Private Scholarships
Many community organizations, banks, credit unions, clubs, fraternal orders, businesses and employers sponsor a variety of private scholarships. Students are encouraged to contact these organizations about scholarship opportunities. High school guidance offices are also an excellent resource for scholarship listings, searches and assistance. Many private scholarships are awarded well before the fall semester begins, so students should start the search and application process early and pay close attention to deadlines.
The American Legion offers a variety of college and vocational or trade school scholarships that support academic achievement, leadership, and military-connected families. These programs help eligible students nationwide to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.
From the Samsung American Legion Scholarship for Boys State and Girls State participants to the needs-based Legacy Scholarship for children of post-9/11 fallen service members or disabled veterans, The American Legion invests in future leaders. Other awards include scholarships for Legion Baseball players, National Oratorical Contest finalists, Eagle Scouts, Junior Shooting Sports champions and ANAVICUS scholars.
Each program reflects The American Legion’s commitment to youth, education, and citizenship. Explore the links below for eligibility requirements, deadlines and application details.
Please click here to view all scholarship opportunities provided by American Legion
Since 1931, the Elks National Foundation has helped students recognize their academic dreams. Each year, we award nearly $4 million in college scholarships to at least 850 outstanding, service-minded high school seniors. Once you’re an Elks scholar, you’re family.
Eligibility:
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- Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
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- Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
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- High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
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- Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
- Scholarships are available only to students who enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.
The 2027 application deadline is November 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m., Pacific Time.
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- The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships.
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- Male and female students compete separately.
- Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.
- NOTE: The Chicago office of the Elks National Foundation will announce the 500 national winners of the 2027 contest in April 2027. (Many local Lodges, districts and state Elks associations award their own scholarships through this program. These scholarships are not to be confused with the 500 Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarships.)
2026 Scholarship Application Form
The Illinois Community College Faculty Association (ICCFA) is pleased to announce the availability of up to seven (7) $1000 scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarships will be presented at the annual ICCFA Teaching and Learning Excellence Conference held at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois on Friday, November 13th, 2026.
Scholarship Criteria
- Applicants must maintain full-time status during the Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters at an Illinois community college verified by official transcripts through the end of the Spring 2026 semester and a copy of Fall 2026 registration. Full-time status is defined as enrollment in a minimum of 12 semester hours.
- Applicants must have completed 30 semester hours by the end of the Spring 2026 semester with a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.5 on a 4 point scale. Cumulative GPA must be verified by an official transcript received in a sealed envelope with the registrar’s signature or seal to guarantee authenticity. Only college level work and grades will be considered.
- Applicant must provide proof of Illinois residency. (Photocopy of Illinois Driver’s License or other such document).
- Applicant must provide a brief statement of his/her academic and personal goals, along with a description of unpaid, voluntary community service and campus activities.
- Applicant must provide a letter of recommendation, on official college letterhead, from a community college faculty member. The letter should address the candidate’s academic achievement, character, and ability to meet his/her goals.
- Each application must include the candidate’s complete mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number, and be signed. All sensitive information (address, etc.) will remain confidential and be viewed only by the members of the ICCFA Scholarship Committee.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: All materials must be received by October 1st or postmarked no later than Sept 20th, 2026. Materials received or postmarked after the deadline will not be considered and will be returned to the sender. Send all materials by mail to:
Carla Presnell, Chair ICCFA Scholarship Committee
Carl Sandburg College, 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd, Galesburg, IL 61401E-Mail: cpresnell@sandburg.edu
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund (IPS) is a fund established in 1949 to provide scholarships for women from other countries for graduate study in the U.S. or Canada. The maximum award amount is $12,500.
The scholarship is based upon demonstrated need; however, the award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. At the time of application, the applicant is required to indicate additional financial resources adequate to meet her estimated expenses. Examples of additional resources are personal and family funds, tuition waivers, work, scholarships, teaching assistantships, study grants and other scholarships. The maximum amount awarded to a student is $12,500. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs.
The eligibility period is September 15 to December 15.
Eligibility Requirements
A woman is eligible for consideration for an International Peace Scholarship if she:
- is a woman* outside the United States and Canada who is seeking an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada;
- will return to her home country to utilize her education to make a positive impact and foster global peace; and
- has a full year of formal coursework remaining and is enrolled and in residence in the U.S. or Canada for the entire school year; or
- is an international student attending Cottey College
Please note:
- Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working only on dissertations are not eligible as first-time applicants.
- A student who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada is not eligible. A student with residency for tax purposes only is permitted.
- Scholarships are not given for online courses, research, internships or for practical training if not combined with formal coursework.
Applications will be accepted again starting September 15, 2026.
Announcement of awards is made in May. See the full IPS Application Calendar dates for the current term of study.
Click here to learn more and apply for the International Peace Fund Scholarship
More opportunities are dropping soon… Stay tuned and check back often!