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.
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
More opportunities are dropping soon… Stay tuned and check back often!