The scholarships, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through Community Services Block Grant funds, are valued at up to $2,000 each.
Eligible applicants may attend a college, university, or trade school either in-state or out-of-state and may be enrolled in in-person or virtual programs.
To qualify for the scholarship competition, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a member of an income-eligible household
- Reside in Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark, or Whiteside County in Illinois
- Be enrolled in an eligible post-secondary institution, including colleges, universities, or trade schools
Students enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 semester hours) are eligible for the full $2,000 scholarship award. Part-time students are also encouraged to apply; however, scholarship awards for part-time enrollment will be prorated if selected.
The application deadline is March 13, 2026.
For additional information or to obtain an application, contact Tri-County Opportunities Council at 800-323-5434, extension 710, or visit www.tcochelps.org.
