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

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 you're eligible for. Next, you can upload the documents and answer the short essay questions for each application. The portal is open from January 1, 2025 to March 1, 2025. More resources to come, but you can go ahead and make an account and start applying as of January 1. Two letters of recommendation are needed.

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.

Golden Apple Scholars Program

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.

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.

scholarship website flyer