Scholarship Opportunities
The Community Foundation for McHenry County offers scholarships to students seeking to advance their education. Each Scholarship Fund was created by members of the McHenry County community and designated for a certain cause, school or region. Each scholarship’s history, purpose and eligibility criteria can be found under the scholarship names listed below.
The application process to apply for a 2021 scholarship is currently closed. Winners will be announced the first week of May.
The Allen Family Scholarship was established in memory of Robert and Georgia Allen to assist Rolling Meadows High School graduating seniors to continue in a higher education program of their choice. This scholarship is to assist a student in achieving a two or four year degree.
Eligibility: Students graduating from Rolling Meadows High School who hold a grade point average of 3.5 or higher (based on 4.0 scale) and demonstrate commitment to volunteer service in their community. Additional preference will be given to applicants whose parent has served, or is currently serving in the United States Military.
Award: One scholarship of $500.
The Don Penza Athletic Scholarship is designed to support athletic students of Marian Central Catholic High School determined by FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment as in need of financial support.
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled at Marian Central Catholic High School and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Athletes applying must be qualified by FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment as in need of financial support.
Award: Multiple scholarships available.
The Erling K. Nor Education Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Erling K. Nor and the contributions he made to the community by providing college tuition assistance for educational expense. This scholarship is open to all majors and is to be used at a four year degree at college or university of the recipients choice.
Eligibility: Students must be graduating high school seniors from Alden-Hebron Unit School District #19, who share similar qualities of hard work and community involvement with the late E.K. Nor, and are pursuing a 4 year degree.
Award: One 4-year scholarship of $5,000 per year.
The Jennifer Samson Memorial Scholarship is awarded to assist a student in achieving a two or four-year degree in any area of the Fine Arts.
Eligibility: Applicant must be a McHenry County high school graduating student who exhibits a true passion for the Visual and Performing Arts.
Award: One scholarship of $1,000.
The Joe Carnes Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Joseph Carnes and the contributions he made to the community by providing college tuition assistance for educational expenses. This scholarship is open to all majors, with preference given to applicants pursing degrees in aviation-related fields, educational fields or public/community service fields. The scholarship is to be used at a college or university of the recipient’s choice.
Eligibility: Students graduating from Crystal Lake South High School who hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale), who exhibit financial need and demonstrate positive involvement in school, community and/or church activities and academic interests related to those of Mr. Carnes (listed above).
Award: One scholarship of $1,000.
The Lorna D. Rowland Scholarship was established to honor Lorna Rowland and the contributions she has made to the community. The purpose of this scholarship is to support female graduates interested in pursuing a college degree in social sciences and/or social issues.
Eligibility: Female graduating senior of Wauconda High School interested in pursuing a college degree in social sciences and/or social issues, with a weighted GPA of 3.2 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale). Applicant will have taken at least 1.5 years of elective courses in Current Issues, Sociology, Psychology, History, Theater Arts, Literature or Speech. Applicants will also have participated in at least 1 year of a non-sport related extracurricular activity.
Award: One scholarship of $1,000.
The Mariana Szczesny Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Mariana Szczesny and is intended to assist McHenry County high school graduating seniors to continue in a higher education program of their choice. This scholarship is open to all majors, for students enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s program, a two-year associates program, or a vocational/technical school.
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors from any McHenry County high school who demonstrate academic excellence, need for financial help and community involvement.
Award: Multiple scholarships ranging from $500 – $2,000.
The Patricia McNamara Scholarship was established to honor Patti McNamara, who would want the scholarship to acknowledge and reward students who exhibit a strong work ethic, dedication to the community and a love of life.
Eligibility: Graduating Cary-Grove High School or Trinity Oaks Christian Academy seniors with a minimum 2.0 GPA or better (based on a 4.0 scale) who plan to pursue post-secondary education at an accredited vocational school, trade school or community college.
Award: Two scholarships of $1,000.
The Ron Bendis Scholarship was established to honor the career and contributions Ron Bendis made to the Woodstock High School community and to individuals needing significant academic or personal support in order to graduate and pursue future opportunities.
Eligibility: Woodstock High School graduating senior who after significant problems early in high school, has displayed marked improvement in academic performance, a willingness to be an active participant in school and/or outside activities, and a desire to attend a two-year or four-year post-secondary institution or training facility as a full-time student.
Award: One scholarship of $1,000.
The purpose of the TC Industries, Inc. Scholarship is to assist dependent children of current employees of TC Industries, Inc.
Eligibility: Children of active TC Industries, Inc. employees who exhibit exceptional academic performance and dedication by maintaining a 3.0 GPA or better (based on a 4.0 scale). Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or a current student enrolled full-time in a college, university, technical or trade school in the United States and under 25 years old. Shareholders and Unit IV employees and their dependents are ineligible for scholarship consideration.
Award: Two 4-year scholarship of $1,000 per year.
The purpose of the VAC Veterans Memorial Scholarship is to assist the children or grandchildren of veterans with the higher education program of their choice.
Eligibility: McHenry County graduating high school senior or high school graduate who is the child, stepchild or grandchild of active duty personnel, or honorably discharged veterans of the United States military, National Guard and military reservists. Student must hold a 2.5 GPA or better (based on a 4.0 scale) and include a photocopy of the DD-214 or Certification of Post Membership when applying. Award: Multiple scholarships ranging from $500 – $2,000.
The primary purpose of the Woodstock Lion's Club Scholarship is to provide support for educational expenses of individuals who reside within the boundaries of Woodstock Community Unit School District 200, comprising of Woodstock, Illinois and the immediately surrounding unincorporated area.
Eligibility: Students of Woodstock High School or Woodstock North High School who maintain a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) or higher. Must be enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s program, a two-year associates program, or a certificate program of a vocational school.
Award: Multiple scholarships of $1,000.