kirby Medical Center service area who are pursuing careers in health-related fields. Click the link above and scroll all the way to the bottom of the page for the application and rubric. Applications are due to the address provided in the application by March 21, 2025. You can re-apply for these funds while in college, too.
Illinois Sheriff's Association Scholarship
Each year, each county in Illinois awards at least one scholarship through their county sheriff's office. Go to the link above to learn more and to complete the application. It is a fillable pdf. In the past, interest in law enforcement was not necessary to apply for this scholarship. Scholarship applications must be RECEIVED by the Macon County Sheriff's Office by March 14, 2025. If you need help mailing it, please bring your completed application materials to Mrs. Mendez no later than one week before the application deadline.
Betz-Holmes Scholarship (AO Students Only)
This scholarship is funded by the Betz-Holmes Trust, created in the Will of Leota P. Holmes, deceased. Gerber State Bank in Argenta oversees this scholarship. The application is available at the link above, or you can pick up a printed copy in the counseling office. Notice the required essay and letters of recommendation. All application materials are due to Gerber State Bank by March 31, 2025. Mrs. Mendez will turn it in for you if you bring it to her before spring break.
These scholarships are available at select universities, including the University of Illinois. UIUC's deadline is February 15, 2025. Deadlines for the scholarships through BSP at other universities vary.
The IAA Foundation oversees several scholarships for agriculture-bound students. Click the link above for the webpage to apply, here for an overview, and here for an eligibility chart. Some scholarships require Farm Bureau membership. Applications are due by February 15, 2025.
Macon County Farm Bureau Scholarships
Members and their dependents may apply for Farm Bureau Scholarships. The page is linked above will show you links to the main MCFB Scholarships (due March 1), and the BAGI Scholarships (due March 15).
Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship
The Township Officials of Illinois Association awards 7 $2,000 scholarships annually to high school graduates planning to attend college in Illinois. The cover letters and application is linked above. Notice the required interview and essay. If you need help finding an elected township official, please visit the counseling office. Printed copies of the application are also available in the counseling office. Applications are due by email to the contact provided by March 1, 2025. Bring your completed application to the counseling office before March 1 if you need it scanned as a pdf.
Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Scholarships
This organization administers many scholarships each year. To apply, you first fill out an eligibility form which will determine which scholarships for which you're eligible. Next, you upload the required documents and answer the short essay questions for each application. Two letters of recommendation are needed. The portal is open from January 1, 2025 to March 1, 2025. More resources below.
HICF Scholarships- How to Apply
HICF Scholarship Information & FAQ
Illinois Masonic Scottish Rite Scholarship Applications (Valley of Springfield)
Above is the introductory letter for this year's scholarships through the Bloomington Masonic Lodge. Some scholarships require a Masonic relative and some do not. You can view their scholarship webpage here. All scholarships are due by April 1, 2025.
Ancient Accepted Masonic Scottish Rite Scholarships (Valley of Bloomington)
Above is the introductory letter for this year's scholarships through the Bloomington Masonic Lodge. Some scholarships require a Masonic relative and some do not. You can view their scholarship webpage here. All scholarships are due by April 1, 2025.
Farm Credit Illinois Scholarships
Thirty $2,500 scholarships are available to high school seniors who will study an agriculture-related curricula OR trade in college. Application and video required. All information is available at the link above. Submissions are due by February 28, 2025.
Castle Williams American Legion Post 105 Scholarship
Requirements include a completed application (linked above), a list of extracurricular/community involvement, and two letters of recommendation. Give the people whom you're asking to write a letter at least two weeks notice. Completed applications must be submitted in a folder to the address included on the application by March 1, 2025.
CBAI Foundation for Community Banking Scholarship
AOHS Seniors are sponsored by Gerber State Bank in Argenta for the annual, statewide, CBAI Scholarship. The application is linked above and normally due to Gerber State Bank in early February so that they can be submitted to CBAI by early March. You may turn applications into Mrs. Mendez. Printed applications are available in the counseling office.
CHORALE Scholarship
The CHORALE is a local musical performance group that offers annual scholarship(s) to students pursuing a college major in music. Click here for the cover letter and here for the application. Submissions must be postmarked by February 14, 2025.
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.
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, 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.
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
