Applications open for D214 Education Foundation scholarships
Through the generosity of donors, the High School District 214 Foundation is offering nearly $40,000 in scholarships, including specific opportunities for students pursuing certificates in the trades; females pursuing careers in STEM or law; students demonstrating leadership and involvement at specific high schools; and the annual Redefining Ready! competition that asks seniors to tell the world, in a 30-second video, how they are college, career and life ready.
Awards range from $500 to $8,000. Every scholarship has unique criteria.
All District 214 seniors are encouraged to visit the Scholarship Portal - d214.awardspring.com; also accessible at www.214foundation.org/scholarships - to complete their brief profile, which takes just moments and will match them with scholarships for which they are eligible. Once matched, students can apply directly online.
Students and parents should know:
• Deadline is 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 2, 2021.
• All required letter(s) of recommendation also are due April 2.
• The FAFSA EFC question is optional; need is sometimes required.
• Students should be as thorough as possible in their application.
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted nor considered.
2021 Foundation Scholarships Are:
Districtwide:
Blueprint Bosch Vocational Scholarship: This award helps fund the completion of a career certificate in areas like welding, HVAC, plumbing, machining, automotive technology and carpentry through a two-year college. The intent is to award a minimum of one award per high school.
Brett Robert Jostes Girls in STEM Scholarship: $500 for a female senior pursuing a career in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.
Miriam (Mimi) Cooper Law and Equity Legacy Scholarship: $500 for a graduating female senior pursuing a career in law or criminal justice.
Redefining Ready! Scholarship: $5,000 in awards ($2,500 for first; $1,000 for second and three $500 third-place awards) for seniors who tell the world, in a 30-second Twitter video, how they are college, career and life ready.
BUFFALO GROVE HIGH SCHOOL:
BGHS Class of 1984 Memorial Scholarship: $500 for an involved senior with a 2.0 to 3.0 grade-point average (GPA).
BGHS Class of 1986 Memorial Scholarship: $500 to a senior demonstrating financial need and showing the grit and determination to excel. No GPA requirement.
Maureen Filetti Memorial Scholarship: $1,000 to a senior with a 3.0 GPA or higher who demonstrates financial need and plans a career in advertising, marketing or media.
ELK GROVE HIGH SCHOOL:
Nordhem Scholarship: One award for a future dance theater/education minor, dance theater/education major, or member of a dance organization in college; another award for a future dance minor or dance major planning to audition for a professional dance company or professional-level studio.
HERSEY HIGH SCHOOL:
Dan Sepke Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship awards a JHHS wrestler demonstrating financial need a scholarship to pursue postsecondary education at a college, university or trade school. The scholarship has no minimum GPA and is renewable for up to three additional years, with a total possible scholarship of $3,000 over four years of postsecondary ed.
Jason M. Saccone Legacy Scholarship: This award is for a JHHS senior who demonstrates financial need and is interested in and intends to study business in college. The student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, in addition to receiving a recommendation from a teacher or staff member.
John K. Marquette Endowed Fine Arts Scholarship: $1,000 for a senior who has demonstrated achievement and leadership in speech and/or theater.
PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL:
John K. Marquette Endowed Fine Arts Scholarship: $1,000 for a senior who has demonstrated achievement, leadership and character in speech and/or theater.
Jeff Miller Memorial Scholarship: $1,000 each for two graduating Prospect High School athletes (one male, one female) showing leadership and character while also excelling in athletics throughout high school.
Knight Aquatic Collegiate Scholarship: $2,000 for a Prospect senior active in aquatics in any capacity and demonstrating the qualities of a Knight. This is renewable for an additional three years for a total of $8,000 in funding.
Lauren Graver Memorial Scholarship: $500 for a Prospect senior pursuing a career in journalism, with a background in journalism study at Prospect.
Eric Duffell World Language Scholarship: $1,000 for two graduating seniors with four years of participation in the same world language, a minimum “B†average in the language, participation in the language beyond the classroom and evidence of how language study enriched their life.
Renata Smulkstys Memorial Scholarship: $500 each for two Prospect High School seniors who are self-motivated, diligent and enthusiastic students. The applicant must show integrity and concern for others.
John Wollenburg Scholarship: $1,000 for a senior who promotes school spirit, demonstrates continual improvement and displays a zest for life, quest for knowledge and compassion for his or her fellow students.
The Bob and Mae Zimmanck Servant's Heart Scholarship: $1,000 for a student who is service-oriented and puts others first and who has a strong record of volunteering in the community.
ROLLING MEADOWS HIGH SCHOOL:
Jenny Anzalone College Scholarship (amount varies): This is awarded to a graduating Rolling Meadows High School senior who has been accepted to an accredited college, university or vocational school. Applicants must express a strong desire to continue his/her education and hold at least a 3.5 or higher GPA. The student must demonstrate financial need and attitudes of hard work, commitment and a love for others.
Gene Haas Foundation Manufacturing Scholarship (amount varies)
An award for students who have demonstrated excellence in the Manufacturing Engineering pathway and are pursuing an engineering degree or training program. Students must be enrolled in either manufacturing or engineering courses for multiple years that directly support the mission of the Gene Haas Foundation. Applicants must have a 2.8 GPA.
Al Weber/Bill T. Anderson College Scholarship (amount varies): This is awarded to a graduating senior at Rolling Meadows High School or alternative program who has been accepted to an accredited technical school, junior college or vocational school. The applicant must express a strong desire to continue his/her education and hold a 2.0 GPA or higher. Students must demonstrate hard work, commitment and compassion.
Roland J. Meyer Scholarship (amount varies): This is awarded to a graduating senior who has been accepted to an accredited technical school, community college, trade or vocational school. The applicant must be involved in community outreach activities and express an interest in political science, business law, government and/or preserving the environment.
WHEELING HIGH SCHOOL:
Class of 1990 Legacy Scholarship: $500 for a graduating senior who demonstrates true Wildcat character, leadership and spirit.
Wheeling High School Spirit Scholarship (amount varies): Awarded to one or more financially in-need graduating seniors who are not necessarily top academically but demonstrate the grit, desire and perseverance to succeed.
Chicago Covenant Presbyterian Church - Follow Your Dream Scholarship: $500 to celebrate the success of a student who has overcome challenges of a new language and culture. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who previously was in ESL classes (English as a Second Language) and will continue their journey in college.
Chicago Covenant Presbyterian Church - Bright Start Scholarship: $500 awarded to a senior with outstanding community service work and excellent academic achievement. The student must have a 3.25 GPA or higher and demonstrate community service work and excellent academic achievement.
First Korean United Methodist Church Scholarship: $1,000 to a graduating senior who has excelled in co-curricular activities, service and academic endeavors.
Debbie and Mark Steinman Scholarship: $2,000 for a Wheeling High School senior who helps those in need.
Susan and Don Tantillo Education Scholarship: $2,000 for a graduating senior who will pursue a profession in education, specifically as a teacher.
Wheeling Firefighters Fran Gambro Memorial Scholarship: $2,000 to honor the memory of longtime Wheeling firefighter Fran Gambro. This is awarded to a graduating senior in recognition of demonstrated commitment to the betterment of their school and the community at large.
Wheeling Rotary Club Scholarship: $1,500 for a Wheeling High School senior who exemplifies outstanding citizenship, service to the community, integrity and exemplary academic achievement.
Richard Rosen Foundation Scholarship: $1,000 to a graduating senior who will attend Harper College and study a field related to education, health careers, business or engineering. The student must demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and be an outstanding communicator.
Jennifer Zorn-Sargent Scholarship: $2000 awarded to the recipient of the Jennifer Zorn-Sargent Scholarship was created to honor the life and legacy of Jen Zorn. The scholarship will be awarded to a WHS senior who was involved in theater during their time at Wheeling High School.
For scholarship questions or application issues, contact the Foundation at (847) 718-7699 or email foundation@d214.org or brooke.snell@d214.org.