Seniors looking at entering the engineering field are invited to apply for the Fehr Graham scholarship! Five awards worth $2,500 each will be given to students pursuing a two- or four-year degree in engineering and environmental fields. 

Eligibility:

• Live within 50 miles of a Fehr Graham office (you do!)

• Enroll in a two- or four-year college for the fall of 2025.

• Be pursuing a degree in engineering (specifically water, wastewater, transportation, structural), landscape architecture, land surveying, geology, hydrogeology, assessment and remediation, or environmental health & safety. 

You will be asked to respond to an essay prompt. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, provided that you maintain a 2.8 GPA in college. 

For complete information and to apply, check out the Fehr Graham website!

This is not a specific scholarship, but more universities are asking for a alumni referral for a possible scholarship. Look into this opportunity at your schools of interest. If the institution does offer this scholarship, I may know an alum that could be used as a reference. (this has worked for other students in the past)

YWCA Northwestern Illinois will present $1,500 Bright Future Scholarships to three female high school seniors residing in Boone, Winnebago, Stephenson or Jo Daviess Counties, demonstrating the leadership characteristics and potential to affect positive change.  Applications and information can be found  here or at  https://www.ywcanwil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Bright-Future-Scholarship-Application.pdf

Pearl City Elevator has THREE scholarships available! They are as follows:

• $500 for a senior pursuing a two- or four-year degree in livestock production, crop production, or closely related field

• a senior pursuing higher education, based on scholastic achievement, leadership, need, and community involvement

Complete information and application instructions can be found here

Seniors looking to pursue a career in automotive and/or technical trades OR looking to enter a 2-year or 4-year college (with at least one parent or guardian employed at a new car dealership) are eligible for this scholarship!

The application is completed online https://quadcityautoshow.com/scholarship/  or grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=qccfscholarships. Please see Mr. Walters to receive a brochure that contains more information and complete eligibility requirements!

Deadline:  February 25, 2026

Dupaco Foundation Scholarship

High school seniors pursuing post-secondary education this fall are invited to apply for renewable college scholarships from the Dupaco Foundation.  Twenty scholarships will be awarded:  10 $4,0000 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors planning to attend a four-year college for university.  Each scholarship will be distributed in annual increments of $1,000 over four years.  Ten $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors planning to attend a community college or trade school.  Each scholarship will be distributed in annual increments of $1,000 over two years.  An extension option of up to $2,000 is available for students who transfer to a four-year college or university.  For complete  details and to apply, visit here  . 

60+ Scholarships  with many related to  Illinois AG and FFA.  Please click here to view a listing of nearly 65 scholarships.

Please see Mr. Walters for details if you plan to attend Clarke University in Dubuque.

https://jcecoop.com/scholarship-opportunities

In support of students from our service territory who choose to continue their education, JCE Co-op has the JCE Scholarship Program. The cooperative offers five different scholarships to help support our youth, area students and communities. We encourage area students to apply for these scholarships. Both 4 year colleges, 2 year colleges, and trade schools.

Up to four $1,000 Two-year/Technical School Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each. Similar to the JCE Scholarships, these awards go to outstanding scholastic students who are high school seniors and sons or daughters of JCE Co-op members but who plan to attend a two-year college or technical program. One scholarship is awarded in each of the counties the cooperative serves including Jo Daviess, Carroll, Whiteside and Henry. Scholarships are awarded based on grade point average, college entrance exam scores, work and volunteer experience, participation in school and community activities, and two short essay statements.  Applications can be found at https://jcecoop.com/form/2026-two-year-technical-scholars 

More than 100 scholarships offered through the HCC Foundation for HCC students. HCC launched a new scholarship management system which students can now create a single application and be systematically matched for any scholarship they might qualify for....they no longer need to fill out multiple forms.  

The link to the new Highland Scholarship system can be found here or by visiting highland.edu/scholarship. It can also be found on the Highland website.  Once students access the system they will have the option to either begin applying or simply search scholarships. Note, River Ridge HS graduates will automatically be placed in the pool of eligible candidates for the Reusch scholarship (with final candidate selections made during the awarding process). 

Students may learn they are also eligible for other scholarships which the system identified on their behalf once they have applied.

Check out the List of scholarships and also link to apply.

Morrison Tech in Morrison, IL offers associates degrees in Building & Highway Construction, Computer Aided Design & Drafting, Network Administration, and their newest program, Automation & Intelligent Controls Processes. 

The Counselor's Choice Scholarship awards $1,000 to a graduating senior who has enrolled at Morrison Tech for the Fall Semester. This scholarship may go to one students or be split among several students. To be considered for this scholarship opportunity, please inform Mr. Walters of your enrollment at Morrison Tech by March 1.

For more information on the college and programs offered, visit morrisontech.edu.

A $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a female student pursuing a four-year degree in any engineering field. Application with QR code 

Check out application here. Especially if you are going to HCC.

The objective of the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Foundation's scholarship program is to provide scholarship(s) to students who are majoring in agriculture, agribusiness, vocational or an agriculture related course of study. 

All applicants must meet these eligibility guidelines:

1.  Must be a Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau member, spouse of member or member's child.

2. Must be accepted for enrollment or be enrolled at an accredited college, university,

     community college or vocational/ technical school.

3. Must be majoring in agriculture or an ag-related study.  

4. Must exhibit potential for successful completion of study.

** Highland Community College Applicants do not have to have any college credits completed to apply for the scholarship. (up to two $500 scholarships will be awarded)

** General Scholarship Applications must have successfully completed 12 college credits and be enrolled as a full-time student. (up to two $500 scholarships will be awarded) 

This opportunity is available to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who have demonstrated effective,

voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection, enhancement and/or promotion of Illinois’

natural resources. One of the four scholarships will be given to a qualified applicant who is also a legal

dependent of a current Illinois Department of Natural Resources employee (at the time the ICF receives the

application).

● Up to four scholarships of $2,000.00 each will be awarded. Find Application here and more information here. 

Seven scholarships worth $2,000 each!

Must be attending college/university in Illinois. Please see application  for complete details.

$1,000 award 

The CBAI Foundation for Community Banking is offering its annual scholarship/essay writing contest to Illinois high school seniors. The winner will receive up to $4,000 scholarship renewable for four years. Additional $1,000 and $500 one-time awards may be offered. This essay competition is open to Illinois seniors whose family banks at a CBAI member bank. If interested you will need to contact your bank to see if they are sponsoring students for this scholarship. Participating banks: https://www.cbai.com/Online/Online/CBAI_Foundation/2025ParticipatingBanks.aspx  * Note this scholarship should be turned into participating bank in time for them to deliver to foundation headquarters. Citizens Bank informs they would need this application by 2/27/26.

For complete information, essay question, and application, please refer to this link or  CBAI SCHOLARSHIP

The River Ridge Alumni Scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to a graduate(s) of River Ridge High School who is enrolling at a post secondary education institution the semester after their graduation from RRHS. Initiated by the RRHS Class of 1989, the Alumni Scholarship is funded by the many proud alumni and supporters of RRHS. The scholarship’s goal is to support the next generation of River Ridge Alumni and promote the tradition of excellence associated with being a River Ridge graduate.  Application due 3/3/26  to Mr. Walters, RRHS Class of '92.

Find application here. Please see Mr. Walters if you have any questions. 

$2,000-Open Only to All Future Chemists, Chemical Engineers, Environmental Engineers, Material Scientists, Environmental Scientists, Agricultural Scientists and High School Chemistry Teachers 

 See application link here. Please submit the following information postmarked no later than Friday, March 6, 2026, and received no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026. 

This scholarship from the Galena Territory Association is for seniors attending Galena, River Ridge, and Scales Mound. The scholarship money ($2,000) can be used for a two or four year college as well as trade and technical schools! The deadline for submission is March 13th. The letters of recommendation now need to be submitted confidentially to gtfscholarship@gmail.com. There are also submission requirements for the application. This information is on the cover sheet of the application. We will personally interview all students who submit a complete application by the deadline. As in past years we anticipate doing the interviews in April. No affiliation with the Galena Territory is required.

You can find application here 

https://www.ilsheriff.org/youth-2/ for the application

Email application to rmccartney@jodaviesscountyil.gov or deliver/mail by 3/13/26 to JDC Sheriff's Office 330 N. Bench St. Galena, IL 61036

Two scholarships of $4,000 each, renewable for four years, are given to RR seniors ($16,000 total). The selection committee is the River Ridge School Board, and submissions are anonymous. 

Please review the cover letter  for details and you can find the application here . You may return completed applications to Mr. Walters no later than 3 p.m. March 13, 2026. You don't need to worry about crossing your name out on the applications -- I will anonymize all applications before submitting them to the school board. 

Two types of scholarships of at least $1,500 are offered - the Jennifer Purdy and the Merle & Bernard Berlage Scholarship. Historically several RRHS students win these scholarships each year.

You can find information on the scholarships here.  and the scholarship application here.  

This scholarship is worth $2,500 and is open to members of the Class of 2025 in Galena, Scales Mound, or River Ridge high schools!

If you are planning on studying any of the following areas after high school, you are encouraged to apply:

• Massage therapy

• Esthetics

• Nail technician

• Cosmetology

• Yoga/wellness instruction

Please see the application for complete details and information. 

apply here and go to Kreider Alliance tab on website. 

Kreider Alliance will be awarding up to five scholarships annually for $500 - $1000 each. Eligible applicants must be a resident of, or attending a high school in Jo Daviess, Lee or Whiteside County. Applicants should be enrolling or enrolled at an accredited college or university, a two year associates or bachelor degree and studying in a field related to PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES such as but not limited to: Human Services, PT, OT, SPT, Special Education, Therapeutic Recreation, Nursing (LPN or RN), Social Work, Psychology, etc. 

This scholarship is worth $500 and is designed to encourage graduating seniors to continue activities in the arts. Though you do not have to major in any of the arts in college, you should plan on continuing your participation in the arts after high school.

Applications are accepted via email or mail. Please see application for complete details and information. 

Will award to (4) $1000 scholarships to Northwestern Illinois High School graduates seeking a career in the Human Service field (social work, psychology, sociology or other human service specialties). Students must plan to enroll the beginning in the fall in a full-time course of study at an accredited 2 or 4 Year university in Illinois with the declared major being one that falls within the human services field. Scholarship recipients are selected by the Sinnissippi College Scholarship Selection Committee.  Application due March 13. Check out application here.

The purpose of these scholarships is to offer positive reinforcement and incentives to students who understand and show a commitment to developing the attitude and ability to be productive members of the tri-state area workforce; To build awareness in the community regarding high-wage, high-skill occupations where there is a demand for qualified workers in the tri-state area; and to offer scholarships to individuals seeking the education they need to prepare for skilled occupations where there is a demonstrated demand by employers in the tri-state area. Each scholarship awarded is $1500. 

check out scholarship information here.

This scholarship is worth $1,000 and four awards are possible among students from River Ridge, Warren, Stockton, and any student who has attended the CTE.

Applications are accepted via mail, so please be sure to get it sent out in time for the due date!. Please see application  for complete details and information. 

This grant is open to students pursuing education through a two-year college, four-year college, trade school, and apprenticeship. 

Please see application  for complete details and information. 

River Ridge staff nominate students for this scholarship. The student(s)  nominated will be notified sometime after 3/20 that he/she has been nominated for the PTO Scholarship and  he/she will be asked to complete our scholarship application. Based on the nomination and the completion  of the application, our judges will select two (2) recipients for this scholarship. 

This program is a FREE two-year training to become a court reporter in the state of Illinois. Please see the website for all program information, application process, etc.

Check to see if the the application is updated a the https://www.bacu.org/ under the "what's new" tab.

I am wondering if they just have an error on the application and did not update the submission date. I will check.

The River Ridge Education Association awards scholarships every year to graduating seniors. Please see application for complete details and instructions. Completed applications are due to Mr. Walters no later than 3:00pm on March 27th.  Several scholarships may be awarded. 1 specific scholarship will be designated to a student pursuing a career in education (education degree (or similar field of study)) to comply with the stipulations of gifted Russell Martin trust.

Several opportunities are available through the Midwest Medical Center Loan/Scholarship program thanks to several benefactors. The money received through this program may be a scholarship OR a loan depending on certain circumstances, so please read the first page of the application thoroughly to understand the conditions. 

Complete details and instructions can be found in the application link  or on Midwest Medical Center website! 

Stateline Music Foundation of Freeport, Ill., is offering scholarship aid for high school or home school seniors graduating in 2026 who will enroll in a music major curriculum in a junior college or a four-year college or university and reside or attend high school or home school in one of the following counties: Jo Daviess, Carroll, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, DeKalb, Whiteside, and Lee in Illinois or Lafayette, Green and Rock in Wisconsin. Application forms and repertoire requirements are available by writing Kenneth Drake, keosdrake@gmail.com. 

Eligibility includes being a Jo Daviess County resident as well as a student who plans to study agriculture or agricultural related studies at a two or four year program. The number of scholarships awarded and the amount awarded depend on current funds.

Please see application  for full details and instructions. 

To be eligible, you must have been a Jo Daviess County resident for at least one year and be a current high school senior. You must be accepted into a two or four year program, but the field of study does not matter.

Please see application  for full details and instructions!

Please see the  application  for complete instructions. Once you have completed all steps, bring it to Mr. Walters for the counselor signature and then mail it to the address listed on the application. I would recommend mailing at least 1 week earlier than due date, to make the deadline.

Awards vary in amount, but will be at least $5,000. These scholarships are designated for students pursuing further education in agriculture and/or related fields.

The application can be found here . Please be sure to read the instructions thoroughly before completing the application!

Miner's Lodge #273 in Galena is once again offering the John and Dee Vincent Memorial Scholarship worth $1,000. Please see application for complete details and instructions.

This $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a River Ridge High School senior graduating in May and accepted for admission at an accredited college/university/trade school in the summer/fall semester of the same year.

The application and required information must be received by the scholarship committee no later than March 31 of the senior’s graduating year.

To apply, the senior should provide one page with the following information:

1. Name, address, phone

2. Educational and Career Goals, including the accredited college/university/trade school and program of study where you will be attending in the fall and what motivates you toward these goals

3. Personal statement of financial need

4. High School and Community activities, Service and Volunteer Work, and any part-time job information

Above information along with a copy of their Official Transcript should be mailed to Judy Williams.   P.O. Box 15.    Elizabeth, IL 

Additionally, Please provide a stamped and addressed envelope, given to a recommending teacher, to mail their Letter of Recommendation directly to:  Judy Williams.   P.O. Box 15.    Elizabeth, IL 

The purpose of the R.I.A. FCU Scholarship Program is to promote scholastic excellence and continuing education for our members. We will award five $1,000.00 scholarships for the upcoming school year. The scholarships are to be awarded to individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, citizenship, community and school involvement, and are Credit Union members. 

Application here 

Stephenson Service Company is proud to announce that we are accepting applications for our annual scholarship. This opportunity will award $1,000 to high school seniors pursuing college majors in Agronomy, Automotive, or Construction. Please see attached for full details regarding scholarship requirements and processes. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2026.

For more information, please call (815) 235-7400 or reply to this email.

Check out information here.

55 scholarships worth $2,000 each! These scholarships are designed for students who:

• are high school seniors or college students continuing their education

• enrolled at a college, university, community college, or technical school in the US or Ontario, Canada

• pursuing a degree or certificate in an agriculture or business field

The scholarship application can be found at this link. 

Our scholarship process typically opens at the beginning of the calendar year. Apply for scholarships using our convenient online forms by clicking the buttons below. Follow the instructions for the scholarships on their respective pages. The requirements for each of our scholarships differ, so please be aware of the details associated with each form. If you require any assistance, please contact us at sarah@fornwil.org. 

Check out application here or at https://fornwil.org/scholarships/

Find application here.  

Eligibility:  For a young woman who must be a resident of Jo Daviess for at least one year and be a Jo Daviess County High School senior. This is a one-time scholarship award. There will be two scholarships awarded, each at $1,000. 

-Be accepted into a post- secondary school for nursing or a S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) program of Study. 

-Applicants must have grades of C or better.

Scholarship for students from Jo Daviess/Carroll Co. interested in the teaching profession. Due 4/1/26

Application here. 

Find application here . 

Four graduating high school seniors will each receive a $2,000 one-time scholarship to help further their education. 

Eligibility Requirements
To apply, students must:

• Be a member of Cornerstone Credit Union as of April 1, 2026
  (Parent membership alone does not qualify.)

• Be a current graduating high school senior

• Plan to enroll as a full-time student at a university, junior college, or trade school in Fall 2026

The Adkins Energy LLC Scholarship is open to anyone (High School Graduates, College Students, Trade School Students) actively pursuing higher education. In 2026, three recipients will each be awarded a $1,000 scholarship, granted upon submission of documentation showing successful registration for the fall semester. For questions, please contact Mary Wernicke at mwernicke@adkinsenergy.com

check out details and application here. 

Apply here 

The scholarship is designed to identify and reward outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in the fields of academics, extra-curricular school activities and community involvement. The scholarship is available to any male, graduating high school senior who is enrolling in a four-year undergraduate college program that commences in the fall. The scholarship is awarded through the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence, a registered 501(c)3 organization. Current or future membership in a fraternity is not required. 

This is a $5,000 award that has River Ridge graduates as the first preference of recipient! If you are attending Highland in the fall, you are highly encouraged to submit an application for this scholarship. Please see the Highland Community College tab above on this list with instructions on how to apply for this scholarship.

This $1,000 scholarship may go to a River Ridge senior who is interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. Students may attend any kind of postsecondary education/preparation program for the healthcare field; you are not limited to a four-year college!

You can find the application here  . The application and essay are due to Mr. Walters no later than April 1, 2026.

UFP Ventures is looking to provide students with a sponsorship that is designed to help fund those pursuing a technical diploma in Industrial Mechanics or a two-year degree in Electromechanical. This is an awesome opportunity to get paid to attend school while also gaining hands-on skills with UFP Ventures!

Please see the application packet for complete eligibility and application information.

This scholarship is a one-time award, and applications must be sent through the mail and received by April 1 in order to be eligible. 

For complete instructions and eligibility information, please refer to application document .

This scholarship is a one-time award of $1,000 that will go to a Jo Daviess County senior who plans on studying counseling or social work.

For complete instructions and the application, click here 

$500 - must have parent/grandparent of Elk member

Check out link to Application 

A scholarship of $1,500, one from Elizabeth and one from Hanover, will be awarded to a River Ridge senior for students pursuing post secondary education at any level. The original intention of this scholarship is to give back to the next generation of citizens, promote community, and inspire our River Ridge graduates to consider making their future homes in the communities that make up River Ridge School. 

In order to apply, please write a 500 word essay responding to the prompt "What is service to your community?" Also, include a list of community service involvement in your community and school. Please do not include your name within your essay, but on a cover sheet attached. Essays may be brought directly to Village Hall at 200 E. Myrtle St. or emailed to Karla Rolwes at villageofelizabeth@gmail.com for Elizabeth, and emailed to villagehall@villageofhanover.com for Hanover. Essays are due no later than April 1. 

This scholarship is designed for area students who are planning on studying a field related to sight and sound, such as audiology, optometry, blind/deaf education, etc.

The application and complete information can be found on the Galena Lions website.

Scholarships worth $500 each will be given to local high school seniors! Please see the application packet  for complete information. You are welcome to bring the completed application to a Citizens State Bank location, email (allisonw@csbnow.com), or mail the application to a branch location. 

If you deliver it to Mr. Walters to send out in the mail please do so by 4/1/26 to ensure that it will get there in time.

Application due 4/10/26 by 3 p.m. to Mr. Walters. The Berry Family Foundation will give a $10,000 scholarship to a graduate of River Ridge High School who is going to a four-year college.  The student will receive $2,500 each year for the four years they are in college.  If for any reason they leave college before graduation, the remaining money should be given to another student. Jim and Ann Berry are local philanthropists that promote Jo Daviess County and its citizens. *Award winners are required to mail a thank you letter to Ann Berry 2101 W Miller Ridge Rd. Scales Mound, Il 61075 and submit proof of enrollment each August to River Ridge HS Guidance Office 4141 IL RT 84 Hanover, IL 61041 for payment. Please find application here .

 Find application here. 

Mr. Curry was an esteemed agricultural teacher for many years at River Ridge and had a positive impact on many of his students. Mr. Curry held high the opportunity for advancing one’s education when opportunity was granted. Teaching agriculture was his passion, but making a difference was his goal. Whether in a classroom, the ag shop, the greenhouse, at FFA contests, etc. he strived to want more for his students. To honor his work and life, we have established two separate scholarships for students who are planning careers in agriculture.

The Ed Curry Memorial Scholarship will fund two $500.00 college scholarships.

The Elizabeth Historical Society has put together a scholarship fund to honor the memory of Virginia Holidy, a 1949 graduate of Elizabeth High School. The scholarship is worth $1,000 and is renewable up to four years. 

Eligibility requirements:

• Senior, graduating from River Ridge

• Must have performed community service of some kind

• Must plan to continue their education (two year, four year, etc.)

• Must present a plan for the next step of life (how will you use the scholarship funds?)

• Financial need may be taken into consideration

For complete instructions, please see the application packet 

This scholarship is for Jo Daviess County seniors who intend to pursue an education at a two-year or four-year college. The scholarship recipient is selected by members of the Scales Mound School Board, plus the Scales Mound principal and superintendent. 

Please see the press release  for complete information. Note that you need to mail this application to Scales Mound, so be sure to send it out prior to the April 30 deadline!

Deadline:  May 1, 2026

JCE Director Scholarship

Ten Director's Scholarships in the amount of $500 to be awarded by drawings at the cooperative's Annual Meeting of Members (TBD). One scholarship is awarded in each of the counties. Students who receive another scholarship from JCE Co-op are not eligible to receive a Director's Scholarship.  Applications can be found at  https://jcecoop.com/form/2026-jce-director-s-scholarship- 

Application here.  Students interested in teaching careers.

Apple River State Bank is once again awarding a scholarship of $1,000 to a River Ridge senior! Completed applications must be returned to Mr. Walters no later than May 1. 

For complete instructions and to find the application, please see link .

• Find scholarship application here. 

• Student must be accepted in a nursing program. Scholarship recipients will be announces at the annual banquet at the end of June. If you have questions, please contact Marilyn Thoren 815 789-4707 or Jackie Roach 815-291-8057.

website link for details

To apply:

• Complete the application form

• Provide evidence of a current GPA of 3.0 or better

• Submit a typed, approximately 500-word essay responding to the following question: Why did you choose your career path, what have you done to support it, and how would it benefit the Freeport area?

All necessary documentation should be mailed together; please do not mail items separately. If anything is missing, your application will be considered incomplete.

Mail application and required documentation to Mercyhealth Human Resources, 1045 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, IL, 61032, or email to recruitmentMHF@mhemail.org.