Scholarships

Academic Achievement Scholarships are awarded for four consecutive semesters to students who meet specific GPA requirements upon completion of their high school diploma. There are two types of awards:

• President’s Scholar
  • $1,000 scholarship per semester — awarded to graduates with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 or higher.
• College Scholar
  • $500 scholarship per semester — awarded to graduates with a cumulative high school GPA between 3.25-3.74.

Students who completed at least 3 credit hours of Kish coursework in high school (earning a grade of C or better) may qualify for the Dual Credit Scholarship. Eligible coursework includes:

• Dual credit classes at your high school
• Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC) dual credit
• Dual enrollment courses taken at Kish

Students who qualify receive $250 per semester, for up to four consecutive semesters — a maximum award of $1,000.

The following must be met for the Academic Achievement and Dual Credit scholarships: 

• Enroll full-time in the summer or fall semesters immediately following graduation. (Students who graduate in December may enroll in the immediate spring, summer or fall semesters). Full-time enrollment is a minimum of 12 credit hours.
• Enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours every semester the scholarship is awarded. Non-credit courses do not satisfy the requirements. Students may enroll in fewer than 12 credit hours in their final semester when completing a degree.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA at Kish of 2.75 for Academic Achievement and 2.0 for Dual Credit.

The Illinois Community College Trustees Association's Paul Simon Student Essay Contest provides a $500 scholarship to the student who best describes "How My Community College Has Changed My Life."

Awards

1. From Kishwaukee College — The Kish winner will receive a $500 Spring 2025 tuition reimbursement. The Kish winner will also be recognized at the Kish Board of Trustees meeting at 4 pm Tuesday, April 8. The winning essay will be published on the Kish website.
2. From ICCTA — The state winner will receive a $500 cash stipend for educational expenses during the Fall 2025 semester. The state winner will be invited to the ICCTA annual awards banquet on Friday, June 6, in Normal.

Guidelines

All currently enrolled students at ICCTA member colleges are eligible to participate in the Paul Simon Student Essay Contest at the local level. However, each ICCTA member college may enter only ONE student essay in the statewide competition each year.

Each essay must be brief (500 words or less), typed, and address the theme "How My Community College Has Changed My Life." Entrants may use "How My Community College Has Changed My Life" as the essay’s title or create their own title related to the theme.

Each entry will be judged on the basis of writing style, clarity of expression, and relevancy to the topic, with special emphasis placed on correct grammar and punctuation.

Submissions must be accompanied by an entry form. Review the entry form for complete guidelines.

Paul Simon Entry Form (PDF)

If you prefer an editable version, you can also download the form as a DOCX.

The Illinois Community College Trustees Association's Gandhi/King Peace Scholarship provides a scholarship to the student who best articulates the peaceful messages of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This award has been endowed by Oakton Community College trustee Jody Wadhwa and the Oakton Education Foundation.

Awards

1. From Kishwaukee College — The Kish winner will receive a $500 Spring 2025 tuition reimbursement. The Kish winner will also be recognized at the Kish Board of Trustees meeting at 4 pm Tuesday, April 8. The winning essay will be published on the Kish website.
2. From ICCTA — The state winner will receive a $500 cash stipend for educational expenses during the Fall 2025 semester. The state winner will be invited to the ICCTA annual awards banquet on Friday, June 6, in Normal.

Writing Prompt

Both Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., advocated for nonviolence as the way to confront the hate and discrimination that so often accompanies the disrespect of other human beings. The work and words of Gandhi and King are both an example and a road map for the way forward for our country. As a community college student, outline a plan that will educate the members of your college community about the scope of the problem and the elements of and rationale for a nonviolent response. In the description of your plan, please provide specific examples of how the legacies of Gandhi and King have affected your life and volunteer activities as a community college student.

Guidelines

All currently enrolled students at ICCTA member colleges are eligible to participate in the Gandhi/King Peace Scholarship competition.

Participants must address the writing prompt. All entries will be judged on the basis of the following criteria:

• How your life and volunteer activities have been affected by the legacies of Gandhi and King
• Content, strength and persuasiveness of argument
• Personal goals and involvement in peacebuilding efforts on campus and in the community
• Writing style, clarity of expression, and correct grammar and punctuation

Each submission must be no longer than 500 words in length, typed single-spaced in business-letter format, and accompanied by a completed entry form. Review the entry form for complete guidelines.

Gandhi/King Entry Form (PDF)

If you prefer an editable version, you can also download the form as a DOCX.

• Signs.Inc Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship for students currently enrolled in a college or university. Essay required. Deadline: April 30, 2026.
• Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC): Provides financial assistance to students pursuing a Practical Nursing certificate, Associate Degree in Nursing, hospital-based diploma in nursing, Bachelor’s degree in nursing, or graduate nursing degree (including nurse educator programs). Awards are prioritized for qualified students demonstrating the greatest financial need. Deadline: April 30, 2026.
• PK Safety Scholarship: A $500 scholarship for students enrolled full time. Essay required. Deadline: May 1, 2026.
• The Future of Women’s Health Research Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship for students enrolled full time. Essay required. Deadline: May 31, 2026.
• SwagPrint.com Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship for incoming or current full-time college students. Essay required. Deadline: May 31, 2026.
• AlinaMae Scholarship: A $500 scholarship for incoming or current full-time college students. Essay required. Deadline: July 1, 2026.
• Liquid Rubber Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship designed to help students pursue careers in construction, engineering, environmental science, and other related fields by easing the financial burden. Essay required. Deadline: July 1, 2026.
• The Signage Success Scholarship: A $500 scholarship for students enrolled full time. Essay required. Deadline: July 1, 2026.
• NTX Powersports Scholarship: A $250 scholarship for the 2026 semester awarded to one student who demonstrates determination, curiosity, and a desire to build something meaningful—no matter their path. Essay required. Deadline: July 31, 2026.
• NixIt Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship for incoming or current full-time college students. Essay required. Deadline: September 30, 2026.
• Sports Gear Swag Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship for incoming or current full-time college students. Essay required. Deadline: October 1, 2026.
• The Titan Haul & Honor Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship for incoming or current full-time college students. Essay required. Deadline: October 1, 2026.
• Massage Tools Scholarship: A scholarship opportunity for undergraduate students enrolled in accredited massage therapy, allied health, or healthcare-focused business programs in the U.S. Essay required. Deadline: November 1, 2026.
• American Welding Society Scholarship: For students pursuing welding training in a certificate program less than two years in length. Deadline: November 30, 2026
• "$$$ Isn't Everything" Scholarship: A monthly $550 scholarship meant to help reduce a little bit of financial worry for a new student or graduate each month, and to help someone get a bit of time back to focus on the important things in life — Deadline: Monthly
• Fig Tech Scholarship for Social Impact: Deadline: Rolling
• Fig Tech Emerge scholarship: Deadline: Rolling
• Western Governors University Scholarship Opportunities: WGU provides a unique educational experience, offering online, competency-based bachelor's and master's degree programs in business, information technology, education, and health professions, including nursing — Deadlines: Varies
• Ford Fund- TechForce: Ford Fund and Ford Dealers have teamed up to welcome the next generation of auto technicians by awarding $5,000 tuition scholarships to students pursuing careers in auto, diesel or, auto/diesel technology. This need-based scholarship is applied to a student’s school tuition account and may be used for all cost of attendance, including tuition, tools, living expenses and transportation. — Deadlines: 4-months prior to start date of school
• DeKalb County Community Foundation: More than 90 Scholarship Funds exist through the DeKalb County Community Foundation. These Funds support undergraduate and graduate education, trades and technical training, and other educational opportunities. The eligibility criteria, selection committee, school, and field of study vary and reflect the charitable wishes of the donors who established the Fund. — Deadline: Ongoing
• Qazi Family Foundation: The Nadia Qazi Scholarship Fund, established in 2021 to honor Nadia Qazi’s passion for education and philanthropy, supports students pursuing higher education and public service. Multiple annual awards are offered, including $5,000 for young women and $500 for any student.
• Boster Bio Scholarship: One scholarship of $1,000 USD is awarded annually. Applicants must be graduate students currently working in a biology or related laboratory and must provide proof of enrollment. A signed letter of recommendation on official letterhead from their Principal Investigator or funding sponsor is required. Applications are due by November 30 each year, with the winner announced by December 30. Scholarship funds will be distributed by check.
• Future Community Leaders Scholarship: Designed for Sycamore High School seniors pursuing careers in STEAM fields, this scholarship supports students in achieving their educational goals while encouraging them to bring their skills back to the community after completing their training or college education.