Federal & State Scholarships

Following are select federal and state scholarships available to Illinois students.

Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois

The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program recruits and prepares bright and talented high school graduates who represent a rich ethnic diversity for successful teaching careers in high-need schools throughout Illinois and provides scholarships to those pursuing teaching degrees.

You may nominate yourself or be nominated by a teacher, counselor, principal, or other unrelated adult. You must be nominated on or before November 30 preceding the academic year for which you’re applying. For Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois applications, contact the Golden Apple Foundation.

Minority Teacher of Illinois

The Minority Teacher of Illinois Scholarship program encourages academically talented minority students to pursue careers as teachers at nonprofit Illinois preschool, elementary, and secondary schools. The program also aims to provide minority children with access to a greater number of positive minority role models.

Within 1 year of graduation, recipients must agree to begin teaching at a nonprofit Illinois public, private, or parochial preschool, elementary, or secondary school that the Illinois State Board of Education has certified as a school with at least 30% minority students. They must teach 1 year for each year of scholarship assistance, or else the scholarship converts to a loan that must be repaid.

You must apply for this scholarship on or before March 1 preceding the academic year for which you’re applying to school. For more information on this scholarship program, contact the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarships (ROTC)

Illinois participates in ROTC programs for Air Force, Army, and Navy. Scholarships opportunities may be available for these programs. Visit Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, and Navy ROTC for more information.