Scholarships
A bright future starts with a quality education. Kishwaukee College offers several scholarship opportunities to help students cover the cost of their education. In 2024, Kish provided more than $598,000 in scholarships to help students achieve academic success.
Scholarships
Kishwaukee College offers a variety of scholarships to support students in achieving their academic and career goals. Whether you’re a high school senior, current Kish student, dual credit participant, or student-athlete, there are opportunities available to help offset the cost of college. Explore the categories below to learn more.
The Foundation offers more than 80 scholarships to new and current students through its online application process.
Academic Achievement scholarships are available for students graduating from in-district high schools or residing within the Kish district and graduating from a private high school.
The Dual Credit Scholarship is available for students who have taken college courses for Kish credit while in high school. Courses include dual credit at the high schools, dual credit through KEC, or dual enrollment offered at Kishwaukee College.
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE? |
VALUE & DURATION |
WHEN & HOW TO APPLY |
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Members of current Kish Athletic teams. To see available teams, visit kishkougars.com |
Awards pay toward tuition. |
Contact Athletic Director or team coach. |
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE? |
VALUE & DURATION |
WHEN & HOW TO APPLY |
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Any student currently enrolled at Kishwaukee College during the spring semester of the application year. |
Scholarship for $500 towards tuition for the Spring semester from Kishwaukee College and possibility to win $500 in the statewide competition. |
Applications are accepted in February. The essay topic is typically, "How my community college has changed my life." Information about the Paul Simon Essay Contest. |
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE? |
VALUE & DURATION |
WHEN & HOW TO APPLY |
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Any student currently enrolled at Kishwaukee College during the spring semester of the application year. |
Scholarship for $500 towards tuition for the Spring semester from Kishwaukee College and possibility to win $1,000 in the statewide competition. |
Applications are accepted in February. In a business letter, articulate the peaceful messages of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Information about the Gandhi/King Peace Scholarship Contest. |
Financial assistance is available for a variety of life's challenges including transportation, childcare, medical or vision costs, housing and other emergencies that interfere with a student’s ability to attend school. All students currently enrolled and pursuing a credit program or High School Equivalency/Adult Education classes at the College are eligible.
The Champions Fund is supported by private donors and is allocated on a case-by-case basis to eligible students. Eligible students must be referred by their assigned academic advisor (WIOA, TRIO, or Director of Adult Education). A completed application and appropriate supporting documentation must be submitted for evaluation. Submission of an application does not guarantee a student will receive the award.
Students facing an emergency financial situation are encouraged to speak with their assigned academic advisor.
External Scholarships
Students are encouraged to check out local civic, service, and fraternal organizations for possible scholarship opportunities.
- Sensa Beauty Scholarship- A $500 scholarship opportunity to help open doors to new opportunities and empower future professionals. Essay required from applicant. — Deadline: December 31, 2025
- Signs.Inc Scholarship — A $1,000 scholarship for students currently enrolled in a college or university. Essay required. Deadline: April 30, 2026.
- Liquid Rubber Scholarship — A $1,000 scholarship for students enrolled full-time in a university or trade school. Deadline: July 1, 2026.
- "$$$ Isn't Everything" Scholarship is 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
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship: Each year IvyPanda awards creative and talented in movie making students with scholarships $1500 total. Scholarships are given to two winners: the winner receives a $1,000 scholarship; the runner-up prize is $500. Deadline: October 31, 2025
- 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.
Scholarship Search Sites
Various internet scholarship search sites are available. NEVER pay someone for a scholarship search.
- The College Board
- FastWeb Scholarship Search
- FinAid Scholarship Search
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission
- Sallie Mae Scholarship Search
- Scholarship Experts
- Bold.org
- Global Scholarships