2026 Scholarship Central
Scholarship Opportunities and Resources
During the spring semester, students ramp up their efforts to seek scholarship money for higher education. Our hope is to support Central 301 students in their quest after graduation. Here is a list of scholarship opportunities that might be of interest to our Central 301 students.
This is an ongoing list. Check back often!
Have a scholarship opportunity you want to share on this page? Reach out to our Registrar, Teresa McMahon.
Scholarship Tips and Tricks
College Board Opportunity Scholarships
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The University Network
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Scholarships.com
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Scholarship Opportunities
Seigle Scholars / ECC Foundation
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Awarded: Full-Ride Scholarship
Application: Click here
Information: This scholarship covers full tuition, lab costs, fees and books. After completing their studies at Elgin Community College, our current Seigle Scholars plan to pursue degrees in Veterinary Medicine, Fire Science, Pre-Med, and Neuroscience.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- First-year college student.
- Full-time enrollment status.
- Pursuing an Associate Degree at ECC.
- Intending to transfer to a 4-year college/university.
- Demonstrated commitment to community service or initiatives with measurable social impact.
More information here.
CBAI Foundation for Community Banking
Deadline: January 30, 2026
Awarded: $1,000-$4,000 (multiple winners)
Application: Click here
Information: The CBAI Foundation for Community Banking provides monetary awards for top high-school seniors statewide.
More information here.
Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship
Deadline: March 7, 2026
Awarded: $2,000 (7 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: Each year since 1989, the Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship Fund awards funds to graduating high school seniors to continue their education at Illinois colleges/universities.
More information here.
Richard A. Maass Memorial Scholarship Application
Deadline: March 7, 2026
Awarded: $2,000
Application: Click here
Information: The Fox Valley Section 1208 of the American Society for Quality takes pleasure in announcing the availability of the Richard A. Maass Memorial Scholarship for the upcoming academic year. On a separate sheet of paper, write an essay, 500 to 700 words, on the importance of quality products and /or services to the future of our country (type double – spaced).
- The award is presented during the first Tuesday of May at our chapter meeting at 6pm. The meeting may be a dinner event or online. lt has been online the last several years. We ask that the recipient be available to attend this meeting, whether in person or online, with parents or a guardian. This gives the chapter members a chance to meet the applicant and celebrate their accomplishments. No speech is necessary from the applicant.
More information here.
Central Education Association Scholarship Application
Deadline: March 23, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (2 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: In addition to filling out an online application, each candidate must:
- Achieve a 2.5 cumulative average at the end of the first semester of the senior year at Central High School.
- Have been a Central High School student for at least two years.
- Be continuing at a college or community college, majoring in education.
More information here.
Burlington / Plato / Central Alumni Association Scholarship
Deadline: March 23, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (2 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: Winners are expected to attend their banquet on July 25, 2026 at the Burlington Fire Department.
More information here.
Howard B. Thomas Grade School PTO Scholarship
Deadline: March 23, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (1 winner)
Application: Click here
Information: Scholarship will be awarded at CHS Honors Night (May 26, 2026 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm).
- Must have achieved a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA on a 4.0 grading scale at the end of the first semester of their senior year at CHS.
- Must have attended Howard B. Thomas Grade School for at least two full years.
- Must be expected to graduate from CHS on time.
- Must be continuing their education after CHS at a college or university, or vocational training school, on a full-time basis, during the first regular fall or spring semester immediately following the student’s completion of CHS.
- Must submit the completed Scholarship Application and Essay to the CHS Guidance Office.
- Application forms must be neatly done in ink by the applicant. Incomplete or illegible submissions may be returned to the applicant or disqualified.
More information here.
Country Trails Elementary School PTO Scholarship
Deadline: April 5, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (1 winner)
Application: Click here
Information: Applicant must have the following qualifications:
- Must be a graduating senior at Central High School (CHS).
- Must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 grading scale at the end of the first semester of their senior year.
- Must have attended Country Trails and CHS for at least two (2) full years, graduating from CHS.
- Must be continuing at a vocational training facility, community college, or university as a full time student.
- Must return the completed application to the CHS Guidance Office.
- Applications returned to the Country Trails office or any other person/location will not be considered.
- Only those students making applications will be considered.
More information here.
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