Scholarships

Welcome to the 2026-2027 Scholarship Page!  Scholarships are a great way to help a student pay for college or a post-secondary education.  Scholarship applications can feel overwhelming, but the pay off is worth it.

Students should NEVER pay to complete a scholarship application or create a scholarship account.

All Scholarship applications and deadlines will be updated as Mrs. Cearlock receives information.  Please continue to check this page often for updates.

Helpful tips and resources to navigate this important part of senior year:

1. Create a google doc or Word doc that lists all high school achievements, activities, work experience, etc.  Many scholarships ask for this information.  Instead of rewriting it many times, you can type it once and attach the document.  See example below:

   1. Example of High School Achievements & Activities 

2. Writing a well written essay for scholarships is important.  Follow directions carefully on all applications.  A well written essay can feel stressful and time consuming, but once it is written it can be used more than once.  Many scholarship applications that ask for an essay will ask for similar information in an essay.  You can use the essay you wrote and tweak it as needed.  A base essay will help make the application process smoother.

SHS Common Scholarship Application

The SHS Common Scholarship Application is one application used for many local scholarship applications.  It is recommended to complete the Common Application one time (neatly) and make copies of it.  The SHS Common Application is printed and available outside Mrs. Cearlock's counseling office and with the link below.  If students or parents have any questions, please contact Mrs. Cearlock.

SHS Common Scholarship Application 2025-2026 

Scholarship List (updated throughout the school year)

Bob Price Memorial Scholarship 2027

• Application is available with the link below OR printed outside the Counseling Office.

• Applications must by postmarked by March 31st.  STUDENTS are responsible for mailing the application by the due date.

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B6lwIR_QDlqBGC4ZT2n1VTJfxlHvR-No/view?usp=drive_link

Golden Apple Scholar Program 26-27

• The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program is a teacher preparation and tuition assistance program for high school seniors and freshman and sophomore Illinois college students who have the determination and drive to be highly effective teachers in Illinois schools-of-need. We prepare aspiring teachers for immediate and lasting success in the most challenging teaching environments.  Following the link below for more details and the application.

• Golden Apple Scholar Program Info Sheet:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HBI1hojnfC9UrUctjGi96FDM-EjzaqQV/view?usp=sharing

• Application is available now for the Class of 2027, check out the link below:

• https://www.goldenapple.org/scholars-illinois

Alton Pride Scholarships 2026

• 4 scholarships are available through the Alton Pride organization

• Application is available with the link below OR printed outside the Counseling Office

• Website:  Alton Pride Website 

• Application due by February 28, 2026, students need to submit application correctly: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJrcnRW0VMXowiPGd7edoCDZzgLFP4pTO152IlD0x6D-vtMg/viewform

3-M Firefighters' Association Scholarship Application 2026

• High School diploma or equivalency or in the final year of high school

• Currently pursuing or planning to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies, 

a certification program or job skills training at an accredited institution in the 

Fire Service, EMT or Paramedic field – you do not need to go to a 4-year university to be an applicant for this scholarship.

• Currently enrolled or planning to enroll as a full- or part-time student

• This application must be NEATLY handwritten in black ink or typed (illegible writing

will not be considered)

• Recipient must be able to attend one 2026 3M Firefighters’ Association Meeting for a presentation of the scholarship with the membership

• Recipient must be from a town that is serviced by a 3M Firefighters Association membership department (reach out to your local fire department to confirm their membership to 3M)  

• Application is available with the link here OR printed outside the HS Counseling office:  3-M Firefighters' application here 

• Application is to be return and due to the following:  March 1, 2026 to 3M Firefighter Association c/o Debbie Christopher, 4727 Route 16, Shipman, IL 62685

Selma J. Hartke Community Foundation Scholarship 2026

• The scholarship application PDF is link below AND printed for students to pick up outside the Counseling Office.  Students need to read all directions and fully complete the application to be considered.

• Application:  Full application click here 

• Editable application:  Click here 

• Applications due February 24, 2026 and application with all supporting materials MUST be mailed to 

• Selma J. Hartke Community Foundation, P.O. Box 2459, Springfield, IL 62705 or emailed to vandrews@bhslaw.com

Illinois Elks Children's Care Corporation - Physical/Occupational Therapy, Special Education & Speech Language Pathologist Scholarship 2026

• For students going into Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy, Special Education and Speech Language Pathology

• Apply through the website:  https://illinoiselksccc.org/scholarships.html

• Application will become available December 1st.

• Mrs. Cearlock also has the applications printed and available for students outside the counseling office 

Doodle for Google

• https://doodles.google.com/d4g/

• Submit by December 3, 2025

Carlinville Area Hospital & Auxiliary Scholarship 2026

• Eligibility for Scholarship 

  • 1. Please read carefully Any high school student graduating in 2026 from Macoupin County, Illinois who is accepted to an accredited college or university with the intention of entering a hospital related health care career (such as medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy schools, radiology technology programs, occupational/physical/speech therapy, etc.) 

  • 2. Must have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or above through their junior year of high school. 

• Application is available with the link below OR printed outside the Counseling Office

• Application here:  Carlinville Area Hospital Scholarship App. Deadline:  March 1, 2026

MJM and Association of Illinois Electric Cooperative’s (AIEC) Scholarship Program 2026

• "MJM and Association of Illinois Electric Cooperative’s (AIEC) scholarship program for High School Seniors whose main residence is on MJM lines. Seventeen $2,500 scholarships will be awarded statewide, and two $1,000 scholarships locally at MJM. One application puts their name in for both scholarship opportunities; the portal is currently open, and the deadline is December 31st, 2025."

• Informational Flier 

• Website application link:  Scholarship Application 

Farm Credit Illinois 2026 Application

• Application available online:  https://www.farmcreditil.com/About/community-engagement/Scholarships

• High School seniors who are pursing a future in Agriculture

Gold Star Mission Scholarship Program 2026

• Informational Flier and Handout:  Info Poster and Handout 

• Online application through the website.  Deadline to apply is February 1, 2026

• Website:  https://www.goldstarmission.org/scholarship.php

Mike Rowe Scholarship Program

• https://mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/

IAA Foundation Scholarship 2026

• https://www.iaafoundation.org/our-mission-at-work/student-scholarships/apply-for-college-scholarships/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Informz&utm_campaign=IAAF&_zs=EbjqN1&_zl=AQsK7

Illinois AMVets Scholarship Program 2026 (open Nov. 1)

• https://www.ilamvets.org/scholarships

CBAI Foundation For Community Banking 2026 Annual Scholarship Program

• Application is available printed outside the Counseling office and link below:

• Application Link:  Click Here 

• Participating banks:  CNB Bank & Trust, Carlinville - contact Diana Hubbert, Bank & Trust Company, Litchfield - contact - Bethany Seely, OR First Community Bank of Hillsboro - contact Linda Denton

• Students are responsible for reaching out to the bank they will participate through and find out the banks specific deadline.  You will submit your application and essay with the bank you choose to participate through.

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship (past deadline)

• Informational flier:

• Application link:  https://jackierobinson.org/apply/

Illinois Masonic Scottish Rite Scholarship Application 2026

• There are six different scholarship opportunities with only 1 application.  Follow directions carefully

• Deadline:  April 1, 2026

• Use this link to complete the online application : https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/Illinoismasonicscholarshipapplication2026

Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln 2026

• Scholarship program that offers many opportunities for students.

• Follow the link below to see the many scholarship applications:

  • https://cfll.org/Grants-Scholarships/Scholarships

Southwestern Electric Corporation, Inc. Scholarship 2026

• To qualify a student must an an active cooperative members and graduating from high school

• Application website:  https://sweci.com/scholarship-opportunities or available outside the counseling office

• Application deadline:  March 13, 2026

The Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship 2026

• To qualify:  You must meet all the qualifications listed on the last page of the application.  Please read the qualifications before completing the application

• Deadline:  Postmarked March 2, 2026 

• Paper copies have been printed and are available outside the counseling office also link available below:

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aorrwqNPc4YyhY4ak3ThtD7s_s4VKXxg/view?usp=drive_link

Macoupin County Agriculture Education Foundation 2026

• Graduating senior OR current college student in an Illinois college or CTE program AND majoring in agriculture

• Must be a resident of Macoupin count and/or attending a Macoupin County school district

• Deadline for application:  March 27, 2026

• Website Information here:  https://www.macoupinfb.com/https/formjotformcom/251034083419148

• Application link here:  https://form.jotform.com/251034083419148

Brandon Margaritis Scholarship for Excellence in SIUE Engineering 2026

• Must be pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Other Engineering Degrees may be considered.

• Must complete the SHS Common Scholarship, available to pick up outside the counseling office

• Online link here:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c5SbJFZJ--0InLA4Rux-f9flotqX1Asjv19R5pGoGQw/edit?usp=drive_link

• Deadline:  turned into Mrs. Cearlock by March 31, 2026 at 3:00pm

Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation Application 2026

• CSBG Eligibility Guidelines must be met is available below:

• Flier 

• Application is available to pick up outside the counseling office or with the link below:

• Application Here 

• Due date:  May 29, 2026

Delbert W. Stiegemeier Scholarship 2026

• Eligible students are students entering a vocational/trade school program.

• SHS Common Application must be completed, it is attached to the cover sheet for this scholarship

• Due to Mrs. Cearlock by March 31, 2026

• Details click the link:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A-PMdWTz95E079GApMnEEfTUYKmLdbYDrR6tt8slqf8/edit?usp=sharing

Illinois Masonic Children's Assistance Program - N.G. Cowen Scholarship 2026

• Plan to attend or currently attending a trade school, vocational program at a college, community college, or apprenticeship, can have a high school GPA of a 3.3 or lower, receive referral endorsement from an Ill. Mason in any Masonic affiliation

• Paper application is available outside the counseling office 

• Website available here with link to online application:  https://imcap.org/

Staunton Sports Boosters Scholarship Application 2026

• Below is the link for the ONLINE Sports Boosters Application:

• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6GkQ66N6w32UPDdbzqKex7uJF8uryigEg_0a9eyls5km66Q/viewform

• Be eligible for graduation from Staunton High School in the 2025-2026 school year, Plan to be enrolled full-time in a college, university, or technical institute, Participated in at least one Staunton Sports Boosters recognized high school sport during his/her senior year.  Recognized sports are as follows:

• Volleyball, Football, Cross Country, Golf, Basketball, Cheerleading, Softball, Baseball, Soccer, Track and Field, Manager/Videographer, Trap, Tennis, Bass Fishing

• Deadline:  April 10, 2026

Engineering Society of Illinois St. Clair Chapter Scholarship 2026

• Online application available:  https://ilengineeringinitiative.org/scholarships/

• Paper copy application available with link below or outside the Counseling Office:

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oj4yLSgO8UqnQUmXlJ-rsTTZMKtwJ5_h/view?usp=sharing

• Deadline to have packet submitted:  April 3, 2026 (postmarked)

MECO Engineering Co. Heneghan Associates Scholarship Application 2026

• Informational Flier:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eDEn6__-MCmo3E21a78VZmScR2uFKkj9/view?usp=sharing

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tB7ydvfZhJwfctqmmZ2w0Zw1_mhPNGh9/view?usp=sharing

• Application deadline:  March 27, 2026

American Legion Auxiliary Department of Illinois Scholarships 2026

• Children of the Warriors National President’s Scholarship $5000, Due March 1st ALA Unit 362: Eligibility- Child or grandchild of a Veteran 

www.legion-aux.org/scholarships/children-of-warriors 

• Past Presidents Parley Nursing Scholarship $1000, Due April 10th: Eligibility-enrolled in an accredited nursing school or hospital program

2026 Past Presidents Parley Nursing Scholarship (click the link)

• Ada Mucklestone Memorial Scholarship, $1000, Due to ALA Unit 362 by March 15: Eligibility-child, grandchild or great grandchild of a Veteran 

https://ilala.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ada-Mucklestone-Scholarship-2026.pdf 

Touchdown Club Scholarship Application 2026

• Deadline:  April 1 emailed to tdcjfl@gmailcom

• Application below:

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JNcGrQmsfmHrOJyE-tcbBuBhNjTi4MwQOyEekZWmuUI/edit?usp=sharing

Staunton Education Foundation 2026

• Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA - Transcripts to be provided by Mrs. Cearlock

• Applicant must be in good standing with the school district and community.

• Online application link below:

• https://forms.gle/57j92iStvVp24SUm6

• Application deadline is March 31, 2026

Illinois Sheriffs' Association Scholarship 2026

• Illinois Sheriffs' Website:  https://www.ilsheriff.org/youth-2/

• Application is online here:  https://www.ilsheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-2027-ISA-College-Scholarship-Application.pdf

• Deadline:  March 13, 2026

2026 Staunton High School Technical Scholarship

• Online application below:

• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrKCfXKPOPga1FWHdWYV7f7qyS7wgoOWWh4PEx_RFrqOo5yQ/viewform

2026 Staunton High School Academic Merit Scholarship

• Online application below:

• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefAjrwoJL7teYDQzOB8Kc7AwegqQFekVNqJzrIk_v3MGXSCQ/viewform

The Nancy Mayfield-Holtorf Memorial Scholarship 2026

• Requirements:  graduating from SHS, GPA of a 2.75 or higher, pursuing a degree in Education OR Animal Science, attending college in the fall following graduation, AND complete the SHS Common Scholarship Application

• Paper copy is available outside the counseling office or link below:

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wue3FBxziKAPoBnaHxFCB1vx3CvESbDu/view?usp=drive_link

• Deadline:  turn into Mrs. Cearlock by March 31, 2026 by 3:00pm

2026 Tori Carroll Memorial Scholarship Application 

• Requirements:  Complete SHS Common Application, Must be attending a Vocational/Trade School or Technical College or University the summer or fall following graduation, Must have a high school 2.0 or better GPA; must provide a copy of your transcript

• Completed applications are due back to Mrs. Cearlock, the School Counselor by March 31st

• Applications are available outside the Counseling Office and with the link below: 

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GWwNN4PCwA5JB7AEVXs8-g5JgKQ1cq_Z/view?usp=drive_link

2026 Community Hospital of Staunton Healthcare Application 2026

• Pursuing a career in healthcare

• Application directions are available outside the Counseling office or with this link:  

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CPknvjEQadgmnc9q6EjJuGYiz5ewXIXj/view?usp=sharing

• Completed application is to be mailed to address listed on application OR emailed to:  spourl@stauntonhospital.org by April 10, 2026

Knights of Columbus - Joseph Spernoga Memorial Scholarship 2026

• Complete the full application correctly.

• Completed application due to Mrs. Cearlock in the Counseling Office by March 31, 2026

• Application is available with the link here or printed outside the Counseling Office:

• Application Here 

Trooper Kyle Deatherage Scholarship 2026

• Complete the SHS Common Application

• Planning on studying Criminal Justice

• Deadline to turn in application:  April 20, 2026, return to Mrs. Cearlock's Counseling Office

HIS Service Station 2026 

• Complete the SHS Common Application - located at the top of this page AND outside the Counseling Office

• 4 - $1,000 scholarships will be awarded

• Deadline to turn in application:  March 31, 2026, return to Mrs. Cearlock's Counseling Office

The MCDFF Jeff Dal Pozzo Memorial Scholarship 2026

• Fully read the directions and criteria, those attending a school seeking a trade will take priority

• Application information sheet is available here with the link below OR outside the Counseling Office:

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VfSXZOfSQ0WAl54RzSjIZ5qqDJZQ2Xcg/view?usp=drive_link

• Applications with all required documents need to be submitted to:  MCDFF Jeff Dal Pozzo Scholarship, 399 Hilltop Lane, Staunton, IL

Staunton FFA Alumni & Friends Association Scholarship Application 2026 

• Complete full application, include high school transcript, an essay and college or trade school acceptance letter.

• Return all application materials to Mrs. McCalla by March 10, 2026

• Application can be found outside the HS Counseling Office

2026 Demolition Derby Scholarship - Macoupin County Fair

• Click the link below to be directed to the online scholarship application:

• https://www.macoupincountyfair.org/demo-derby

• Due April 15 by 4:00pm

87th Infantry Division Tim Higgins Scholarship 2026 (not updated yet)

• Carefully read through eligibility requirements and application details.

• Application deadline July 30, 2025 and will be awarded during the upcoming school year.

• Application is located outside the Counseling Office and with the link below:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kzWRvRBCFdrt9jk-4dPHgI3ZtEEo1ls1/view?usp=drive_link

Lions Club of Staunton Scholarship 2026

• Requirements:  Any senior graduating from Staunton High School with enrollment in an accredited post secondary school (college, tech or trade school included)

• View Flier:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KExgx197DrpyYkwTzh8ql2dBvETf9JUP/view?usp=sharing

• Applications can be located outside the Counseling Office or with the link below:  

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DkilWnDhqEdB0gaiqr4M8DKdKVprPl4R/view?usp=sharing

• Deadline to return completed applications:  March 31, 2026 and return to Mrs. Cearlock

NextGen: Poettker Construction NextGen Scholarship Opportunity 2026

• Website Link for more details:  https://poettkerconstruction.com/poettker-nextgen/?cn-reloaded=1

• Online application form:  https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=OqVN7H1-cUe5S89rnYFNIGrFVx8R8yxNhNOlsxbpN5RUOEJNNzcwNE1MQU5MT085Q1FFUkdRN1VRRS4u&origin=Invitation&channel=0

Tri-State Desk & Derrick Club Technical or Trade School Scholarship Application 2026

• Minimum Requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen; Must have a career goal in the natural gas and oil industry; 

• No age restrictions as long as applicant has a high school diploma, GED, or high school transcript showing completion through homeschooling; 

• Must be an Indiana, Illinois or Kentucky resident OR a student attending, or planning to attend an accredited Indiana, Illinois or Kentucky technical or trade school. If awarded, must maintain an equivalent of a GPA of 2.5 or higher. 

• Available Here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DpKQL3EhqQP5m0_sPLz7o_vi5O8Zjhk9/view?usp=sharing

• Deadline for application:  April 1, 2026

Anderson Hospital 2026 Scholarship 

• Check out the scholarships available through Anderson Hospital:

• Anderson Auxiliary and Medical Staff $1,000 scholarships, which are due by Monday, June 5, 2026. 

• https://andersonhospital.org/news-events/anderson-hospital-announces-scholarships/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQk6xxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLSTJzNUVBbVFxU0VLdndkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHumUYByYkeKdgfxH9YuN88EdxY7VPefxXl0bXDqf_rsswECV77xN9BcmjJj5_aem_jkBxVDLgu3YLuZzZtjoJlQ

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation 2026 (application deadline passed)

• Application:  https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/ccsf

• https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/ccsf

Acorn Equality Fund Scholarship Program 2026 (application deadline has passed)

• Acorn Equality Fund provides scholarships to LGBTQ+ students and allies in downstate Illinois.  Scholarships range from $1, 000 to $4,000, with $40,000 awarded annually.   Following the link below for the application.

• Scholarship application click here

George Oehler Jr. Staunton American Legion Post 362 Scholarship 2026 (not available this year)

• Must be planning to attend a post-secondary school after graduation

• Cover letter for the scholarship is available outside the Counseling Office and link below: 

Scholarship Websites (helpful resources and links for scholarship applications)

• Student Scholarships:  https://studentscholarships.org/

• Big Future-College Board:  https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

• Federal Student Aid:  https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships

Lewis & Clark Community College Scholarship Opportunities

• Lewis & Clark CC Foundation offers many scholarship opportunities for students.  

• Must be planning on attending LC to apply

• Use the link below and follow the directions to apply for the scholarships.

• https://www.lc.edu/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships.html