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
Introducing the College Board Opportunity Scholarships: A Clearer Path to College for ALL Students
Applying to college is a complicated process, so we’ve created a program that guides you through it. It doesn’t require an essay, application, or minimum GPA. Instead, it rewards your effort and initiative. Complete key steps along your path to college for a chance to earn scholarships.
Fast Web Scholarship Search
Fastweb is your connection to scholarships, colleges, financial aid, and more.
Cappex
College Greenlight is a totally free resource for any traditionally underrepresented student who is serious about getting into and thriving at their perfect college. We help students discover, research, and build relationships with the colleges and universities that will allow them to succeed. And because every hard-working student deserves access to a wide variety of financial resources, we’ve built an easily searchable database filled with thousands of scholarships, grants, and merit-aid opportunities. Our students receive a customized list of the awards best suited to their academic, social, and community accomplishments.
My Scholly
Scholly is the #1 college scholarship app in the world and has helped students win more than $100 Million. Join today and start matching with scholarships in minutes.
The University Network
Find scholarships for college, grad school, and more.
Scholarships.com
Finding college scholarships shouldn’t be overwhelming. We make it simple and match you to the scholarships for which you qualify.
Standout College Prep
118 Illinois scholarships in one place so you do not have to spend hours searching across dozens of websites.
Accounting Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities with the Illinois CPA Society
Trade Scholarships
Nearly a dozen local and regional scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship Opportunities
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.
Burlington Blast – Lisa Pryor Scholarship
Deadline: April 3, 2026
Awarded: $1,500 (1 winner)
Application: Click here
Information: The purpose of the Lisa Pryor Blast scholarship fund is to honor one of the Program’s most influential and determined leaders. Lisa’s energy and passion to develop, educate, and be a mentor to the girls was inspiring. She touched so many lives and gave so much of her time and energy back to the game she loved. She embodied the ideals and philosophy we continue to strive for within the foundation of our Program.
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.
Elgin Hispanic Network Scholarship
Deadline: April 13, 2026
Amount Awarded: $2,500 (2 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: The Elgin Hispanic Network (EHN) Scholarship Program aims to support Hispanic high school students in their pursuit of an undergraduate college education or trade school curriculum.
More information here.
TJ Sportsman Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 20, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (1 winners)
Application: Click here
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.
Central Youth Football and Cheer League
Deadline: April 30, 2026
Amount Awarded: $1,000 (2 winners)
Application: Click here
Information: The Central Youth Football & Cheer League (CYFL) awards annually one $1,000 scholarship for a CYFL Rocket football alum and one $1,000 scholarship for a CYFL Rocket cheerleader alum that is currently enrolled in Central 301. The CYFL is an organization that encourages and develops youth in the sports of cheer and football. It is a feeder program for future Rocket athletes and have developed a program that will mentor and positively influence the youth of Central 301.
More information here.
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