Sterling High School
Scholarship Information List
Most scholarships are for seniors, unless otherwise specified.
This website is to assist students and parents at Sterling High School as they search for scholarship information. It lists what was used during the 2007-2008 school year. We cannot guarantee that these scholarships will be made available to our students again this year. The month you can expect the scholarship application to arrive this year is shown at the top of each page and the site will be updated as each new scholarship arrives. Please watch for NEW! to indicate the scholarship is updated and ready to use. Sometimes, even though the link is there, we don't know that it will be offered again. Download the application materials if you qualify (or pick up, if noted). Be sure to return your completed applications to Mrs. Hippen in the Counseling Office by the deadline posted, unless otherwise noted, so the application can be looked over and mailed with your transcript.
Scholarships Available in September/October
Completed applications are due in the Counseling Office by the deadline posted, unless otherwise noted. Please pay attention to the website deadline, NOT the application deadline.
Please watch for NEW! to indicate the scholarship is updated and ready to use.
- The Luke Award is based on academic performance and need. Applicants will be reviewed on academic performance, response to essay topics, financial need and references
- The Acorn Award is based on academic performance, volunteerism and advocacy. Applicants will be reviewed on academic performance, response to the essay topics, extra curricular activities and references
- Applicants may apply for both scholarships, using two applications; however, they may only receive one
- Both scholarships are designed to provide academic financial support for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (GLBT) students, allies or children of GLBT parents
- Awards range from $500 to $3,500 with up to $15,000 being disbursed
- Applicant should attend an accredited post secondary educational facility
- Completed applications due in the Counseling Office by September 29
- Applicant should be US Citizen who is a current high school senior planning to enroll full-time in an accredited two or four year college
- Fifty-two winners–one from each state, DC and Puerto Rico – are selected to receive one-time scholarship awards of $10,000 each. From the pool of 52 state winners, ten are selected as national winners and earn an additional one-time scholarship of $15,000
- Ambition, drive and determination, setting and reaching goals, respect for self, family and community
- Postmark by December 15
- One essay contest on Ayn Rand’s “Anthem” for grades 9 and 10; March 20 deadline
- One essay on Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead” for grades 11 and 12; April 25 deadline
- Awards range from $30 to $10,000 First Prize
- Does not have to be returned to Counseling Office
- 250 scholarship nationally: fifty awards for $20,000, 200 awards for $10,000; awarded for use at accredited colleges or universities within the US
- Applicant must be a graduating high school senior with 3.0 GPA
- Rewards leadership and excellence as exemplified through academic achievement and extracuricular activities, including commitment to community service
- Deadline is October 31 for online application
Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program
- Recipient of the award will receive a one-time grant of $1,000
- Students with a GPA of 2.8 or higher planning to attend an accredited college or vocational school
- Demonstrate leadership abilities in school activities or through work experiences
- Strong commitment to and involvement in community service
- One eligible graduating senior is nominated by the Principal/Counselor
- Eligible seniors should turn in one page resume to Counseling Office by November 14
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship Competition
- Applicant should be a high school senior pursuing a four year degree on a full time basis
- Awards ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 per year
- Applicant will be judged on leadership, scholarship, and financial need
- Application, essay, parental financial statement, transcript, and recommendations required
- Due in Counseling Office by January 5
- Must be African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific American or Hispanic citizens
- A citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the United States
- Must have significant financial need as defined by the Federal needs analysis formula
- Must have demonstrated leadership ability through participation in community service, extracurricular activities and other activities; GPA of 3.3 unweighted required
- Preference given to students planning to major in science, mathematics, and education
- Award will cover tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for the school year
- Application due online by January 12 at 11:59 pm or postmarked by January 12
- Scholarship up to $2,500 per year for 4 years
- Scholars attend four residential summer institutes
- Maintain academic excellence at one of the 53 Illinois university partners
- Obtain Illinois teaching certificate and teach for five years in an Illinois school of need
- Nominations due November 30
- Enrolled full time as a graduating high school senior who demonstrates integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity and strength in character
- Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited institution
- Selection based on critical financial need, preferably $50,000 adjusted gross income or less
- Involvement in co-curricular and community service activities
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 and a US Citizen
- Must be completed online by October 30; Certification page must be postmarked by October 30
- Parent/guardian must be an IEA-NEA member
- Applicant must major in education, maintain a “C” average and commit to teach in an Illinois public school one year for each year of scholarship assistance
- Application, essay, transcripts, proof of family income required
- Selection based on economic need, academic achievement, extra curricular activities and essay
- Due in Counseling Office November 17
Illinois Parent Teacher Association Lillian E. Glover Scholarship
- Awards 1-$1,000 and 1-$500 scholarship
- Must be a graduating senior in an Illinois public school who plans to enroll in an education or education-related degree program
- Applicant should be in top 25% of their class
- Application may be picked up in the Counseling office
- Due in Counseling Office November 21
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
- Open to all students grades 9 – 12
- Awards from $500 up to $5,000
- A 1,000 word typed essay required with registration form
- September 1 to January 10
- $1,000 scholarship
- Open to graduating high school seniors enrolling full time in accredited college
- Applicant should demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and initiative; endeavors or work experience offered as community service
- Applicant must meet or exceed recommended academic standards, using standardized test scores, class rank and GPA
- Apply October 15-December15
NSA Stokes Educational Scholarship Program
- US Citizen, senior in high school, minimum SAT 1100 or ACT 25, GPA 3.0+, leadership abilities
- Letter of recommendation, resume, essay
- Major in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Math or Foreign Language
- Application must be submitted online by November 20; supplemental paperwork is due in the Counseling Office November 20
Outstanding Students of America
- Current senior with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Awards $1,000 scholarship
- Well rounded applicant active in community service and school activities
- Must submit biography, essay and signature page
- Postmark by October 10
- Awards 50-$1,000 scholarships to seniors from all states (including District of Columbia and Puerto Rico)
- Nominees are selected on the basis of leadership skills, participation in sevice organizations and clubs, achievements in the arts and sciences, employment experience and academic record; financial need is not considered
- Eligible graduating seniors should apply, one senior per school is nominated by the principal
- Due in Counseling Office by November 24
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
- State Honorees receive a beautifully engraved silver medallion, $1,000, and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C, where national winners could receive an additional $5,000 each
- Must be in grades 5-12 and be engaged in self-initiated volunteer activities during the past year
- Selection based on inspiration, effort, results, and reflection. The school will review the applicants and select one high school Honoree and forward the application for judging at the state level
- Due in the Counseling Office by October 31
Questbridge College Match Scholarship
- Current graduating senior with a 3.5 GPA or higher who has taken required standardized tests
- Designed for academically strong low-income students, but there is no clear income cut-off
- Full cost of tuition to partner colleges or universities
- Online application due by September 30; fax cover sheet for transcript due by September 26
Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology
- Seniors may enter individueal research projects in the competition
- Students can win scholarships of up to $100,000 for original research project
- Due October 1 by 5:00 pm Eastern time
Society of Automotive Engineers Scholarships
- Must be a senior planning to enroll in an engineering or related science program
- 40 awards ranging from $500 to $24,000
- Must have a G.P.A. of 3.0+ (depending on scholarship) and ACT or SAT in the 90th percentile.
- There is also a $5.00 processing fee; Application must be typed, including activities and honors
- Due in Counseling Office by November 17
VFW - Voice of Democracy Patriotic Audio Essay Competition
- Open to students in grades 9-12. Awards one $30,000 first place scholarship
- Submit a 3-5 minute original essay recorded on an audio cassette
- Each year's theme topic is different
- Due November 1
Wendy's High School Heisman Award
- Must be a senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.0
- High school student should excel in academisc, athletics and student leadership
- Applicant should participate in at least one school-sponsored sport
- Online application must be completed by the student no later than 5:00 pm on October 1
- Student should have online application reviewed and confirmed by a school representative by October 6 at 5:00 pm
Young Epidemiology Scholars (YES) Competition
- Open to students in grades 11 or 12
- Awards up to $50,000
- Written report summarizing your research project
- Apply online by February 2
Scholarships Available in November
:
Completed applications are due in the Counseling Office by the deadline posted, unless otherwise noted. Please pay attention to the website deadline, NOT the application deadline.
Please watch for NEW! to indicate the scholarship is updated and ready to use.
- Awards range $500 to $3,000 each
- Two of the six scholarships available to seniors whose parent(s) is not a veteran
- All six scholarships available to seniors whose parent(s) is a veteran
- Parent financial statement, transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, tax returns also required
- Due in Counseling Office February 20
- Must be a senior with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 planning to attend a two/four year college
- Must work an average of 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year
- Must demonstrate financial need, participation in community and school activities
- Deadline is February 2
Cargill Community Scholarship Program
- High-school seniors living in communities near Cargill operations
- Pursuing a two or four year degre in any major
- 350 one-time scholarships of $1,000 and a $200 grant to each recipient’s high-school library
- Applications are due February 15, 2009; does not need to be returned to Counseling office
Commitment to Agriculture Scholarships
- High-school seniors with a minimum SAT score of 1320 or ACT of 18
- Pursuing a two or four year degre in any area related to agriculture; family must be actively engaged in production agriculture
- 100 one-time scholarships of $1,500 each
- Applications are due February 15, 2009; does not need to be returned to Counseling office
Community Foundation of the Great River Bend
- Great River Bend Cyclone Award Scholarship (for Iowa State)
- Mike Condon Memorial Scholarship (Construction related course of study)
- Iowa-Illinois Regional Auto Show Scholarship (applicant or relative works at new car dealership)
- Louis F. Bulechek Memorial Scholarship
- Don E. and Charlotte Williams Scholarship (reasonable financial need exists; leadership & character)
- Due in Counseling Office by February 1
- Awards up to 10 scholarships of $30,000
- Must be a high school junior with a GPA of at least 2.75
- Demonstrates accomplishments in community service and leadership and has faced a significant roadblock or challenge
- Online applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST January 31, 2009
High School Oratorical Scholarship Program
- Awards up to $18,000 to National finalist; $1,500 for first round winner
- Grades 9-12 are eligible
- Must be a citizen or lawful resident of the United States
- Entries must be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on April 30
- Grades 9-12 are eligible
- Must reside in the United States or Mexico
- Essay on Holocaust, as indicated on application, must be submitted online
- Entries must be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on April 30
KFC Colonel's Scholars Program
- Awards up to $5,000 per year
- Applicant must be a graduating senior before August 31, 2009
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75
- Applicant must be enrolling in a public, in-state college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree
- Applicant should be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
- Deadline is February 10
- Any current Ilinois high school Jr or Sr student may nomimate by essay someone for special recognition
- The nominee should fall into the category of business and community leadership
- Essay will be judged on persuasiveness, inspirational value and uniqueness
- Scholarships from $4,000 to $12,000 could be awarded
- Nominations must be received by December 1
SAMMY Award Program – Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year
- 25 awards at $7,500; weekend in Florida; picture in magazines
- Senior who participates in high school sport or club sport during the 2008-09 school year
- Criteria for judging is based on: athletic excellence, academic achievement, leadership and citizenship/community service
- Essay required
- Planning to enroll as a full-time student at a state accredited college or university for the 2009 Fall semester. Trade and vocational colleges are not eligible.
- Must apply online by March 10
Sam Walton Community Scholarship
- Awards up to $3,000
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident of the United States
- Must be a high school senior graduating between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2009
- May not be a Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. associate or the dependent of a Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. associate. (note: This eligibility applies through the date of award)
- Must have a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4-point un-weighted scale, and have taken either the ACT or SAT tests
- Must have financial need and be able to demonstrate the need with required documents.
- Deadline is January 31
Toyota Community Scholars Program
- 100 awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 over four years
- High school senior with a GPA of 3.0 or better
- Be actively involved in a service organization or project that has a positive impact on the school and/or community
- Plan to pursue an undergraduate degree at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S.
- Nomination forms may be picked up in the Counseling Office
- A local committee will select one SHS nominee who best exemplifies the scholarship programs' criteria and forward the application for judging
- Due in Counseling Office November 24
US Bank Internet Scholarship Program
- 30 awards of $1,000 (award recipients are selected through a random drawing process)
- Graduating senior planning to enroll full time in accredited two or four year college
- Online applications accepted through February 28
Young Entreprenuers Scholarships
- Applicant must be a graduating senior planning to attend a four year college
- Applicant must have owned and operated a business for at least 1 year (non profit is ok)
- Have at least one paid employee (not including yourself or partner)
- Awards up to $10,000 per year to attend any four year college
- Applications are due by January 25
Scholarships Available in December
:
Completed applications are due in the Counseling Office by the deadline posted, unless otherwise noted. Please pay attention to the website deadline, NOT the application deadline.
Please watch for NEW! to indicate the scholarship is updated and ready to use
American Society of Civil Engineers - Quad City Section
- Awards $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior enrolled in a Civil Engineering curriculum
- Must have a GPA of 3.0, Act 22 or higher
- Committee will look at GPA, ACT, class ranking, activities & honors, essay and supplemental credits
- Due in Counseling Office by May 1
Beta Sigma Phi International Memorial and Exemplar Scholarships
- Awards a $1,000 scholarship
- Applicant must be a member in good standing of Beta Sigma Phi, or the child or grandchild of a member in good standing
- Applicant may be entering their freshman through senior year of college
- Applicant should exhibit good character and citizenship
- Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Office
- Due in Counseling Office February 20
Bi-County Cooperative Foundation Scholarships
- On the Bi County home page select "Foundation", then "Scholarships, Applications and Grants"
- Applicants must apply for admission to a school of higher learning in the field of special education or be currently enrolled in a program that supports the goals of the Bi- County Cooperative Foundation
- Applicants must have a minumum 3.5 GPA
- Applications should be postmarked by February 15
- The Bi-County Special Education Scholarship awards up to 6 scholarships from $250-$500 to students entering the field of special education and programs that promote the inclusion of students in the community and school environment
- The Bi-County Education Scholarship for Special Education students awards up to 5 scholarships from $250-$500 to students with special needs entering a school of higher learning or vocational program after high school
- The Autism Disorder Scholarship will award up to $250 to a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder who wishers to enter into a school of higher learning or a vocational program
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
- Awards one-time scholarships of $1,000 to two-year community college; $2,500 to four-year academic institution to Latino senior students who have a history of performing public service-oriented activities
- Full-time enrollment in an accredited community college or four-year university
- Demonstrated financial need
- Good writing skills
- Must be postmarked by April 16; does not need to be returned to Counseling office
Farm Credit Services of Northern Illinois – Agricultural Scholarship Program
- Awards up to 23 scholarships of $750 each
- Must pursue agriculture or agriculture-related curriculum and reside or attend high school within 1st Farm Credit Services service territory; children/grandchildren of current directors or employees are not eligible
- Application, essay, copy of transcript, recent photo required
- Deadline is February 15; does not need to be returned to Counseling office
General Assembly Scholarship – Jerry Mitchell, 90th District
- Must attend one of the four-year state supported colleges in Illinois as a full-time student
- Must reside in the 90th Legislative District
- Awards include full cost of tuition for one year as well as summer session
- Application may be picked up in the Counseling Office
- Due in Counseling Office March 23
Illinois Odd Fellow Rebekah Scholarship
- Three $1,000 awards and twenty $500 awards
- Proof of financial need and have at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average
- Application, essay, transcript, and three letters of recommendations required
- Selection based on financial need and scholastic standing and ability
- Due in Counseling Office by February 20
Illinois Governmental Internship Program (application for JUNIORS)
- Explore careers in Springfield for one semester working for a government agency
- Apply during Junior year for internship program during Senior year
- Students earn credits towards graduation
- Food, housing costs and local transportation are provided
- Personal expenses and travel costs to Springfield are not included
- Due April 18
Illinois Chemical Education Foundation Scholarship
- Awards several $2,000 scholarships to future Chemists, Chemical Engineers or High School Chemistry techers
- High school seniors who expemlify outstanding acheivement in academics, extracurricular/employment activities and community involvement
- Illinois resident planning to attend a post-secondary educational institution in Illinois
- Due in Counseling Office February 13
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Inc
- One year scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 awarded annually
- Open to high school seniors who are the son/daughter of active or reserve duty US Marine or grandchild of Marine who served in certain divisions (see website for details)
- 2.0 GPA; Plan to attend accredited institution; application, SAR, tax return, essay, photo required
- Due in Counseling Office February 20
National Wild Turkey Federation's Academic Scholarship Program
- Awards $250 at the local level; $1,000 at state level; $10,000 to national winner
- Students should be graduating seniors with a 3.0 grade point average
- Students must be pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education
- Students must support the preservation of the hunting tradition and actively participate in hunting sports
- Students must be involved in school and community activities and demonstrate leadership
- Employees of the NWTF and their family members are not eligible
- Due in Counseling Office January 7
Rock River Chapter of the Illinois Society for Professional Engineers
- Must be a high school senior accepted into an accredited engineering program of study
- Must live in Whiteside, Carroll, Lee, Ogle, or Bureau counties in Illinois
- Must have at least a 3.0 GPA ; ACT Math of 29 and ACT English of 25
- Application can be picked up in the Counseling office (essay, recommendations required)
- Due in the Counseling Office January 8
Rock River Trail and Horseman Association
- Awards a $500 scholarship
- Applicant should be seeking a degree in Aquine, Vet or Ag-related field.
- RRTHA members in good standing for at least one year may pursue any major
- Applicant should be enrolling at an accredited two or four-year college or university
- Applicant should be in good standing in their school and community and have a 2.75 GPA
- Application details can be picked up in the Counseling Office
- Postmarked by April 1
Twin Cities Educational Scholarship for Hispanic Students
- Applicant must be of Latino parentage (at least one grandparent must be of Latin descent)
- One scholarship awarded to a senior attending Sauk Valley Community College
- One scholarship awarded to a senior attending any other college
- Application, ACT or SAT scores, transcript, and essay are required
- Due in Counseling Office by February 20
Scholarships Available in January/February
Completed applications are due in the Counseling Office by the deadline posted, unless otherwise noted. Please pay attention to the website deadline, NOT the application deadline.
Please watch for NEW! to indicate the scholarship is updated and ready to use.
AFSA National High School Essay Contest
- Open to all students grades 9 – 12
- Essay required on specified topic
- $2,500 awarded to winner
- Must be postmarked by April 15
- Awards scholarship to undergraduate students pursuing a course of study which has been a preparatory curriculum for the profession of HVAC and /or refrigeration (see criteria)
- Applicant should have good character, involvement in other activities and leadership ability
- Must be received no later than April 3
- 1,000 scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded.
- Students in grade 9-12 living in the United States
- Have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or an equivalent).
- Demonstrate commitment to and involvement in volunteer community service or work experience.
- Plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school in the United States or Puerto Rico no later than fall 2008.
- Application must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. ET on February 15, 2009
Donald Kiser Memorial Scholarship
- Open to graduating seniors pursuing studies in chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering
- Awards one, non-renewable $850 scholarship
- Application, transcript, two references, personal statement are required
- Must have demonstrated high level of academic achievement in science or related area
- Due in Counseling Office by March 23
Educators of Beauty Scholarship
- $250 up to $1,000 scholarship could be awarded to SHS seniors
- Application may be picked up in Counseling office
- Short essay required
- Due in Counseling by March 31
- Awards a 10 day expenses-paid educational tour of Europe
- Applicant must be either sophomores or juniors and nominated by their school
- Application must be postmarked by March 15; does not need to be returned to Counseling office
Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program
- Awards ten $2,500 scholarships
- Applicant must pursue a degree and career in an agriculture or agriculture-related field
- Applicant must be a high school senior with a 2.75 GPA
- Applicant must be a resident of Illinois accepted at an accredited higher education institution in Illinois
- Due in Counseling Office by May 4
General Assembly Public Affairs Scholarship – Tim Bivins
- Must attend one of the four-year state supported colleges in Illinois as a full-time student
- Must reside in the 45th Legislative District
- Awards include full cost of tuition for one year as well as summer session
- Application may be picked up in the Counseling Office
- Due in Counseling Office March 23
Illinois Elks Crippled Children’s Corp Therapy Scholarships
- Awards $1,000 for a first-year applicant; up to $2,500 for fourth-year applications
- Must be enrolled as a full time student in a recognized physical or occupational therapy program, a pre-therapy course of studies or a therapy assistant program.
- Must have a B or higher GPA (B- does not qualify). Must provide tax forms.
- Due in Counseling Office March 2
Illinois Hospital Research and Educational Foundation Scholarship
- Any person accepted into, or currently enrolled in a hospital-related health care professional curriculum is eligible. Consideration is limited to students who have been ACCEPTED in a health care professional sequence; that is, when courses are open only to student candidates for the degree or certification. (For instance, pre-nursing, pre-medical, pre-pharmacy applicants are not eligible until they are accepted into nursing clinicals, medical school, etc.) Applicants enrolled in an associate degree or hospital-based program will be considered their first year.
- Applicants must be Illinois residents. The school to be attended need not be an Illinois institution, however, it must be accredited or recognized as an approved program by the appropriate agencies.
- Students having less than one academic year remaining until graduation are not eligible for consideration.
- In order to be competitive, a 3.5 GPA out of 4 points or a 4.5 GPA out of 5 points is necessary.
- $1,000 award will be given
- Due in Counseling Office by March 30
Illinois Lumber and Material Dealers Association Educational Foundation
- Awards range from $500 to $2000
- Must pursue lumber and building materials field as a career at an Illinois accredited trade school, 2 year junior college or 4 year university
- Application, two letters of recommendation, statement from lumber and building instructor, transcript, and essay are required
- Application may be picked up in Counseling Office
- Due in Counseling Office by March 27
Illinois Sheriffs’ Association
- 105 awards of $500 each throughout the state of Illinois
- Appicant must be permanent Illinois residents and plan to enroll full-time at a certified institution of higher learning in Illinois
- Application, essay, letter of recommendation, personal letter stating future plans are required
- Due in Counseling Office by March 2