Scholarship Funds
More than 80 Scholarship Funds exist through the DeKalb County Community Foundation. These Funds support undergraduate and graduate education, professional development, 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.
Most Community Foundation scholarships are administered through local high schools and use the Foundation's Universal Scholarship Application. A listing of these scholarships is found below. A few scholarships are administered through the Foundation and do not use the Universal Application. These awards are included below and listed in greater detail on the additional scholarships page.
Below is a list (by high school) of Scholarship Funds and other Funds that provide annual scholarship awards for students. Thank you to the generous donors who support continuing education through a Fund at the Community Foundation!
Scholarships | Awards Available | Application Dates | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
DeKalb County and Beyond | 16 | February 1 - April 1 OR April 1 - June 1/July 1 | Closed |
DeKalb High School | 32 | February 1 - April 1 | Closed |
Genoa-Kingston High School | 2 | February 1 - April 1 | Closed |
Indian Creek High School | 7 | February 1 - April 1 | Closed |
Sandwich High School | 1 | February 1 - April 1 | Closed |
Somonauk High School | 1 | February 1 - April 1 | Closed |
Sycamore High School | 32 | February 1 - April 1 | Closed |
To discuss your charitable interests or to give back to the community by establishing a Fund of your own, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org. For scholarship application questions, please review the list of frequently asked questions, or contact us at 815-748-5383 or scholarships@dekalbccf.org.
DeKalb County and Beyond Scholarships
Through donor generosity, the following Funds provide scholarship awards to students in DeKalb County and beyond.
The Fund honors Brian D. Slavenas, a DeKalb High School graduate who was killed in Iraq (2003). The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of DeKalb County, IL, and going on to either major or minor in music. Preference is given to applicants who were involved in music during at least the last two years of high school. Learn more about the Brian D. Slavenas Memorial Endowment Fund >
Created as a lasting memory to the legacy of the Elburn Cooperative and to support the communities that strengthen the cooperative. This Fund provides educational support to high school graduates at an accredited college or university. Applicants must be a family member of an eligible CHS Elburn customer, or a family member of a CHS Elburn employee. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation. Learn more about this Fund >
This scholarship is intended for students who are pursuing an additional degree or certification in nursing to grow professionally and better serve their patients. Preference is given to student applicants currently working in and/or pursuing additional education in the nursing specialization areas of: Public health nursing, emergency medicine, or pediatrics. Students may attend any accredited educational institution, college, or university.
This Fund honors Cindy Graves, a DeKalb County public health nurse who had a tremendous impact on the community. Cindy was a registered nurse at Kishwaukee Hospital for 30 years – working as a pediatric nurse and emergency room RN, house supervisor, ER charge nurse, EMS educator, EMS coordinator, and ER director (2005 – 2012). From 2012 until the time of her passing Cindy worked at the DeKalb County Health Department as the director of community health and prevention, health promotion and emergency preparedness. Cindy was very active in the community and with her church. Learn more about this Fund >
This scholarship benefits a high school senior in DeKalb County who plans to attend the University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) or a current college student who is a graduate of a DeKalb County High School who is currently enrolled in the ACES program at University of Illinois. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.
The Fund was created by Donald and Patricia Pritchard who have strong ties to DeKalb County even though life and work have led them to live in several other states. They dedicated their careers to working in the field of animal sciences and agriculture. Both Don and Patricia know the value of a college education, having worked in various capacities in the university system. They know, because of their experiences with many students over the years, how education can contribute to a successful future. Learn more about this Fund >
A scholarship award for employees of the DeKalb Fire Department and their families and students in the Fire Science Program at the Kishwaukee Education Consortium. This Fund honors Dr. and Mrs. Harold P. Wells and carries on their legacy of love and support. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation. Learn more about this Fund >
Created in memory of Lt. Jeffrey A. Trail, this Fund provides an annual award to a graduating senior from the state of Illinois who plans to attend the United States Naval Academy. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation. Learn more about this Fund >
Dee Palmer, his brother, parents, and grandparents have contributed to the musical pleasure of thousands of people in DeKalb County for over 160 years. The establishment of the Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund is in their honor and provides an award for a high school senior who resides in DeKalb County and is pursuing a career in music. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation. Learn more about this Fund >
This Fund was created in 2007 by retired Sycamore teacher Yvonne Johnson and provides scholarship support to an individual who has been in the work force and desires to return to the academic world in pursuit of a college degree. The award is renewable up to three consecutive years following the initial award and can be used for tuition at any accredited university or community college for expenses associated with undergraduate study. The recipient can seek a degree in any field of study, but must demonstrate evidence of interest in the chosen field. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation. Learn more about this Fund >
Created through the generosity of John and Vivian Spinoso, this Pass Through Fund provides scholarship support for up to $10,000 to deserving students to cover tuition costs of post-undergraduate studies. Eligible applicants must have graduated from a DeKalb County high school but do not need to currently live in DeKalb County, IL. Learn more about this Fund >
The Wehrli Custom Fabrication company created the scholarship to aid students interested in pursuing a career in the trades. The Fund supports two annual scholarships. The first is for a student attending a trade school or 2-year college, and the second benefits a student attending a 4-year college or university. Eligible areas of study include welding, machine tooling, auto mechanics, auto body, business management, and mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, or agricultural engineering. Learn more about this Fund >
The YEP Changemakers Scholarship was created in 2022 by member Oliver Keicher. The intention was to recognize and reward members who embrace and value youth philanthropy in the community. Oliver fundraised for YEP in the 2022 Give DeKalb County event to raise $1,000 in donations to cover the inaugural scholarship. Support for future years is made possible through the family of Kurt D. Hudson in his memory. We are extremely grateful for this generous support to honor the life and memories of Kurt.
Funding for the YEP Changemakers Scholarship comes from the YEP Program Activities Fund, a Pass Through Fund. Additionally, this Fund supports direct program costs and activities of the Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) program. Learn more about YEP >
DeKalb High School Scholarships
Through donor generosity, the following Funds provide scholarship awards to DeKalb High School students.
This Fund was created in memory of Christopher Anderson, an ambitious student dedicated to athletics. The award supports a DeKalb High School student who exhibits the same spirit, teamwork, and enthusiasm on the soccer field and in the classroom. The award is selected by the DeKalb Education Foundation (DEF).
Created through the generosity of DeKalb High School (DHS) alumni, this Fund awards scholarships to graduating DHS seniors pursuing continuing education and training for career advancement. Students attending a vocational-technical school, trade school, two-year college, four-year college, or university are eligible. Learn more about the DHS Alumni Scholarship Fund >
Created in memory of Donald 'Tank' Anderson, this Designated Fund provides support to the DeKalb Wrestling Club inc. (DeKalb County, IL) and provides a scholarship award to a graduating senior from DeKalb High School. Learn more about this Fund >
Created in memory of Emmette Land, an avid sports fan, and Kathleen Land, a talented musician who valued community, honesty, and integrity. This Fund provides scholarship support for a student who has participated in an organized athletic or music program at DeKalb High School and maintained at least a “B” average". Recipient is selected by the DeKalb Education Foundation (DEF).
Created in memory of Gregory B. Widerberg for his love of education and sports, this scholarship is awarded on an annual basis to a DeKalb High School senior majoring in education. Learn more about this Fund >
This Fund provides scholarship support for a DeKalb High School graduate who participated in sports at DeKalb High School and demonstrated a value system consistent with Jimmy Vaughn's life of putting others above self. This may include a history of volunteerism or community service within the high school and/or greater community.
This Fund provides scholarship support for students from Sycamore High School and DeKalb High School with preference to students who intend to enter a healthcare field. Learn more about this Fund >
Created by DeKalb High School alumni to honor Joseph and Elegie LoCascio for their work as writing arts/creative writing instructors at DeKalb High School and the impact they made on students. This Fund provides an award to a graduating senior from DeKalb High School who has shown outstanding dedication to the art of creative writing.
Established in memory of Martha W. Shur by her children, this Fund provides an award to a graduating female senior from DeKalb High School who participated in girls track/cross country at the school. Learn more about this Fund >
This Fund provides scholarship support for a DeKalb High School graduating senior pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Learn more about this Fund >
Provides an annual award to graduates at both DeKalb and Sycamore high schools. The Charles & Helen Suter Memorial Scholarship award will honor the late Charles and Helen Suter, their love for education and learning, and the family’s ongoing service to the community. Learn more about this Fund >
An award for DeKalb High School students to honor Thomas R. Rauman who was respected for his integrity and served the DeKalb County community through the YMCA and the Kishwaukee Kiwanis. Selected by the DeKalb Education Foundation. Support is awarded to graduating students with a B average and some financial need.
Genoa-Kingston High School Scholarships
Through donor generosity, the following Scholarship Funds provide awards to Genoa-Kingston High School students.
Established in memory of Brett and Thomas Kubasiak. This Fund will provide scholarships for graduating seniors at Genoa-Kingston High School. Learn more about this Fund >
Indian Creek High School Scholarships
Through donor generosity, the following Scholarship Funds provide awards to Indian Creek High School students.
This Fund is a tribute to the late James and Claudia Hicks and honors the legacy of the Hicks family and their impact on education and community service to the Indian Creek Community. The scholarship is intended for a graduating senior from Indian Creek High School with financial needs pursuing a degree in education. Learn more about the Hicks Family Scholarship Fund >
Created in memory of Sheldon and Betty Kesner, this Fund provides annual awards to graduates of Indian Creek High School. One award is for a student pursuing a degree in agriculture, the other award is for a student pursuing a degree in music or education. Learn more about this Fund >
Sandwich High School Scholarships
Through donor generosity, the following Scholarship Funds provide awards to Sandwich High School students.
Created in memory of Ben Eade, this scholarship provides support for a graduating senior from Sandwich High School. Ben taught agriculture and biology for nearly 43 years at Sandwich High School and inspired many students to excel in various tradeschool- based careers. Learn more about this Fund >
Somonauk High School Scholarships
Through donor generosity, the following Scholarship Funds provide awards to Somonauk High School students.
Sycamore High School Scholarships
Through donor generosity, the following Funds provide scholarship awards to Sycamore High School students.
This Fund provides generous scholarship support for Sycamore High School graduates pursuing a career in teaching or a previous recipient (beginning with the 2019 recipient) who is still enrolled in undergraduate studies and pursuing a degree in education. Jerry and Annette Johns are Sycamore residents who value education and their community.
Created in memory of Cal and Helen Doty, this scholarship is available to a graduating Sycamore High School student who plans to pursue a certificate or degree in the trades. Learn more about this Fund >
This Fund was created to honor longtime Sycamore businessman and car buff, Fizz Ehrler, and provides scholarship support for graduating Sycamore High School seniors pursuing study/training in auto mechanics technology, collision repair technology, and diesel power technology at Kishwaukee College, Malta, IL.
An award for a Sycamore High School (SHS) student that intends to pursue studies in the scientific field and exemplifies the qualities most remembered by Gib's students, the SHS faculty, and the community. The scholarship was established as a memorial by the family of Gilbert Seegers, an SHS science teacher.
Honoring Sycamore native Gina Delmont, this scholarship award sees that her spirit of giving lives on and benefits a Sycamore High School graduate pursuing higher education at Kishwaukee College or Northern Illinois University in either the education or healthcare-related fields. Learn more about this Fund >
Created to provide an annual award to a Sycamore High School graduate of Mexican ethnic origin. This award honors Maria De Jesus Ibarra, who worked tirelessly to support her family and encourage ongoing education for her children Learn more about this Fund >
This Fund provides scholarship support for students from Sycamore High School and DeKalb High School with preference to students who intend to enter a healthcare field. Learn more about this Fund >
A memorial Fund honoring John Meier, a graduate of Sycamore High School, which provides scholarship support for Sycamore High School graduates who will study forestry, biology, animal science, architecture, or other nature related activities. John was a carpenter who passed away in 2006 from anaphylactic shock as a result of a bee sting. He was the first full organ donor at Kishwaukee Hospital. He had many interests including gardening, landscape, wildlife management, and forestry. He would be proud to help students from Sycamore High School further their education.
Prompted by the generosity of the Keleher family, this Fund provides scholarship awards to Sycamore High School graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and who have demonstrated a history of volunteerism, work, and/or club involvement during their high school career. Learn more about this Fund >
This Designated Fund benefits five local organizations, including two annual scholarships for Sycamore High School students. Created in 2000, this memorial Fund is a bequest from the estate of Lillian Boynton, a very active and successful businesswoman in the Sycamore community.
This Fund provide an annual award to a graduate of Sycamore High School. The Olsons were scholarship recipients when they attended college and thus wanted to create a Fund that would “pay forward” the generosity they experienced. The award is intended for a student majoring in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at Northern Illinois University in their undergraduate studies. Learn more about this Fund >
This Fund is a tribute to the late Steven Griglione and honors his impact on music education in the community. The scholarship is intended for a graduating senior who participated in music classes and/or programs all four years at Sycamore High School and is continuing studies in music education or general education. Learn more about this Fund >
Provides an annual award to graduates at both DeKalb and Sycamore high schools. The Charles & Helen Suter Memorial Scholarship award will honor the late Charles and Helen Suter, their love for education and learning, and the family’s ongoing service to the community. Learn more about this Fund >
Created in memory of Wally “Mr. Pumpkin” Thurow, this Fund provides an award to a graduating Sycamore High School student with financial needs who displays artistic creativity and community involvement. Wally was founder of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. The Festival began in 1962. With support of the Sycamore Lions Club and eventually most of the service organizations in and around Sycamore, it has grown to become the area’s largest annual event.
