Scholarships

Welcome to the 2025-2026 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.

Scholarship List (updated throughout the school year)

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 January 31, 2026, students need to submit application correctly:  Application Here 

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

Bob Price Memorial Scholarship

• 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

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

Physical/Occupational Therapy Scholarship 2026 (Dec. 1st avail.)

• For students going into Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy

• 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 (coming soon)

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

Golden Apple Scholar Program

• 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.

• Application is available now for the Class of 2026, check out the link below:

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

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 

Gold Star Mission Scholarship Program

• 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

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation 2026 (application deadline passed)

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

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

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 (open Nov. 1)

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

Carlinville Area Hospital & Auxiliary Scholarship 2025-2026 (not available yet)

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

• Application coming soon

CBAI Foundation For Community Banking 2025 Annual Scholarship Program (not available yet)

• Application is available printed outside the Counseling office.

• 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

• Informational flier:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yCjNDxfUjuTjOxJtMxEKKuB-Wo292pKZ/view?usp=drive_link

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

Illinois Masonic Scottish Rite Scholarship Application (check website for updates)

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

• Deadline:  April 1, 2025

• Use this link to complete the online application : available at a future date

Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln

• 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

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

• Informational Flier:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/18e43C4dfOQkSsuGy1LCSd2_yT6j1PWZS/view?usp=drive_link

• Application: not available yet

The Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship 2025 (not available yet)

• 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 

• Paper copies have been printed and are available outside the counseling office.

• Application coming later

Dean Ritter Trust Scholarship (Not available yet)

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N-ytM-65twtqdSWhfIP505FqfovlntML/view?usp=drive_link

Macoupin County Agriculture Education Foundation (will be updated at a later date)

• 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

Brandon Margaritis Scholarship for Excellence in SIUE Engineering (coming at a later date)

• 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

• Scholarship Details...

Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation Application (coming at a later date)

• CSBG Eligibility Guidelines must be met, which are attached to application.

• Application is available to pick up outside the counseling office

• Due date:  March 31, 2025

Delbert W. Stiegemeier Scholarship (local scholarship coming at a later date)

• 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

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

• 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 (available soon)

Jamie Jo Broderick Fernandez Scholarship (local scholarship available at a later date)

• Scholarship for those interested in becoming a teacher.

• Please review the sheet attached.

• The Staunton Common Application needs to be completed and turned in with this cover sheet.

Staunton Sports Boosters Scholarship Application (local scholarship available at a later date)

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

• Deadline to complete form...

• Be eligible for graduation from Staunton High School in the 2024-2025 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

American Legion Department of Illinois Scholarships

• Students need to read scholarship requirements & eligibility before completing application.

• Paper copies are available outside the counseling office or students can view the PDF copy below:

Staunton Education Foundation (local scholarship coming at a later date)

• Due to Mrs. Cearlock by...

• Available here online to view OR a printed copy is available outside the counseling office.

Illinois Sheriffs' Association Scholarship (available soon)

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

• Application is online here:  https://www.ilsheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-2026-ISA-College-Scholarship-Application.pdf

2026 Staunton High School Technical Scholarship (local scholarship available at a later date)

• Online application below:

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

2026 Staunton High School Academic Merit Scholarship (local scholarship available at a later date)

• Online application below:

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

The Nancy Mayfield-Holtorf Memorial Scholarship (local scholarship available at a later date)

• 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 this link:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FS0cJYoYjO8syvKC8Cv900vvjaj6U5HJ/view?usp=drive_link

2026 Tori Carroll Memorial Scholarship Application (local scholarship available at a later date)

• 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...

• Applications are available outside the Counseling Office and with the link below:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JOhJ_U8I5Zg2_QGvq3-1tdchN8cyDUgX/view?usp=drive_link

2026 Community Hospital of Staunton Healthcare Application (coming soon)

• Pursuing a career in healthcare

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

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

Knights of Columbus - Joseph Spernoga Memorial Scholarship 2026 (will be available at a later time)

• Complete the full application correctly.

• Completed application due to Mrs. Cearlock in the Counseling Office...

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

Trooper Kyle Deatherage Scholarship 2026 (coming soon)

• Complete the SHS Common Application

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

HIS Service Station 2026 (coming at a later date)

• Complete the SHS Common Application

• 4 - $1,000 scholarships will be awarded

• You must indicate on the application where you are attending college or trade program

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

The MCDFF Jeff Dal Pozzo Memorial Scholarship 2026 (coming at a later date)

• 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

George Oehler Jr. Staunton American Legion Post 362 Scholarship 2026 (available at a later time)

• 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: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15337FBjLJMl87q9qsH6a_K9XFA_8mMX4/view?usp=drive_link

• Complete the SHS Common Application and turn into the Counseling Office by...

Staunton FFA Alumni & Friends Association Scholarship Application 2026 (not available yet)

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

• Return all application materials to Mrs. McCalla by...

• Application can be found with the link below OR 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

• Application not available yet

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)

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

• Deadline to return completed application is...  Must be postmarked for this date.

Scholarship Websites (helpful resources and links for scholarship applications)

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

• Going Merry:  https://www.goingmerry.com/

• 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