Scholarships
Scholarship List for 2022-2023
*Scholarships are listed in Date Order*
The new FAFSA application process starts October 2022 at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Federal/state moneys are distributed on a first come/first serve basis. If you need assistance completing the application please contact the counselor’s office.
This list includes possible scholarships opportunities for the 2022-2023 school year. The site will be updated periodically as scholarships and/or due dates become available for the 2022-2023 school year. (Last year’s scholarship due date and/or scholarship will be left on the list until the new due date/scholarship is available so students can check criteria and have a general idea of the due date. Check the links every couple weeks for updated information. Some sites do not update the information until closer to the due date.)
If you have any questions please contact the counselor’s office.
***Scholarship links are added when the application or site becomes available. The underlined titles are linked to either a website or an application document. Check availability often and HIT REFRESH in your browser to ensure the most recent update is shown.
For more scholarship listings and college/loan information please visit the following web sites:
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ISAC - http://www.isac.org/
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Fastweb - financial aid - www.fastweb.com
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Scholarship Aide - www.scholaraid.com
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Sallie Mae - www.salliemae.com
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Financial aid - www.finaid.org
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ACT's Free Financial Aide Book http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/act-profile/financial-aid.html
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Federal Student Financial Aid Homepage – www.fafsa.ed.gov
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Pre-Paid Tuition – www.collegeillinois.com
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Student Award Search Aid http://www.studentawardsearch.com/
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Student Scholarships www.studentscholarships.org/scholarship.php
Reminder: Scholarships are free money; you should not pay a fee to apply.
Follow the High School Guidance Office on Facebook for up to date reminders and announcements. Just "like" the Mercer County HS Guidance Office when you log in.
Acorn Equality Fund
Due Date - Sept. 23, 2022
Due Date Sept. 30, 2022
Due Date - Oct. 8, 2022
Due Date - Oct. 31, 2022
Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Due Date - Nov. 3, 2022
Stokes Educational Scholarship Program
High School Seniors who plan to major in Computer Science or Computer/Electrical Engineering
Due date - Oct. 31, 2022
*cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above required
Due Date - November 1, 2022
Hagan Scholarship
Due Date - December 1, 2022
Due Date - Dec. 15, 2021
Kids’ Chance Inc. of Illinois was founded with the goal of awarding academic college scholarships to deserving children of workers serious injured or killed on the job.
Due Date - Dec 31, 2022
Equitable Excellence Scholarship
*Only the first 10,000 applications will be accepted.
Due Date - Dec. 16, 2022
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
*Students grade 9-12, must submit an essay
Due Date - Jan. 13, 2023
TEACH Outdoors Scholarship
Awarded directly to a student who is furthering his/her education by attending college, an university or trade school. Applicant must have a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or 3.75/5.0 GPA.
Due Date - January 15, 2022
Quad City Regional Auto Show Scholarship
Due Date - Jan. 15, 2023
*There are numerous scholarships that can be applied for through the FFA Scholarship.
Due Date - January 12, 2023
Illinois State Historical Society
Due Date - January 15, 2023
-includes the following awards and scholarships:
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Granger E. Westberg Pastoral Care Award
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Kenneth D. Moburg Administrative Award
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Kenneth D. Moburg Educational Scholarship
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Lynn Vermeer Youth Development Scholarship
Due Date - January 15, 2023
Quad City Engineering & Science Council
*Plan to pursue a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree at a 4 year university.
Due Date - January 24, 2023
*GPA at least 3.0 on 4.0 scale
Due Date - January 27, 2023
CBAI Foundation for Community Banking
*Questions? E-mail bobbiw@cbai.com
*Banks participating in our area: BankORION, Aledo, IL
Due Date - Students should return essays to their sponsoring bank by February 1, 2023
*NEW*Martin Ryan Agriculture Scholarship
Honoring the lifelong crop and livestock owner of Ryan Farms (Viola, Illinois), this scholarship demonstrates Martin's belief in education and opportunity which is the inspiration for the award to a young future farmer of Western Illinois. One $500 scholarship is awarded to a High School Senior from Western Illinois with a GPA of at least a 2.5/4.0 scale who plans to get a post-secondary credential. Must show financial need and be active in Agriculture and Credential/Major in Agriculture field.
Due Date - February 15, 2023
Due Date - February 15, 2023
IAA Foundation Scholarship Foundation
** Steve Willits Memorial Scholarship - a renewing scholarship each year of college if the student maintains a 3.5 GPA. Mercer County residents only.
Due Date Feb. 15, 2023
Quad Cities Community Foundation
* Includes the following scholarships for residents of Mercer or Rock Island County:
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Brand Boeshaar Scholarship
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Bryant-Holmes Scholarship for Mercer County High School
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Diana DePover-Nesseler Memorial Scholarship
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Don. E. & Charlotte Williams
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Edwin R. Adland & Ruth Adland
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Elise Brett Scholarship
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Great River Bend Cyclone Award Scholarship
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John R Kiley Memorial Scholarship
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Kelly Marie McQuate Memorial Scholarship
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Louis F. Bulechek Memorial
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Morency Family Scholarship
Due Date - Feb. 15, 2023
Illinois School Counselor Association - Post-Secondary Scholarship
$1,000 ISCA student scholarship. All applications must be completed online through the Google Form.
Due Date - February 17, 2023
Republican Women's Club and Central Committee of Henderson County Scholarship
Applicant must be a Henderson County resident. Turn applications into the Counseling Office.
Due Date - Feb 25, 2022
The CVM-Illinois Youth Mentoring Health Scholarship
*Quad City area high school seniors and /or undergraduate students who plan to pursue or are enrolled in a full-time undergraduate course of study in math, science or the medical sciences from an accredited college or university.
Due Date - February 28, 2023
*must attend the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign to apply.
Due Date - Feb. 28, 2023
Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau
*Parents must be members of the Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau.
*Pursuing education in agriculture or agri-business.
*No written applications accepted.
Due Date - Feb. 28, 2022
IHMVCU Cash for Class Scholarship
*Must be a IHMVCU member
Due Feb 28, 2023
Due Date - February 28, 2023
Holocaust Education Scholarship
Ida Kramer Essay Contest Theme: Children of the Holocaust
link: https://hecqc.org/holocaust-essay-contest/
Shnurman Holocaust Visual Arts Contest
https://hecqc.org/shnurman-arts-contest/
Due date - March 1, 2023
Mercer County 4-H Memorial Scholarship
Must be an active member of a Mercer County 4-H club & a high school senior.
Due Date - March 1, 2022
Patti Jeanne Higgins 4-H Scholarship
Resident of Mercer or Warren County, actively involved in 4-H for a minimum of 3 years.
Due to the Mercer County Extension Office in Aledo
Due Date - March 1, 2022
Township Officials of Illinois
Awarding seven $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors who are attending Illinois colleges & universities in the fall of 2021.
Due Date - March 1, 2022
Illinois AMVETS
*must be a 2020 high school graduate
*preference given to military families
Due Date - March 1, 2022
Illinois Odd Fellows And Rebekahs
*Applicants need not be affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but must be a resident of Illinois and a citizen of the U.S.
Due Date - March 1, 2022
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Due Date - March 1, 2022
Illinois Chemical Education Foundation Scholarship
*open to all future chemists, chemical engineers or environmental engineers
Due Date - March 3, 2023
Christian Leadership Award
*A $3,000 scholarship given out to a Christian male freshman attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Fall 2021.
Due Date - March 5, 2022
***NEW Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District Scholarship
$500.00 Scholarship is awarded to a Mercer County resident who is
a senior pursuing a career in Agriculture, Natural Resources, or
Environmental Studies. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Due Date - March 7, 2022
Illinois Retired Teacher Association
Applicant must be endorsed by an active IRTA member or descendant of an IRTA member
Application must be submitted prior to student’s junior or senior year of college. Student must be accepted into a Teacher Certificate Program.
Due Date - March 7, 2022
Kathryn G Hansen Scholarship
Pursuing a higher education in an office professional, secretarial, or business-related field within the State of IL with preference given at the Univ. of IL.
Due Date - March 14, 2022
Horatio Alger Association - ***JUNIORS ONLY***
Due Date - March 15, 2023
Edmond and Hebel FFA Scholarship
Turn application into Guidance Office please.
Scholarship Application -Word Version
Due Date - March 9, 2022
West Central Illinois National Deer Association Conservation Scholarship
Quality Deer Management Association Scholarship
Must be a graduating seniors with a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent grade point average and pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education (i.e. Junior College, Community College, Technical College, College or University).
Due Date - April 30, 2021
Martin Luther Scholarship
*Applicants must be male, confirmed members of a Lutheran congregation, and attending college in the Fall 2021.
Due Date - March 15, 2021
Great River Teacher Corps Scholarship
*For Education Majors planning to attend or attending WIU
*Must agree to teach in a small town or rural school in West-central Illinois after graduation
Due Date - March 15, 2021
Illinois Sheriff's Association
Return applications to Mercer County Sheriff’s Department:
Att: Dusty Terrill, Sheriff
906 SW 3rd Street, Aledo, IL 61231
Due Date - March 15, 2022
Compeer Financial High School Senior Scholarship
Graduating high school seniors who have an agriculture or rural background, or plan to major in an agriculture-related field at a community college, university or technical school are encouraged to apply between now and March 15.
Each scholarship recipient will receive $1,500 for educational tuition expenses. Qualified applicants must be graduating seniors who live in Compeer Financial’s 144-county territory and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Recipients will be selected based on a combination of academic achievement; agricultural, community and youth organization involvement; and essays.
Due Date - March 15, 2023
Consumer Credit Scholarship - James Lucas Memorial Scholarship
Due Date - March 15, 2023
Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club
*Must be a dependent of a sponsor from ONE of the following categories: Active Duty Military, Reserve Component, or National Guard Member assigned to Rock Island Arsenal. A Department of the Army or Department of Defense Civilian employed at Rock Island Arsenal or retired from Rock Island Arsenal. A retired or deceased active duty military member who is or was associated with Rock Island Arsenal. A RIAWC member or a volunteer in a Rock Island Arsenal philanthropic organization.
Due Date - March 18, 2022
Exchange Club Youth of the Year
Due Date - March 17, 2023
P.E.O. is an international philanthropic organization of women whose goal is to promote education for women. The Aledo P.E.O. Chapter H is pleased to offer a minimum of $500 scholarship to a graduating senior girl from the Mercer County School District who plans to further her education at an accredited community college or a four-year institution. To be eligible, the young lady must be ranked 11th or lower in class rank and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Due Date- March 20, 2023
Farmers State Bank of Western IL
Farmers State Bank will award one (1) $1,500 scholarship to a Mercer County High School for a graduating senior that plans to continue his/her education through an accredited program at a 4-year college, 2-year college, trade school or vocational school. Due Date - March 18, 2022
GFWC Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs Scholarships
Minimum award is $1,000 in multiple scholarships this year in art, civic engagement, drama, music, and vocational studies. Open to both Male and Female students. *Must attend an Illinois college/junior college/university/technical/trade school for Fall Semester 2022
Due Date - March 18, 2022
Post # 121
MCHS senior, GPA of 2.5 or above
American Legion Aledo
Due Date - March 20, 2022
Students are eligible to receive up to $5,000.
Due Date - March 20, 2023
The scholarship application for the masonic scholarships will be online only this year. One application is submitted for the six available scholarships, each of which has unique qualifications
Due Date - March 22, 2022 *******EXTENDED TO APRIL 1, 2022
Aledo Main Street Board of Directors have decided to change up this year's Annual Scholarship Program. We will still give (3) $600 scholarships to Mercer County High School seniors but will only be accepting 12 applicants this year and applicants will be required to write a minimum 500 word essay on why they feel supporting and shopping local is important in our community. Aledo Main Street Board of Directors will select some excerpts from each essay for the applicant to read and be recorded for social media and WRMJ.Turn into the High School Guidance Office.
Due Date - Scholarship Applications accepted from March 7th - March 18th
Society of American Military Engineers Rock Island Post
Pursuing a career in engineering or physical sciences.
Due Date - March 25, 2022
Students must be a member or a dependent of a Mercer County Farm Bureau member to qualify. This scholarship is for students planning to attend junior colleges, 4 year universities, or trade schools.
Due Date - March 24, 2023
Rock Island County Farm Bureau
*Applicants must be a member or a dependent of a member of the RI Farm Bureau. Applicants DO NOT need to major in agriculture to be eligible.
Due Date - March 25, 2022 by 4:00 PM
***NEW***Pepsi-Cola of Rock Island Scholarship
Due Date - March 31, 2022
This one-time $1,000 scholarship will be awarded any senior that plans to further his or her education in a field that aims to help others live a better life.
Due date - March 31, 2022
GPA of 2.5 or greater
Due Date - March 31, 2022
Trinity Muscatine Scholarships
Two $1,000 scholarships available:
*One for high school seniors graduating in 2022 who are dependents of Trinity Muscatine employees.
*The second for high school seniors who are family members of Trinity Muscatine Friends volunteers.
PDF attached - For Trinity Muscatine Employee Dependents
PDF attached - For Trinity Muscatine Friends Volunteer Family Members
Both due - March 31, 2023
Mercer Foundation for Health CNA Scholarship
Due Date - March 31, 2022
Beyond the Cure National Children's Cancer Society
Childhood cancer survivor
Due Date - March 31, 2022
Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Due date - April 1, 2022
Must show financial need.
Return to counselor’s office.
Due Date - April 1, 2022
Tri-County School Food Service Association
Plans to major in the area of Food Service, Home Econ., Dietetics, Child Care, or other related health fields.
Due Date - April 1, 2021
Lilamae Sipes Memorial Scholarship
Students pursuing non traditional schooling (trade school or certification program).
Due Date - April 1, 2022
Illinois Grand Council Nursing Scholarship Fund
To assist students who are pursuing a career in nursing.
Due Date - April 1, 2022
Robert and Dorothy Sponsler Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship open to all Mercer County seniors who are planning on pursuing a post-secondary education.
Due Date - April 1, 2020
This scholarship is open to all Mercer County seniors who are planning on pursuing a post-secondary education. Return to counselor’s office.
April 1, 2022
Brad’s Collision Service Industrial Arts Scholarship
Pursuing a career in an industrial arts field.
Brad’s Collision Service Industrial Arts
Apr. 1 of year applying
Mercer County Retired Teachers Association
Entering Education Field
Mercer County Retired Teachers
Due Date - April 1, 2023
Several different scholarships available. Please check criteria & deadlines for each.
Legacy Scholarship
Due Date - April 1, 2022
Richard Smith Memorial Scholarship
Must be entering a Trade/Vocational School in the Fall of 2020.
Due Date - April 3, 2020
The Aledo Lodge is offering two scholarships this year: one to a college bound student and one to a trade bound student.
Submit applications to Aledo Lodge No. 252
101 S.W. 3rd St. Aledo, Il 61231
Due Date - April 14, 2023
John Michael Perry Scholarship - ***Not offered 2021-2022 school year
Graduating male planning to attend a 2-yr, 4-yr, vocational, trade, or technical school. Preference given to the following: baseball player, basketball player, one with farming background, or one going into law enforcement.
***Completed applications can be turned into the guidance office or mail to Gina Young 2681-125th Ave. Viola, IL 61486.
Due date - April 12, 2021
Awarding three (3) scholarships of $500 each this year. These are available to female residents of Mercer County of any age who wish to further their education. This is not explicitly for high school seniors. Women pursuing 2 year, 4 year, vocational, or post-graduate education are welcome to apply. Previous winners may apply again.
Due Date - April 12, 2022
Must have graduated from an elementary D.A.R.E. program or participated in a junior high D.A.R.E. program.
*applicant must be drug, alcohol, & tobacco free
Due Date - April 14, 2022
NEW* Benjamin W. Hess Scholarship
Offering (1) $1000 scholarship to a MCHS graduating senior. Must plan on attending a 2-year, 4-year, vocational, trade, or technical school. Preference given to the following: an athlete, band member, or arts student, and one with military family background (but not limited to these preferences and anyone is encouraged to apply). Greatest attributes of the applicant should include solid character, a sense of humor, a kind heart, and a friend to all. Please include a picture of yourself in your favorite place or with your favorite hobby, something that is meaningful to you. Completed applications must be turned into the Mercer County High School Guidance Office no later than
April 15 of the application year.
S.O.A.R. Scholarship
S – Strength of Character
O – Creating Opportunities to give back to the community
A – Achievement in academics and Voluntarism
R – Resolve shown when faced with an adversarial situation
Due Date - The deadline is 11:59pm CST April 14, 2023 and mailed in entries must be post marked by April 14, 2023 and received by no later than 5pm April 18, 2023.
Incoming Freshman Scholarship for a female graduating senior. Must hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4 point scale.
Due date - April 15, 2022
Mail to: Kiwanis Scholarship
PO Box 92, Aledo, IL 61231
2nd Tues. of April (April 12, 2022)
Ken Cox Lions Agriculture Scholarship
Attending a 2 or 4 year program majoring in Agriculture or Veterinary Medicine or a qualifying vocational Agricultural program. Minimum 2.5 GPA
Due Date - April 15, 2022
Open to all students with priority given to students entering a Medical Field.
Due Date - April 15, 2022
Open to all students with priority given to students entering a Medical Field.
Due Date - April 15, 2022
Genesis Medical Center, Aledo Auxiliary
Offering five $500 scholarships to applicants who are Mercer County residents planning to study in the medical field.
Due Date - April 15, 2022
William and Alice B. Cubbage Scholarship
Mercer County High School seniors only
Due Date 3rd Friday in April
Due Date - April 14, 2023
Western IL Retired Educators (WIRE)Scholarship
Open to students pursuing a degree in the field of education. All children, grandchildren, and legal wards of deceased, current IEA-NEA members, divorced, or IEA-Retired members are eligible to apply, regardless of age or marital status, as long as they plan to pursue a career in teaching. All current IEA-NEA certified teachers are eligible to apply for a scholarship as well.
Due Date - April 15, 2022
Dale Garner Memorial Scholarship
Available to any senior who will be attending college or trade school to pursue a career in the Ag field. (Future welders, electricians, plumbers and millwrights are also encouraged to apply)
Due Date - April 15, 2022
Mercer County Education Association
Intend to work toward teacher certification.
Return to counselor’s office.
Due Date - April 16, 2022
Mercer County Golden Eagle Athletic Booster Club
$2000 will be divided and awarded to the top four applicants ($500 each). The athlete's parent/guardian must be a member of the MCAB Club with paid dues.
***Email to Beth Whitenack, beth.whitenack@gmail.com or mail to Beth Whitenack 803 SW 2nd Ave. Aledo, IL 61231. Any questions call/text 309-373-4098
Due Date - April 22, 2022
Herbert & Elizabeth (Bogguss) McMeekin Scholarship
*turn in to guidance office.
*GPA of at least 3.0
Fourth Friday of April of year applying
Due Date - April 28, 2023
Mercer Credit Union Scholarship
For a graduating senior planning to further their education. Must be a member of Mercer Credit Union.To become a member or acquire a scholarship application please email: mercercu@mercercountyil.org
Due Date - April 29, 2022
David Wayne Miller Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement
Exhibited a love of artistic expression with plans for further education.
Due Date - April 30, 2022
Must be 18. Planning to enroll in healthcare or education fields.
Due Date - May 1, 2022
American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship
Applicant must be currently enrolled as a High School Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior (2022, 2023, 2024, & 2025) and must be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen. Financial need is NOT considered; all income levels are encouraged to apply.
Due Date - May 1, 2022
Mellinger Education Foundation
Application and transcript must be received by May 1
Mellinger Foundation, 1025 East Broadway, Monmouth, Il 61462
(Application available starting Feb. 1)
May 1 of year applying TBA
Mercer County Jaycees Scholarship
Application must be mailed to Mercer County Jaycees PO Box 97 Aledo, IL 61231.
Due Date - May 2, 2022
Rock Island Optometric Mercer County Family Eye Care Scholarship
To be turned into the Guidance Office at MCHS
Due Date - May 13, 2022
Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency Scholarships
Several $2,000 scholarships available for individuals desiring to further their educational training through an Illinois community college, vocational school, college or university. Must be a resident of Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough or Warren County.
Due Date - May 7, 2021
Kid’s Chance Incorporated of Illinois Scholarship
For children of parents/workers who were seriously injured or killed on the job.
Due Date - May 31, 2022
Horatio Alger National Career & Technical Scholarship Program
Must be enrolled in a 2 year or less career or technical degree/certificate program in Fall 2022. *Demonstrate a financial need; applicants must be Pell Grant eligible.
Due June 15, 2022
National Wild Turkey Federation's Academic Scholarship
*Applicant must have current FOID card
*If selected as the scholarship recipient, student is required to attend the NWTF banquet.
Due Date - June 15, 2021
Odenza Marketing Group Volunteer Scholarship
*GPA 2.5 – must have contributed 50 hours of volunteer service over the last 12 months.
Due Date - October 30, 2022