The DeKalb County Community Foundation is launching a newly redesigned Universal Scholarship Application in 2025 and one application cycle. This streamlined application simplifies access to various scholarship opportunities using one convenient online form. In addition to one application, there will only be one application period for all scholarships, which opens February 1 and closes April 1.

Egan Hicks presents the Hicks Family Scholarship to 2024 Indian Creek graduate Brooke Barshinger.

The Universal Scholarship Application allows high school seniors and college, nontraditional, and graduate students, to apply for the full range of the Foundation’s scholarship offerings. Applicants can test their eligibility for over 100 scholarships with a single application, saving time and effort while increasing their chances of receiving financial assistance for their education. These awards are made possible through donations from local individuals, businesses, and organizations.

“Our goal in creating this new universal application and condensing our application period into one cycle is to make the process as efficient as possible for scholarship seekers at every stage. Bringing all our awards into one application will automatically match qualified applicants to the appropriate scholarships, eliminating the guesswork and, we hope, reaching more students,” said Grants & Scholarships Manager Sara Nickels.

The online application opens on February 1, with an April 1 deadline. Students are encouraged to visit the Community Foundation website at dekalbccf.org/scholarships to learn more about available scholarships, view eligibility requirements, and submit applications.

For questions or additional information, contact Sara Nickels at 815-748-5383 or s.nickels@dekalbccf.org.