The Community Foundation of Decatur / Macon County, Illinois

Meridian Graduates Scholarships

Welcome to the Community Foundation of Decatur/Macon County scholarship page for Meridian High School. Below you will see a variety of scholarships that are available to graduates of Meridian High School. If you have any questions about any of these scholarships please contact your school's guidance counselor.

4-H Foundation
This award is for outstanding 4-H achievements, scholastic record, leadership and community service. The award is $250 per semester over the course of a 4-year degree. Total award value is $2,000.
Application

Acorn Equality Fund
This award is for gay/lesbian students or children of gay/lesbian parents. Award determined based on academics, community service, advocacy, and need. Two essays & three letters of recommendation required. $500 - $4000 per award recipient, up to $15,000 available.

Alpha Sigma Phi
For a male accepted at UIUC. Based off of academics, activities, leadership, community service and a short essay. One $1,000 award given per year.

American Business Women's Association - Monarch Chapter
For a Millikin or RCC-accepted female student with a minimum of a 2.75 GPA. A detailed need statement accompanied by tax returns and three letters of recommendation are required.

American Legion - Auxiliary
For a child or grandchild of a veteran. Award based on need, character, Americanism, academics, and four letters of recommendation, one of which from a clergy member. A 1000 word essay is also required. The amount of the award is $1,500.
Application

American Legion - Castle Williams
The recipients of this award are determined by academics, need, character, activities, leadership, Americanism, three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a clergy member, and a 300 word essay. There are three $1,000 awards; two for children and grandchildren of veterans, and one for anyone.
Application

American Legion - Sons of C-W
The recipient of this award is determined by academics, need, character, activities, leadership, Americanism, three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a clergy member, and a 300 word essay. There is one $1,000 award.
Application

AMVETS
Several different scholarships available.
Application

Artist, Heartland Decorative
The recipient of this award is determined from a portfolio of 6-10 photos of an art portfolio, academics, and a short essay for one $1,500 award.

AXA Achievement Community
To win this award, one must provide evidence of outstanding achievement in school, community or work activities, school activities, and work experience. $2,000 award for up to twelve IL students.
Application

Banking Association (CBAI)
Awards determined from essay on impact of community banking. One $4,000 award and twelve $1,000 awards are available.

Best Buy
Award based off of academics, exemplary community service work/experience, and leadership in school activities. 1,000 $1,500 awards available.
Application

Beta Sigma Phi
Awarded to Lutheran males who are admitted to UIUC. One $1,000 award available.

Dallas E. Beyer Memorial Scholarship
Winner must be a participant in the Decatur-Macon County Fair. Award based on academics, a personal essay, and two letter of recommendation. One $500 award available.

Burger King
Awarded to a student employee of Burger King who works at least 15 hours per week for more than 40 weeks. Award based on activities and need. Two letters of recommendation are required, one of which from a faculty member and one from an employer. Over 2,000 awards of $1,000 each are available.
Application

Danny Byard Memorial
Award based on activities, class rank and need. One paragraph on college plans to be submitted. One $500 award is available.
Application

Dell & Evelyn Carroll
Award based on academics, financial need, work experience, activities, and honors. Two letters of recommendation are required along with a personal description essay. Five $2,000 awards are available.
Application

Catholic Women - Springfield Diocesan Council
Awarded to a Catholic female based on academics, activities, a letter of recommendation and 2-page resume. One $1,000 award is available.

Children of Veterans Tuition Waiver
Awarded to a student who has been accepted to any University of Illinois campus and is the son or daughter of a veteran of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, SW Asia, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Based on ACT score. Six four-year tuition waivers awarded per county.
Application

Cole Family
Based on academics, college plans, letter of recommendation and a short essay. One $500 award available.
Application

Decatur-Macon County Opportunities Corp
For low-income household students. Award determined by financial need as well as an interview with the DMCOC staff.

Delta Kappa Gamma - Alpha Zeta
For a female education major. Based on academics, leadership, activities, community/church service, two letters of recommendation and an essay.

Delta Kappa Gamma -Beta Pi
For an education major. Based on activities, a five-paragraph essay and one letter of recommendation. One $200-$300 award.

Delta Kappa Gamma - Florence Cook Grant
For a female education major. Award based on activities, academics, a two-page essay, and two letters of recommendation. Two $1,000 awards available.

Delta Waterfowl - Tri-County Chapter
Submit MHS General Application plus paragraph about hobbies and interests. Two $250 awards and one $150 award.
Application

Eastern Star
Based on academics, a teacher written letter of recommendation, and a personal statement of community service. One $500 award.

Education Office Professionals - Macon Co. Assoc.
For a business student pursuing office-related career. Based on academics, need, acitivites, three letters of recommendation, and one essay. One $500 award available.

Elks National Foundation - Most Valuable Student
Based on detailed financial records, exhibits of achievement, academics, activities, community service, essay, and 2 letters of recommendation. 500 four-year awards, mostly $1000 per year.

Elks - IL Children's Care Corp
For a physical/occupational therapy major; dozens of four-year awards of up to $7000 each.
Application

Engineering Scholarships
See Guidance Office

Epilepsy - Pfizer's Award
For students with epilepsy diagnosis. Based on academics, activities, essay, and two letters of recommendation. Twenty five $3000 awards

Farm Bureau - Balloon Assoc
For a farm bureau member that is in an ag-related major. Based on academics, need, activities, an essay, and one letter of recommendation. Four $500 awards.
Application

Christian & Foundation
For a person who is majoring in an ag-related major. Based on academics, need, activities, an essay, and two letters of recommendation. One $1,500 and one $1,000 award available.

Willard Severns Leadership
For a person who is majoring in an ag-related major. Based on academics, need, activities, an essay, and two letters of recommendation. $1,000 a year for four years.

Young Farmers Leadership
For a person who is majoring in an ag-related major. Based on academics, need, activities, an essay, and two letters of recommendation. One $250-500 award.

The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation Scholarship
The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation is pleased to announce that it will soon grant twenty $2,000 scholarships to deserving full-time college students who are residents of Illinois and of Latino ancestry.
Application

IAA Foundation
Variety of ag-related scholarships and awards.
Application

Farm Credit Services
For a person with an ag-related major/career. Based on academics, activities, work exp, one letter of recommendation, and one essay. 23 $1000 awards.
Application

Farm House Fraternity
For a male accepted at Illinois State University. Based on academics and activities. One $500 award.

General Assembly-Mitchell
Must be accepted to a public Illinois

Harry E. Griswold
Given to a student who is in the top 25% of the class [CPW Rank] and who is of "sound moral character." Award based on need, determined by financial records, and by academics. One $4,000 award split between first two years of college.
Application

The L. Mark Hanover Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of this award is to provide commendation in the form of a paid scholarship to an outstanding undergraduate science student who plans to pursue a science degree at the University of Illinois. The amount of the award is $1,000.
Brochure | Application

Kathryn G. Hansen
Awarded to a person pursuing a degree in office professions, secretarial, or other business related majors. Award based on academics, activities, community service, two letters of recommendation and an essay. Two $500 awards are available.

Lydia M. Heidlebaugh
Given to a resident of Boody or Blue Mound. Apply by sending a letter to the principal explaining why you need/deserve this scholarship. The amount of the award is approximately $1,600.

Illini Club of Decatur
Given to an individual who has been accepted to UIUC. Based on academics, ACT score, three letters of recommendation, and a 200-word essay. Three $1,000 awards available.

IL Council for Exceptional Children
For students with IEP. Based on academics, and two letters of recommendation, one from case manager and one from employer.

IL Electric Cooperative
Given to a student whose parents are members of any electric co-op in Illinois. Based on academics, activities, work experience, and a 500 word or fewer essays. Seven $1,250 awards available.

IL Employment & Training
Given to a student who will attend a public college or university in Illinois, preferably majoring in accounting or business management. A 250 word essay is required.

Imagine America
For students who are accepted to certain technical schools. Two $1000 awards available.
Application

International Association of Administrative Professionals - Decatur
Given to a student planning to major in secretarial/office technology or business administration.

Jandi Lawn Service
Use MHS General Application. One $250 award.
Application

Jeisy Mathematics
Given to an individual who has declared as a math-related major or minor in college. Recipient must have taken four years HS CP math. Award based on academics, activities, two letters of recommendation, and a 300-500 word essay. One $1,000 award available.
Application

Jeisy Science
Given to an individual who has declared as a science-related major or minor in college. Recipient must have taken four years HS CP science. Award based on academics, activities, two letters of recommendation, and a 300-500 word essay. One $1,000 award available.
Application

Brad Kirby Memorial
Given to a successful male athlete who is going to college. Award based on academics, activities, financial need, and one letter of recommendation. One $1,000 award available.
Application

Julie A & Lloyd W Lehman Journalism
Given to a student who plans on majoring in journalism. Must have a 3.80 GPA, show proof of financial need, write a 200-word essay, and have two letters of recommendation. Two $500 awards available.

Lions Club of Blue Mound
Given to the student who best exemplifies the motto "We Serve."Award based on academics, activities, financial need, and one letter of recommendation. One $1,000 award available.
Application

Little Illini JFL Inc.
Recipient must have played Little Illini JFL for three years & at least two seasons of HS football. Student must have a GPA of at least 2.75, rank in top ½ of class, show financial need, and have a letter of recommendation. Six $500 awards available.

Lumber & Materials Dealers
Recipient must have a major in a related field at an Illinois college or technical school. Based on academics, financial need, an essay and two letters of recommendation. Several awards of $500 to $2,000.

Masonic Lodge
A variety of scholarships
Application

McKelvey Foundation
Must have owned & operated own business at least one year, have at least one paid employee. Apply online at www.mckelveyfoundation.org. 100 awards of up to $10,000/yr for four years.

Meridian Foundation
Based on academics, activities, two letters of recommendation, show proof of community service, and an essay. Two $500 awards available - one male, one female.
Application

MFT - Ralph Coate Award
Apply using the MHS General Application. Award based on financial need, academics, activities, work experience, two letters of recommendation, and a 300-500 word essay. $1,000 in total awards.
Application

MHS Visiting Veterans
Must be a relative of a veteran and write a short essay. One $300 award available.

Mark Miller Memorial
Award based on financial need, academics, activities, honors, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement including community service involvement. One $1,000 award available.
Application

Arlene G. Mills Memorial
Apply using the MHS General Application. Based on previous effort, service, and attitude plus financial need. Three to five $500-$1000 awards.
Application

Monsanto/Farm Bureau
For a student who plans to major in an agricultural field. Based on academics, activities, and three brief ag-related essays. 100 $1,500 scholarships available.
Application

National Honor Society
Apply using the MHS general application. Award based on academics, work experience, activities, honors, college plans, financial need, an essay, and two letters of recommendation. 1-3 $250-500 awards available.
Application

Nelnet College Planning
$10,000 for IL students who sign up for this website service at www.nelnet.net/collegeplanning. Weekly sweepstakes for $1000 award

Odd Fellows-Rebekah
Award based on need, academics, activities, a 300-word essay, and three letters of recommendation. Approximately 25 $500-1,000 awards available.
Application

Psi Upsilon - U of I
Awarded to a male who has been accepted at UIUC. Award based on academics, activities, leadership, community service, and work experience. Apply online at www.illinipsiu.com. One $1,000 and three $500 awards available.

PTA of Illinois
Awarded to a student entering an education or education-related program who is in the top ¼ in CPW Class Rank. Applications online at www.illinoispta.org. Two awards - $1000 & $500

Restaurant Assoc of IL
Awarded to a food service/hospitality management major; several awards; see www.illinoisrestaurants.org for more information.

Rotary Club of Blue Mound
Awarded to a student who has been accepted to an Illinois university or college. Award based on activities, community service, academics, and a one-page essay. One $500 award available.
Application

St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary & Foundation
Awarded to a student who has been accepted in a health career program. Based on St. Mary's service, essay, academics, and need.
Application

Scholar Athlete (SAMMY)
Award based on academics, athletic excellence, leadership, and community service.

Michael E. Shampine Memorial Scholarship
Established by his union family to honor the memory of Michael E. Shampine, this fund is designed to provide a scholarship to an affiliated union member, or an immediate family member, who plans to enroll in continuing education. The scholarship will assist with enrollment in a degree program, qualified trades apprenticeship, or vocational school. The ideal recipient will be recognized as having a desire to succeed by demonstrating strengths in leadership, community and political awareness. The amount of the award is $500.
Brochure | Application

Shelby Electric Co-Op
Awarded to a child of a current co-op member. Award based on essay, academics, and activities. Three $1000 awards available
Application

Sheriffs' Association of Illinois
Award based on need, academics, activities, one letter of recommendation and a 350-word essay on community improvement. 111 $600 awards available.
Application

Sigma Phi Epsilon - "Balanced Man"
Awarded to a male who has been accepted at UIUC. Award based on academics, activities, community service, and work experience. Applications available at www.illinoissigeps.com. Three awards totaling $2,000 are available.

Soccer-Decatur Family YMCA - Dave Petrowsky Memorial
Awarded to a high school soccer team member who has had experience with the YMCA program. Award decided based on a 500-word essay.

Special Education Tuition Waiver
Waiver of all college tuition if major in Spec Education, enrolled in an IL public university & contract to teach Spec Education classes for at least two yrs in IL. Award based on ACT score, CPW Class Rank, and year in college. About 250 awards.
Application

Student Council
Apply using the MHS general application. Based on academics, financial need, college plans, work experience, two letters of recommendation, and an essay. Two to three awards of $250 each.
Application

Tau Kappa Epsilon
Awarded to a male that has been accepted at UIUC. Based on academics, and leadership. One $1,000 and one $500 award.

Toyota
One nominee per high school. Based on academics, activities, honors, and community service. 100 $10,000 to $20,000 awards.

United Steelworkers
Awarded to a student who is a child of a United Steelworkers union member. Based on academics, class rank, and activities. One $5,200 award is available.

USA Today
Winner selected from a 500-word essay describing one's most outstanding original academic, artistic, or leadership endeavor. Based on class rank [top 5%], honors, activities, academics, and three letters of recommendation. 20 $2,500 awards available.

Wal-Mart - Sam Walton Community
Based on academics, activities, community involvement, and financial need. One $1,000 award per store. Applications available at any Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, or online.
Application

Westminster Presbyterian
Awarded to a student who is NOT in the upper 20% of the class. Based on financial need, activities, and two letters of recommendation. Ten $500 awards available.

White's Auto Body
Apply using the MHS general application. One $250 award available.
Application

Women's Sports Foundation
Source for female athlete scholarships.
Application

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