Students across Illinois have an opportunity to secure financial assistance for higher education, thanks to the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association. The organization has announced plans to award over $58,000 in college scholarships to students pursuing full-time studies at accredited institutions within the state during the 2025-2026 academic year.
The scholarships, which can be used to cover tuition, books, and fees, are available to students attending on-campus or fully online programs.
In Christian County, Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp will award a $500 scholarship to a qualifying student.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Applicants must be permanent residents of Illinois.
- Scholarships must be used at Illinois-based colleges, universities, or other institutions of higher learning.
- Students must be enrolled full-time for the 2025-2026 academic year, excluding summer sessions.
- The program is open to all eligible applicants, regardless of race, age, gender, creed, color, or national origin.
Applications are available at local sheriff’s offices and on the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association website at ilsheriff.org/youth-2. Students are required to complete an application, answer an essay question, and submit all documentation to the sheriff’s office in their home county by March 14, 2025. Submissions must be postmarked by that date.
For additional information, students can contact their local sheriff’s office, the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, high school advising centers, or college financial aid offices. A directory of sheriff offices is available at ilsheriff.org/sheriffs-directory.
