Illinois State Scholarship Program

To further expand our commitment to education, our membership approved funding for a state scholarship program with specific eligibility criteria for returning students and high school students. For 2019, we hope to award six $2000.00 scholarships to qualified applicants.

Scholarship winners must be willing to participate in our Speak-Off Competition at our State Convention to be held in Effingham on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Our Speak-Off provides an excellent developmental opportunity for our scholarship winners to network with our members, learn about our mission, and get the experience of speaking before and interviewing with friendly faces. Competition details are included below.

Listed below are the applications and requirements for returning students and for high school students. If you meet the criteria and are willing to compete in our Young Professional/Career Professional Speak-Off Competition, please click on the appropriate application and begin the process.

Eligibility criteria for high school seniors:

1. Applicant must be female, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of the state of Illinois.

2. Applicant must be a graduating senior in 2019 who has been accepted to attend an accredited trade school, college, or university as a full-time student for the Fall 2019 semester.

3. Applicant must hold a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4 point scale as of the completion of the Fall 2018 semester.

4. While not a sole determining factor, preference will be given to qualified applicants demonstrating financial need.

5. Successful applicants must be willing and available to compete in the Young Professional public speaking competition at the IFBWC State Convention on Saturday, April 27, 2019 (see attachment for competition details). Competition results will not affect the scholarship award; however, failure to participate will disqualify the applicant.

6. Application must include the following: a cover letter requesting consideration of application; a completed application form with all requested information, signatures, and dates; a 200-300 word essay (typed, double-spaced) stating the applicant's future educational plans and goals, including the profession she hopes to enter and an explanation as to why she has chosen this field of study; a high school transcript that includes all grades received through the Fall 2018 semester; and two (2) signed letters of recommendation from individuals other than relatives or close friends (may include, but not limited to, teachers, coaches, sponsors, mentors, or advisers).

Eligibility criteria for returning students:

1. Applicant must be female, 19 years or older, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of the state of Illinois.

2. Applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED and be currently enrolled in an accredited trade school, college, or university with a minimum of six (6) credit hours.

3. Applicant must hold a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4 point scale as of the completion of the Fall 2018 semester.

4. While not a sole determining factor, preference will be given to qualified applicants demonstrating financial need.

5. Successful applicants must be willing and available to compete in the Young Professional/Career Professional public speaking competition at the IFBWC State Convention on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Competition results will not affect the scholarship award; however, failure to participate will disqualify the applicant.

6. Application must include the following: a cover letter requesting consideration of application; a completed application form with all requested information, signatures, and dates; a 200-300 word essay (typed, double-spaced) identifying her career objectives and explaining how she plans to use this scholarship to achieve those objectives (if applicant is enrolled in a Master's program, her essay should include how this additional education will assist her in the employment world); a high school transcript (regardless of completion) and/or proof of GED completion and a higher education transcript that includes all grades received through the Fall 2018 semester; and two (2) signed letters of recommendation from individuals other than relatives or close friends (may include, but not limited to, teachers, coaches, sponsors, mentors, or advisers).