Together, we can open the door to brighter futures.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

Alan and Karen Whitt established the ACHS Baseball Scholarship supporting Altamont High School baseball players as they continue education beyond their high school years.

The following criteria and conditions shall be used to determine the selection of the scholarship recipients and the distribution of scholarship grants for the ACHS Baseball Scholarship:

• The scholarship is open to any ACHS senior student who has played baseball for at least two (2) years, with one of those being their senior year spring season.
• Applicants must be planning to enroll, or be enrolled, as a full-time college student at an accredited two or four-year college or university.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Arland D. Williams, Jr. Memorial Scholarship provides assistance for Mattoon High School graduates majoring in the fields of Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Computer Science for full-time college juniors, seniors, or graduate students. The recipient must exhibit high qualities of character to be worthy of the award. The scholarship honors the memory of the late Arland D. Williams, Jr., who graduated from MHS.

Mr. Williams became a well-known example of extraordinary heroism when his actions saved five people after a 1982 airplane crash in Washington, D.C.  The Scholarship fund was established in May 1983 by Mrs. Virginia Williams, Mother of Arland D. Williams, Jr. Since 1985, 40 scholarships have been awarded totaling more than $95,500.

If there are multiple applicants and funds available, more than one scholarship may be awarded.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Bruce V. Penwell, Jr. Nursing Scholarship will provide one scholarship award per county for three named counties, Effingham County, Christian County, and Shelby County, all of Illinois.

The Bruce V. Penwell, Jr. Nursing Scholarship provides scholarships to residents pursuing a nursing degree in three Illinois counties: Effingham, Shelby, and Christian. Bruce V. Penwell, Jr. was born in Pana, IL, and graduated from Beecher City High School. He attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and worked in sales and marketing in the animal health industry. He had a lifelong interest in the people and the surrounding rural area.

To be eligible for the award, the applicant must:

1. Have lived in the county offering the scholarship for at least six months in the last two years before applying.
2. Be planning to study nursing at an accredited school in the upcoming term with a minimum GPA of 62% or higher using a scale of 4.0 or 5.0 in your most recent three semesters of high school or college.
3. Show that you have a financial need for nursing school expenses.
4. Demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and involvement, especially in healthcare or nursing-related activities.
5. Commit to studying nursing for each semester that you receive the award.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The scholarship honors the late Captain Postlewaite who graduated from Palestine High School in 1934, attended the University of Illinois with a scholarship awarded by Crawford County, and graduated with a BS in Agriculture in 1938. After graduation, he trained as an Army Air Corps Pilot and soon joined the fledgling Pan American Airways (P.A.A.). There, he met his future wife Betty, a fellow Pan Am Pioneer who was in the first class of five flight attendants hired when PAA became the first airline to offer passenger service after World War II.

Applicants must be planning to enroll or be enrolled as a full-time college student attending the University of Illinois, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (A.C.E.S.) in Urbana, Illinois and must be from Crawford County.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

Established for Effingham County high school seniors and adults starting or continuing their education.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Croft Brothers Challenge Scholarship was established by Terry Croft and his brother, Larry Croft. Larry was an intelligent individual who had the misfortune to grow up in a time when there were insufficient opportunities available to young people with exceptional learning needs. Terry Croft created the Croft Brothers Challenge Scholarship to provide educational opportunities to students with disabilities.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:

• Be a graduate of a high school in Effingham County or a current resident of Effingham County living with a disability whether that be visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, or speech.
• Planning to enroll in a two or four-year college, university, or technical school.
• Applicants may be a returning adult student regardless of the year that they graduated from high school.
• Applicants are expected to be full time students; however exceptions will be considered.
• Provide diagnosis documentation of disability from a person qualified to make a diagnosis.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

Made possible by the generous gift of farm ground from Elgin and Genevieve Daily.

Applicants must be planning to enroll or be enrolled full-time (12 or more credit hours) in an agriculture-related field at Lake Land College or in the U of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences or in the Music field of study at Millikin University.

Applicants must be a resident of Coles or Moultrie counties in Illinois. A recipient of the scholarship form from a prior year may reapply.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

This scholarship is made possible by the generous gift of farm ground from John and Daisy Mason of Mattoon, Illinois, and supports graduates of Mattoon High School. Multiple applicants may be awarded as funds are available.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Del Willison Scholarship was established by his family.  Delbert Willison was involved in the Mattoon School district from 1964-2019 in various ways.  He taught high school, was an adjunct professor at EIU and assisted in writing curriculum for teacher certifications.  The scholarship is for graduates of Mattoon High School pursuing all paths of higher education.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

In order to qualify for the Facklam Scholarship, applicants must be a Teutopolis High School graduating senior continuing his or her college educated with demonstrated financial need.

Mr. Facklam lived most of his adult life in California, however, he never abandoned the regional area where he spent his earliest years. He was born in Stewardson, IL, and move to Sigel, Illinois in his teens. Facklam attended St. Michael’s School until his senior year, where he attended Teutopolis High School and graduated in 1939. Following graduation, Mr. Facklam enlisted in the U.S. Navy before World War II and was stationed at Farragut, Idaho. He served overseas during World War II and retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1960. During his twenty years of serving our country, he was decorated with six gold stripes for his service.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Diane Siemer Scholarship fund was established to perpetuate higher education scholarship opportunities for general equivalency diploma (GED) or a high school diploma through a Pathways class in Effingham county or for a student who has attended Aspire and Tristar Academy. The scholarship was established by Diane’s family in honor of her long career in education.

In the early 1980’s Diane Siemer was hired by Lake Land College as a contract teacher for the GED class. Diane passionately taught the class until her retirement in 2007. During her 25 years of teaching, she worked with approximately 500 students working to obtain their GED certificate.

Several scholarships up to $2,500 each are available.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Dieterich American Legion Scholarship is made possible by the generous members of the past Dieterich American Post 628.  The scholarship is for a graduating senior from Dieterich High School planning to attend a two or four-year undergraduate program of study at an accredited college.

Application Opens: 01/24/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Dieterich American Legion Trades Scholarship is made possible by the generous members of the past Dieterich American Post 628.  The scholarship is for a graduating senior from Dieterich High School planning to attend a Career and Technical School or a Trade program.  Students may attend either full or part-time.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Dieterich Community Education Scholarship is for Dieterich High School graduates in Illinois.  To be eligible, you must:

1. Currently attend Dieterich High School.
2. Reside within the Dieterich Community Unit #30 School District.
3. Have attended school at DCUSD for at least 8 consecutive years for full benefits (7 years = 80%, 6 years = 60%, 5 years = 40%, 4 years = 20%).  Less than four consecutive years of attendance won’t qualify.
4. Plan to attend a post-secondary school that receives federal funding, either in-state or out-of-state.
5. Work toward a college degree or certificate.
6. Maintain full-time student status (12 or more hours) at your college or university.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

Eagle Country Water Works was established in 2004 when Tony Griffith formed the idea that the profit from water bottle sales could be re-invested in youth programs in Jasper County.

The Eagle Country Water Works Jasper CEO Scholarship supports students enrolled in the Jasper County CEO program. The scholarship is open to students in the current Jasper CEO class. Senior applicants must be admitted to a college or university. If a junior is selected for the scholarship, payment of the scholarship will be delayed one year until the student is admitted to a college or university. Preference is given to applicants who major in a business curriculum.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

Established by her friends and family, this scholarship honors the life and legacy of Elizabeth Ann Weidner.  Elizabeth was a faithful servant of God, she valued her family and friends, and she worked tirelessly as a childhood cancer advocate at the local/state/national level despite her own battle with the disease.  Service to others was a core principal for Elizabeth in her daily life pursuits. Given the chance, she intended to become a pediatric oncology nurse!

Criteria:

• High school seniors pursuing secondary education, preferably in the areas of health, agriculture, or the arts.
• Special consideration will be given to families affected by cancer.
• The recipient of this scholarship must exhibit high qualities of character to be worthy of the award.

Click HERE to donate!

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The George Wilson Bauer Scholarship supports high school graduates from Shelby County pursuing a healthcare degree.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

This scholarship is made possible by the generous gift of farm ground from Harry, John, and Catherine Smysor of Windsor, Illinois. The intent of this scholarship is to support students pursuing higher education who have demonstrated financial need and have contributed to their community through acts of service. Preference is given to current seniors and alumni of Windsor High School.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Hazel York Scholarship supports high school graduates from Shelby County pursuing a healthcare degree.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

Established for Effingham County graduates seeking a degree in health care, early childhood care or education, or vocational studies.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Kenneth Diehl Scholarship supports high school graduates of Shelby County studying agriculture.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Lebovitz Lively Arts Scholarship was established by Carl Lebovitz and James K. Lively.  Lively worked as a freelance translator of many Slavic languages and was a patron of the arts during all of his adult life. Lebovitz was also a language translator, contributor to the Times Courier-Journal Gazette newspaper, patron of the arts and was a founding member of the Mattoon Arts Council.

The Lebovitz Lively Arts Scholarship provides scholarships to Mattoon graduates who major/will major in visual or performing arts. Multiple applicants may be awarded as funds are available.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Lou and Nancy Kincaid Family Full Armor Scholarship supports graduates from Full Armor Christian Academy pursuing higher education as either full-time or part-time students at a college or university. Special consideration will be given to students pursuing a degree in education, but the scholarship is open to students in any field of study.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Lou and Nancy Kincaid Family North Clay Scholarship supports graduates from North Clay High School pursuing higher education as either full-time or part-time students at a college or university. Special consideration will be given to students pursuing a degree in education, but the scholarship is open to students in any field of study.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Mattoon High School Alumni Scholarship fund provides assistance for Mattoon High School seniors and past awardees pursuing higher education. Scholarships are available to current seniors planning to attend a two-year college, four-year college or university, or vocational/technical school. The Mattoon High School Alumni Scholarship was created in 2011 allowing MHS Alumni the opportunity to give back to current and future graduates from their community. Multiple applicants may be awards as funds are available.

Click HERE to donate!

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Moehle Family Scholarship is for a graduating senior of Richland County High School who will be a full-time student at a 4-year university/college or a 2-year community college. The student must have high moral character and habits and possess leadership and citizenship qualities.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Randy Lee, MD Health Profession Scholarship supports students graduating from the Casey-Westfield school district who are pursuing a healthcare profession.

The be eligible for the Randy Lee, MD Health Professions Scholarship, you must:

1. Graduate from Casey-Westfield High School.
2. Pursue a healthcare field, which includes options like medical assistant, nursing (LPN or RN), physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, pre-medical program, and pharmacy. It does not include dentistry, optometry, chiropractic or other alternative health training.
3. Aim to complete a certification program, a two-year associate degree, a four-year college degree, or a professional degree in a healthcare field.
4. Scholarships are awarded annually, and previous recipients can reapply without exclusion.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Ray, Mary, and Tim Niebrugge Scholarship was established by Tim Niebrugge, son of Ray and Mary Niebrugge, of the Green Creek community in Illinois. Ray Niebrugge inherited a tract of land from his father John and continued to farm and acquire acreage over the next 40 years. Tim farmed the ground after his parents passed away. Tim established this trust to help students of Effingham County with financial need continue their education.

Scholarship criteria and conditions:

1. Need will be assessed based on federal student aid criteria and verified by financial aid documents.
2. Merit will be evaluated through school, community, and personal activities, as well as work experience.
3. Achievement will be assessed using ACT or SAT scores, school transcript, a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent), and being a full-time student at a 2-year college, 4-year college, university, or vocational/technical school.
4. Scholarships are awarded annually.  Prior recipients can reapply and won’t be excluded from consideration for the scholarship.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Roy Robson and Roma Jackson Nursing Scholarship provides assistance to Effingham County graduates seeking a nursing degree. The scholarship was created by Roy Robson and his sister, Roma Jackson, in memory of their sister, Mary Robson. Mary had diabetes and required considerable nursing care. Roy and Roma say first-hand the need for good nursing care and provided a bequest establishing a permanent endowment for nursing scholarships.

The following criteria and conditions shall be used:

1. Financial need: Your financial situation is the most important factor.
2. Merit: We consider your school, community, and personal activities, as well as work experience.
3. Achievement: You need a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent), supported by ACT or SAT scores and your school transcript.
4. Enrollment: You must be a full-time student at a 2-year college, 4-year college or university, or a vocational/technical school.
5. Renewal: Scholarships are awarded annually, and if you received it in the past, you can reapply.  You won’t be excluded from consideration.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

The Thomas J. Epplin Health Profession Scholarship Fund scholarships annually to students choosing to pursue a career in a health profession.

Thomas J. Epplin (“Tom”) was born and raised in Pinckneyville, Illinois. He was a dentist in Vandalia, Illinois for twenty-five years where he was an active member of his Parish, president of the Fayette County Health Department, and a member of various professional organizations. He was an avid supporter of St. Anthony High School in Effingham, Illinois, during the years his daughter attended. Tom was passionate about promoting educational opportunities for students from all walks of life. This scholarship has been made possible by the generous gifts of family and friends who wish to carry on his legacy.

Criteria for the scholarship:

1. Scholarship Amount: Recipients can receive up to $1,000.00 annually for toward tuition, books, fees, and housing.
2. Degree Intent: Applicants should aim to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in a health profession such as dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physicial assistant, or nursing.
3. Doctorate Pursuit: Applicants pursuing a bachelor’s degree can also aim for a doctorate in these health careers after completing their bachelor’s.
4. School Eligibility: High school graduates or current seniors at Pinckneyville High School, St. Anthony High School, or Vandalia High School are eligible.
5. GPA Requirement:  You need a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your current college courses.

Application Opens: 01/21/2025 - Deadline: 03/18/2025

This scholarship is made possible by the generous gift of farm ground from Elizabeth (Burgess) Osborne and her parents, William and Agnes Burgess. This scholarship supports graduates of Mattoon High School in Mattoon, Illinois. Multiple applicants may be awarded as funds are available.