The Community Foundation of Decatur / Macon County, Illinois

Mt. Zion Graduates Scholarships

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

Washington University-Danforth Scholars Program
Based on maturity, leadership, academic excellence. Recommendation made by guidance counselor so please inform them if you are planning to go to Washington U. in St. Louis; deadline is Oct. 15

Illinois College Heritage Scholarship
Must attend Illinois College. Criteria includes: 2 of these:
1) rank in the top ten percent of class
2) GPA of 3.5 (on 4.0 unweighted scale)
3) ACT composite of 25 or higher.
See guidance counselor for more information.

Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. Scholarship Program
Must enter college and pursue a bachelor's degree, demonstrate critical financial need ($50,000 or less adjusted gross income per family); involved in co-curricular and community activities; have a minimum GPA of 2.0/4.0 unweighted. Application deadline is October 30.
Application

Decatur CMA Road to Ministry Scholarship
The Decatur CMA (Christian Ministers' Alliance) would like to offer a $500 scholarship to one high school senior that is pursuing a career in the ministry. This may be as a pastor, worship leader, children's or youth pastor, or other full-time ministry vocation. Below you will find the minimum requirements and expectations that are needed for the Executive Board of the CMA to make a decision on who should receive this scholarship.
Application

Eureka College
Must attend Eureka; several opportunities based on leadership, GPA. Go to www.eureka.edu or call 1-888-4Eureka for details and specifications.

Wendy's High School Heisman Award
Must be an outstanding student-athlete; must have earned a 3.0 GPA (on 4.0 scale) and participate in at least one school-sponsored sport. The deadline is October 1. Guidance counselor must review and verify your application before it can be submitted.
Application

Emory University
Emory Scholars for the student who attends Emory in Atlanta. Submit application, essay, and you must be nominated by the guidance counselor. Deadline is November 1. See guidance counselor for more information.

Prudential Spirit of Community Award
For any student who volunteers in the community, deadline is October 31. You must have completed the online application, print it out and submit it to the guidance counselor. From our applications, we will select our local honorees. The counselor will verify the online application of our honorees, then it will be sent for state competition.
Application

SAE International
SAE Engineering Scholarship; deadline is December 1; must major in engineering.
Application

Illinois Dollars for Scholars Lincolnland Legends
Deadline December 1, 2008; must type an essay (750-1000 words) about a leader in your community that reflects the characteristics of A. Lincoln: social responsibility, leadership, courage, ambition etc.
Application

EIU Honors
Must attend Eastern IL U; eligibility is 26 ACT composite AND top 10% of class OR 3.5 GPA on unweighted scale. Deadline is January 30 BUT there is an Open House for prospective honors student on November 10. So if you meet these qualification AND you want the counselor to submit your name, please let them know ASAP! Also within the Honors program is the presidential scholars program (minimum ACT of 30 and top 10% or 3.5 GPA OR 28 ACT and top 5% of class or 3.75 GPA
Application

Monmouth College
Must attend Monmouth; scholarships for students participating in MUSIC. Contact srichter@monm.edu or call 309-457-2229.

AXA Achievement Scholarship
Deadline is December 15, 2007; honors ambition and drive, looks for exceptional service to community or school.
Application

Boston University
Must be admitted and attend Boston U.; deadline is Dec. 1, 2008.
Application

Abbott and Fenner Business Scholarship
Deadline June 20.
Application

North Park University Chicago
For musical talent; apply for admission, and then audition on Feb. 14 or 28.
Application

Illinois PTA Lillian Glover Scholarship
Deadline is December 1. Must major in education and plan to become a teacher; Requirement: upper quarter of class, activities and awards. See guidance counselor for more information.

The Christian Connector
A free Christian college information service that also includes scholarships.
Application

AIMS (Adventures in Medicine and Science)
Sponsored by St. Louis U.; they provide a series of hands-on programs, 3-D presentations, summer workshops and distance learning opportunities in topics such as sheep brain dissection, cadaver demonstrations, and MANY other A & P topics. See guidance counselor for more info.

Midwest Technical Institute
(Springfield, IL campus) is hosting its 3rd annual High School Welding Competition on April 3, 2009 from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM. The top three winners will receive tuition vouchers form MTI for their welding program. There is a written exam (basic terminology and blueprint reading) as well as a hands-on competition (you should practice welding out of position (uphill, horizontal, and flat) using 7018 rod or equivalent. Register NOW by calling Eric Gleason at (217) 314-0209.

Truman State University
Must attend Truman State and must have applied for admission by December 15. No additional application for scholarships; your application for admission is also the scholarship application. (There is no application fee for Truman State!) See guidance counselor for more information.

Columbia College Chicago-Young Authors 2009 competition.
May submit up to 2 manuscripts in each category: fiction; creative nonfiction; short plays. Top 3 winners in each category receive a small cash award and will be published in the Anthology. One Best of Contest Scholarship will be awarded that includes a free, one college credit course in Fiction Writing I in the summer institute. Deadline is December 19.

NROTC
Annually the Marine Corps awards 250 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarships in a competitive process. Deadline is January 31. Qualifications and commitments includes: minimum ACT composite of 22+. It offers a paid, 4 year undergraduate program leading to a bachelor's degree, then a commitment to serve as an officer in the Marine Corps for 4 years upon graduation from college. Email Captain Kenny (kennyrp@marines.usmc.mil) for more information
Application

Oral Roberts University
Must attend Oral Roberts; please tell your guidance counselor if you are interested in the Christian environment in Oklahoma.

Carnegie Mellon University
Must attend Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania and major in computer science, engineering etc. See guidance counselor for more information.

Toyota Community Scholars
The guidance counselor will nominate one senior who is academically excellent and has participated in lots of community service. Deadline is December 1. Please see the guidance counselor if you are interested.

US Bank
Scholarship through a random drawing from students
Application

KFC Colonel's Scholars program
Must attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public college, have a minimum GPA of 2.75 (unweighted). Deadline is February 10. May access online application AFTER December 1.
Application

Decatur Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award
Must have demonstrated volunteer hours/service in multiple activities; preference given to someone who has overcome some physical limitation. See guidance counselor to express your interest. Deadline is November 17.

National Security Agency Stokes Educational Scholarship
Want to work within the NSA; Minimum ACT score of 25; major in computer science or electrical/computer engineering, math or foreign language or intelligence analysis; Deadline is November 30; letter of recommendation, essay.
Application

Ayn Rand Institute Essay contest
May write on either The Fountainhead or Anthem. Very specific topics (see literature in guidance office). Postmark deadline is April 25. There are also parameters about length etc.
Application

Shimer College Michel de Montaigne
Must apply and then attend Shimer College (Chicago); scholarship application due Feb. 1. This is a writing competition on a Great Book.
Application

University of Illinois secretariat's Kathryn G. Hansen Scholarship
Must attend Illinois (UC); major is a business-related, professional or secretarial field; deadline is Feb. 13; e-mail wisehart@inrs.illinois.edu for an application.

Illinois Electric Cooperatives Memorial Scholarship and the Shelby Electric
Scholarship-deadline is January 1; must be son or daughter of an Illinois electric cooperative and must be receiving services from the cooperative. Criteria include GPA; ACT scores; work and volunteer experience; activities; biographical statement; essay on electric cooperatives. For more info, e-mail Ms. Eversole at meversole@shelbyelectric.coop

Sangamon Valley Mensa Scholarship Essay Contest
Essay contest; in an essay of fewer than 550 words, the applicant ?describes his/her career, vocational or academic goal toward which the scholarship is to provide aid. To download and print an official entry form via the internet. Deadline is January 15.
Application

Illinois AMVETS
1) Service Foundation Scholarship
2) Ladies Auxiliary Worchid
3) Memorial Auxiliary
4) Sad Sacks Nursing
5) Trade School Scholarship
Deadline is March 1 for each scholarship; various requirements for each scholarship; come to guidance office for more info.
Application

Wartburg College (Iowa)
Must attend Wartburg; GPA, rank and ACT criteria; also a music scholarship by audition. See guidance counselor for more information.

Morrison Institute of Technology (Morrison, IL)
Must attend Morrison. Let guidance counselor know if this is your destination and they will make the recommendation.

Northern IL U
Must attend NIU; various scholarships based on ACT score, rank, GPA, activities. Deadline is Feb. 1. See guidance counselor for more information.

University of Illinois (UC)
Materials Science and Engineering-must attend and major in materials science and engineering (you can use this major in a career with aerospace technology, auto industry, telecommunications etc.) Deadline is February 1. Applications located in the guidance office file drawer.

University of Illinois (UC) Beta Sigma Psi Alpha Lutheran Alumni Scholarship
Must attend U of I (UC); be a confirmed Lutheran male; essay required; interview; deadline is Feb 2. See guidance counselor for more information.

Southeast Missouri State U. Regional Achievement Award
Must attend SEMoStU; ACT, GPA. Deadline to apply and be admitted December 15. See guidance counselor for more information.

Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of Illinois
Deadline is March 1; based on financial need, GPA
Application

Michelle's (Prom and Special Occasion store) $500.00 Scholarship Giveaway (Urbana)
Must register in person at the store; must be female; random drawing on Feb. 14 for two scholarships.

Florence Cook Grant (Delta Kappa Gamma)
Must be female and plan to major in education, then teach. Deadline is January 16.
Application

Oral Roberts University Whole Person Scholarship
Must apply to, be admitted and ultimately attend Oral Roberts; Must be nominated by guidance counselor. Must attend competition event on January 23 or February 27.

Vanderbilt University
Generalized financial aid to admitted students.
Application

Benedictine University (Lisle, IL)
Must apply then attend; various scholarships based on test scores, GPA. Other opportunities exist for music majors, school leaders, and low-income students. See guidance counselor for more information.

National Commission for cooperative education
Deadline is Feb. 15. Must attend one of only 10 US universities (Johnson and Wales; Kettering; U of Cincinnati; U of Toledo etc. see entire list in guidance office.
Application

National Defense Transportation Association Scholastic Award
Priority given to majors in business, transportation logistics, or physical distribution. Deadline is March 1. Based on essay, 2 recs, ACT scores, GPA. Only one high school award given out. See guidance counselor for more information.

St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary and Foundation scholarship
Must be accepted into a health-related major at the college of your choice; deadline is May 1; applications available in guidance office or call 464-2520 for more info.

Center for Global Studies Intercultural Friendship Foundation
Deadline Feb. 15; this is not a monetary scholarship, rather, the three winners will receive an iPod or gift card. Based on original essay on one of two topics.
Application

SAMMY 2009 (Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year)
Criteria include demonstrated excellence in athletics; academics; community service; and leadership.
Application

NIU Leaders and Scholars Program
Must be nominated by guidance counselor. January deadline.
Application

NIU Huskie Advantage
Must attend NIU; must complete FAFSA and be deemed eligible for MAP grant and Pell Grant.
Application

SIU-E PIECES Program scholarship
Must attend SIUE, major in engineering, computer science or construction management; Deadline is Feb. 13.
Application

EIU Department of Mathematics and computer Science Scholarships
There are several different ones; must attend EIU and major in math or computer science; deadline is Feb. 1.
Application

ISAC-administered Scholarships
Some scholarships require an application, others do not. There are many different ones, for example the SETTW (Special education Teacher Tuition Waiver for students who major in special ed); Illinois Future Teachers Corps; Robert Byrd Honors; Allied Health Care Professional Scholarship. Click on the one(s) you are interested in to find out if an app is required or not. Some scholarship programs (like Illinois State Scholars) do not require you to do anything; others do. Various deadlines. On this site there are also links to scholarship search services. Some applications may be completed online; others require that you send in a paper app.
Application

Sons of Confederate Veterans (IL Division)
$1000 scholarship awarded to the descendant of a male who served the Confederate States of America (must be able to document with genealogical chart); Essay. Deadline is March 15. Applications available in the guidance office.

University of Illinois Child of Veteran Tuition Waiver
Must attend U of I (any campus); must be child of a vet from any war or conflict. Based on ACT, GPA. Priority order: child of deceased vet, disabled vet, able-bodied vet. Deadline is March 1. Application must be printed out, completed then mailed in.
Application

Macon County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship
Must major in an ag related field; 2 letters of recommendation; essay. GPA and financial need considered. Deadline March 2. Applications in guidance office.

Shelby Electric Coop Scholarship
Must be child of a current Shelby Electric Coop member receiving service. GPA, ACT score, and activities all considered. Deadline is March 16. Applications in guidance office.

Illinois Lumber and Material Dealers Ass'n Educational Foundation Scholarship
Major in Lumber and Materials or related filed. Deadline is April 1. 2 letters of recommendation as well as an essay describing your intent to study and work in the industry. Applications in guidance office.

Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
Must be a female; Based on rank and GPA, activities that exemplify leadership, faith and service in your community, parish and school. Letter of recommendation required. No formal application but everything must be sent in packet form. Deadline is March 10. See guidance counselor for more information.

Decatur Education Association
Must be the child of a DEA member. Consideration given to financial status, GPA; leadership; personal essay. Deadline is April 14. Applications in guidance office.

Township Officials of Illinois
Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0; leadership through activities; essay; 2 letters of recommendation; cover letter; pursue bachelor's degree. Deadline March 1. Applications in guidance office.

Best Buy Scholarship Program
Deadline is Feb. 15; GPA; volunteer service and work experience.
Application

Macon County Association of Educational Office Professionals
Must pursue an office-related career; must have completed 2 or more courses in business (from a specific list); essay; 3 letters of recommendation; financial need, GPA, activities; deadline is January 19. See guidance counselor for more information.

Columbia College Presidential Scholarship
Must attend Columbia; minimum GPA of 3.0/4/0; must submit samples of your own creative works; deadline is February 2.
Application

Karen Clifton Scholarship
Must major in law enforcement; deadline is March 1; applications available in guidance office; THIS IS A LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP HONORING A FORMER MT. ZION STUDENT WHO WAS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY IN IRAQ.

Dr. James Price Scholarship
Must be enrolled in either the Cooperative Work Program or DATA. Deadline is April 8. See guidance counselor for more information. THIS IS A LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP HONORING OUR FORMER ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT JAMES PRICE.

Barbara Janes Elementary Education Scholarship
Must major in elementary education and plan a career as an elementary education teacher; Minimum GPA of 2.5; deadline is April 1. THIS IS A LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP HONORING A FORMER MT. ZION TEACHER AND PRINCIPAL BARB JANES.

Scottish Rite Scholarship
(7 different ones; each has different requirements) Some require that a family member is a Mason, others do not have that requirement; deadline is April 1.
Application

RCC Foundation Grants and Scholarships
Deadline is April 13; must attend RCC; over 50 different scholarships with various requirements. If you plan to attend RCC, PLEASE apply for as many of these scholarships as you are eligible for! Applications located in guidance office!
Application

Illinois National Guard Grant
Must be a member of the IL National Guard. Must apply online ASAP (March 1)
Application

YWCA Women of Excellence Awards
Deadline is March 2 for applications. Scholarships given in the following areas: Academics; Arts and culture; Athletics; Citizenship/Community Service. Applications available in the guidance office.

Kohl's Cares for Kids Scholarship Program
Deadline is March 15; volunteerism and special projects considered.
Application

Illinois Heartland Decorative Artists Scholarship
Deadline is March 30; must complete application with a letter of recommendation from your art teacher; must submit photographs of 6-10 pieces of your original artwork (though may not submit graphic arts or computer graphic art). Application available in guidance office.

Shell Oil Co.
(2 different) Scholarships-must attend certain universities (Purdue, U of I are 2 examples) and major in engineering; deadline is March 1; application, transcript, 2 letters of recommendation, one from your science teacher, another from an adult who knows you well. Applications in guidance office.

Illinois Sheriffs' Association Scholarship
Deadline is March 13, must attend college full-time in Illinois; academics, essay, activities are all considered. Applications in guidance office.
Application

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Parent must be current or former Marine or Navy Corpsman; deadline is March 1; must have a minimum GPA of 2.0/4.0; academics, service, activities, family finances all considered; applications in guidance office.

Delta Kappa Gamma- Beta Pi Chapter Scholarship
Must major in education; deadline is March 27; essay, transcript (rank), letter of recommendation, activities and service required; applications in guidance office.

Monmouth College Fox Writing Contest
Must attend Monmouth; original written piece (essay, short story, play, poem etc) on Greek or Roman mythology. Deadline is March 15. See guidance counselor for more information.

Macon Co. 4-H Foundation Scholarships
4 different ones; deadline is March 15; Must be a 4-H member; essays and high school accomplishments considered; 2 letters of recommendation. Applications in guidance office.
Application

J Leonard Brown Scholarship
Deadline is April 15; must reside in Moultrie County; financial need as determined by tax forms; must have minimum GPA of 2.0/4.0; essay; scholarship applications in guidance office.

ILAVESNP Vocational/Technical Student Scholarship
For special needs students; deadline is March 1; must be nominated by a member of ILAVESNP; essay required; applications available in guidance office.

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Must plan to attend UW; based on academic excellence and must have 2 letters of recommendation; deadline is March 31. See guidance counselor for more information.

University of Illinois-UC-Sigma Nu Frat Scholarship
Must commit to pledge Sigma Nu as you enter U of I; must have an un-weighted GPA of 3.0/4.0. Deadline is May 1.
Application

University of Illinois UC-Psi U Scholarship Grant
Must plan to attend U of I; qualifications include high moral, intellectual and social excellence. YOU DO NOT HAVE to join this fraternity. Deadline is Sept. 14.
Application

University of Illinois UC Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man Scholarship
Must plan to attend U of I; YOU DO NOT HAVE TO JOIN Sigma Phi Epsilon if you win. Deadline is April 17.
Application

American Legion Scholarships
(3 different ones: American Legion Castle-Williams Post 105; Sons of Legion; Auxiliary)-deadline for each is April 30

• For Castle-Williams-family member must have a DD214 from military; 3 ref letters; essay
• For Sons of Legion-Same requirements as above
• Auxiliary-does not have to be elated to a member; 4 recommendation letters, essay.
• Applications are in guidance office.

George Mangiaracina Memorial Scholarship
Deadline is April 15; must enroll in an Illinois college; must rank in upper half of class; essay. Applications are in guidance office.

Ameren Illinois Minority Scholarship
Deadline is April 10; must be a minority (Hispanic/ African American/ American Indian etc.) student majoring in engineering; must have earned a 2.667 cumulative GPA (on a traditional 4.0 scale); essay, references, financial need is a consideration; applications in guidance office
Application

Mt. Zion Lion's Club Scholarship
Deadline to apply is April 9; must major in a field that promotes human health and welfare; applications now available in the guidance office; selection of recipient based on scholarship, service, leadership; must have a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation.

Mt. Zion Federation of Teachers Scholarship
It is a $1000.00 scholarship that will be awarded on Award's Night in May. Criteria include: 3.25 GPA; activities and leadership; 2 letters of recommendation and an essay on why you want to be a teacher and who influenced you to become a teacher. Deadline is April 24. Applications are in the guidance office.

IAAP Scholarship
Must major in secretarial science or office technology or business administration; deadline is April 10; Must rank in the upper half of graduating class; applications in the guidance office.

Tau Kappa Epsilon at U of I UC
Must attend the University of Illinois at Urbana; Triangle Achievement Scholarship is awarded to men who have demonstrated excellence in 1) athletics; 2) leadership; 3) academics. 3.4 cumulative GPA; you DO NOT HAVE to pledge TKE; applications in guidance office.

Central IL Chapter of the IL Society of Professional Engineers
Deadline is April 24; must plan to major in engineering. See guidance counselor for more details.

Kiwanis Club of Decatur Service Scholarship
Deadline is May 8; must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0/4.0 after 7 semester; and have documented service to the community; financial need a consideration. Application available in the guidance office.

^ Back To Top ^

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