Township Officials of Illinois Scholarships

The Township Officials of Illinois (TOI), organized in 1907, serves as a resource center for state and federal legislative agencies, as well as its member townships. The organization's attention to and involvement with the legislative process enables it to exert influence on behalf of its member units, as well as to report to them on decisions that affect their functioning.

In addition to offering information and guidance, TOI promotes and supports strong township government in the State of Illinois. To that end, it offers a series of continuing education programs designed to provide a sense of responsibility, assurance, dedication, and unity.

TOI recognizes that offering service benefiting the citizens and taxpayers of Illinois requires the representation of diverse constituencies. Its Board of Directors is structured to accommodate that purpose, as are its respective divisions.

The organization provides leadership for the continuation and effectiveness of strong grassroots government in the state. Through education, dedication, and unity, TOI has achieved and surpassed the goals of its founders and is poised to provide leadership for grassroots government into the 22nd Century.

Each year, since 1989, the Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship Fund awards funds to graduating high school seniors to continue their education at Illinois colleges/universities.

Criteria

• Graduating Illinois high school senior.
• Applying to attend a university/college located in Illinois. Awards may not be deferred. If you need to change schools after being awarded a scholarship, please contact the TOI office as soon as possible.
• U.S. citizen and resident of Illinois.
• Plan to attend a university/college in Illinois as a full-time student.
• History of extracurricular activities that demonstrates a willingness to accept leadership responsibilities (student government, club officer, etc.) or a commitment to civic responsibility, social consciousness and a willingness to serve the community (community service projects, volunteer activities with local service agencies or charitable institutions, etc.)
• Submit a 500-word essay on The Role of Township Government in Today’s Society and in the Future that will include information gained from an interview with an elected township official.
• Submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, local officials or business people.
• Submit an official high school transcript.
• Submit a cover letter and completed application form.
• Must be mailed or submitted online no later than March 1, 2024. Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.