Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship

The Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Josh’s grandmother, a passionate educator who spent her life shaping young minds in Central Illinois. What began as a tribute to her life’s work has grown into an annual tradition of encouragement and support for future teachers. Each year, we offer a $1,000 scholarship to several students pursuing a career in education, someone ready to make the same kind of difference Mary did. Through this scholarship, we carry her spirit forward by investing in those who will inspire the next generation.

Great Teachers Can Change the World

At Onward, we believe in lifting up those who lift others. Mary Rohrscheib dedicated her career to education, and her legacy lives on in the countless students she taught, and the teachers she continues to inspire. Through this scholarship, we hope to encourage the next generation of educators to carry forward her values: patience, kindness, and the power to inspire. We know that behind every success story is a teacher who made someone feel seen, capable, and worthy of more. That kind of impact is immeasurable, and we’re honored to support those who aspire to make it.

Eligibility

• The $1,000 Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship is available to any current high school senior, college student, or graduate student who is a resident of Illinois and who is enrolled in a two to five-year post-secondary institution for the upcoming Fall Semester.
• Preference is given to students from the Central Illinois area.
• Those who work with Josh Rohrscheib and their immediate family members (parent, child, sibling, and spouse), as well as persons living in the same households of such individuals (whether related or not), are not eligible to participate in the competition.
• In order to be considered for this scholarship, applicants should maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and hold good academic standing.

Application Requirements

• The candidate must submit a 750-1,000 word essay about the impact of a special teacher and the lessons the student will carry forward throughout their own career in education.”
• The candidate must submit a professional resumé that lists their experience, both professional and academic.
• The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school, as well as the most recent official transcript from their prior school.