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
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Standout College Prep
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Trade Scholarships
Nearly a dozen local and regional scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship Opportunities
Chicago Wolves Tim Breslin Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 27, 2026
Awarded: $7,500 (1 winner)
Application: Click here
Information: It is awarded in the memory of Tim Breslin, who was one of the first three players signed by the franchise and played a key role in the Wolves’ 1998 Turner Cup Championship victory. Tragically, Tim passed away on February 9, 2005, due to complications from appendiceal cancer.
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.
Chicago / Midwest Chapter of NATAS Scholarships
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Awarded: $2,500 (4 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: The Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences anticipates awarding one to four $2,500 scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year for high school seniors heading to college in Fall 2026.
- Be a Senior in high school graduating in Spring 2026.
- Be able to demonstrate a planned course of study in a college or university that supports the intention to pursue a career in the television industry.
- Be enrolled in a high school within the ADI (area of dominant influence) of the television markets within the Chicago/Midwest chapter jurisdiction OR have your primary residence (home address) within the ADI of the television markets within the Chicago/Midwest chapter jurisdiction OR be a relative of a member in good standing of the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the Television Academy.
More information here.
Rotary Youth Vocational and Technical Scholarship Awards
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Awarded: (1 winner)
Application: Click here
Information: The Rotary Club of Elgin has been serving the community for over 100 years. Rotary’s slogan is “Service Above Self.” Rotary has provided assistance to many students and community service organizations.
More information here.
Central Music Boosters Scholarship
Deadline: March 20, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (2 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: To qualify for this scholarship program, the applicant must:
- Be a member of the Central High School Class of 2026
- Have been a Central High School student for at least four (4) semesters
- Be eligible to graduate from Central High School on/or before May 29, 2026.
- Have earned credits for four (4) semesters in band, jazz band, chorus, or chorale by the time of graduation or a combination thereof.
- Submit 2 letters of recommendation by March 20, 2026. At least 1 should be music/drama related, but 1 can be a personal reference.
More information here.
Central Music Boosters Scholarship
Deadline: March 20, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (2 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: To qualify for this scholarship program, the applicant must:
- Be a member of the Central High School Class of 2026
- Have been a Central High School student for at least four (4) semesters
- Be eligible to graduate from Central High School on/or before May 29, 2026.
- Have earned credits for four (4) semesters in band, jazz band, chorus, or chorale by the time of graduation or a combination thereof.
- Submit 2 letters of recommendation by March 20, 2026. At least 1 should be music/drama related, but 1 can be a personal reference.
More information here.
Rotary District 6440 CTE / Vocational Scholarship
Deadline: March 20, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,500 (2 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: Students who are entering career and technical education programs (CTE), at community colleges, technical training institutions, or vocational training programs may apply for financial scholarship awards. These awards may be applied to costs associated with tuition, books, tools, and supplies (must be purchased through college or trade school) that are associated with specific CTE programs.
More information here.
Central Education Foundation High School Senior Scholarship
Deadline: March 23, 2026
Amount Awarded: $2,000 (1 winner)
Application: Click here
Information: In addition to filling out an online application, each candidate must:
- Be a graduating senior of Central High School District 301 and attended CHS for at least two years.
- Continue their education at a vocational training facility, community college or university as a full-time student.
- Be accepted to the school of his/her choice.
- Provide a resume’ detailing their accomplishments and possible work-force experience.
- Return the completed application to the CHS Guidance Office. Applications returned to any other person/location will not be considered.
More information here.
Central Education Foundation Incubator Scholarship
Deadline: March 23, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (1 winner)
Application: Click here
Information: In addition to filling out an online application, each candidate must:
- Be a graduating senior who has participated in the Incubator curriculum for at least one (1) year at Central High School District 301 and has attended CHS for at least two (2) years.
- Continue their education at a vocational training facility, community college or university as a full-time student.
- Be accepted to the school of his/her choice.
- Provide a personal statement detailing why they feel they are a candidate for this scholarship as well as a resume detailing their accomplishments and possible work-force experience.
- Return the completed application to the CHS Guidance Office. Applications returned to any other person/location will not be considered.
More information here.
Central Education Foundation Steven T. Watwood Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 23, 2026
Amount Awarded: $500 (1 winner)
Application: Click here
Information: In addition to filling out an online application, each candidate must:
- Be a graduating senior of Central High School District 301 and attended CHS for at least two (2) years.
- Continue their education at a vocational training facility, community college or university as a full-time student.
- Pursue a program with a focus in accounting, finance, business, teaching or has been selected to play on a college football team.
- Be accepted to the school of his/her choice.
- Provide a personal statement and resume detailing their accomplishments and possible work-force experience.
- Return the completed application to the CHS Guidance Office. Applications returned to any other person/location will not be considered.
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.
Lily Lake Grade School PTC 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 Lily Lake Grade School for at least two full years.
- Must have attended Central High School for at least two (2) full years and be graduating from Central High School.
- Plan to continue their education as a full-time student at a vocational training program, community college, or college.
More information here.
Prairie View Grade School PTO Scholarship
Deadline: March 23, 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 grade point average 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 Prairie View Grade School for at least two full years and CHS for at least two 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 Prairie View Grade School office or any other person/location will not be considered.
- Only those students completing applications will be considered.
More information here.
Rotary Community Service Scholarship Awards
Deadline: March 25, 2026
Awarded: (1 winner)
Application: Click here
Information: The Rotary Club of Elgin has been serving the community for over 100 years. Rotary’s slogan is “Service Above Self.” Rotary has provided assistance to many students and community service organizations.
More information here.
Burlington Lion’s Club Education Scholarship
Deadline: March 25, 2026
Awarded: $1,000 (1 winner)
Application: Click here
Information: The purpose of these scholarships is to honor the late Jan Carlson, Don Getzelman and Shirley Getzelman for their years of professional and civic service in our Community and Central 301, and to promote the education of Central 301 graduates beyond high school.
More information here.
Ruth Limpers’ Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1, 2026
Awarded: $2,000 (3 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: Ruth Limpers served IGFOA members for over two decades. Throughout her service, Ruth was dedicated to advancing the mission of the IGFOA and its leadership. In April 2021, Ruth retired due to the progression of her ALS diagnosis. On September 8, 2021, Ruth lost her battle with ALS.
To honor her memory and commitment to IGFOA, the Ruth Limpers’ Scholarship Fund was created to support the studies of students at accredited educational institutions interested in a career in public finance.
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.
Central Athletic Boosters Scholarship
Deadline: April 6, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (2 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: In addition to filling out an online application each candidate must:
- Participate in at least one sport during each year in attendance at Central High School
- Have at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average at the end of the first semester of their senior year.
More information here.
Jacob Frazier TACP Scholarship
Deadline: April 6, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (2 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: In addition to filling out an online application:
- Provide a PDF copy of acceptance or proof of entry into a college ROTC program or direct entry into the US military post graduation
- Have at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average at the end of the first semester of their senior year.
- Provide a PDF copy of your transcript
More information here.
Elgin Area Chamber Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: April 10, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (10 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: At the Elgin Area Chamber Foundation (EACF) and our Economic Development Group (EDG), we are committed to empowering the next generation of local leaders. To support this mission, we invite graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic commitment, community involvement, and an interest in living and working in the Elgin area after completing their education, to apply.
More information here.
TJ Sportsman Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 20, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (1 winners)
Information: If you plan on going into the Armed Forces or an ROTC program after graduation, this scholarship is for you!
- Students must have been a registered participant of BBBL for at least two (2) full seasons.
- Applicants must be a graduating senior at Central High School.
- The Applicant must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale at the time of application and maintained through graduation.
- The applicant must be accepted to a two (2) or four (4) year undergraduate program at a vocational training facility, community college or college or university. Only those students submitting applications will be considered.
- The scholarship is supplemental to any other form of scholarships, grants, aid etc. and therefore, the TJ Sportsman Scholarship will not jeopardize the applicant’s ability to receive these other forms; the scholarship is non-transferable and non-recurring
- BBBL reserves the right to withdraw the scholarship award for certain conduct that reflects poorly on the League (at the Committee’s sole discretion).
More information here.
Central District Baseball League (CDBL) Scholarship
Deadline: April 20, 2026
Amount Awarded: $500 (2 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: Open to anyone affiliated with CDBL as a player, concessions worker, umpire etc. Applicant must be a graduating senior at Central High School.
- The Applicant must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale at the time of application and maintained through graduation.
- The applicant must be accepted to a two (2) or four (4) year undergraduate program at a vocational training facility, community college or college or university.
- Only students who submit applications by the deadline will be considered.
More information here.
Friends of Moriane Hills State Park Scholarship
Deadline: April 30, 2026
Amount Awarded: $3,000 (2 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: To be eligible for these scholarships, the applicant must have a permanent residence in McHenry, Lake, Boone, or Kane county; have a Grade Point Average of B (3.0) or above; be accepted at an accredited college or university for the fall of 2026; and plan on entering a career directly related to preserving the natural environment.
More information here.
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