Scholarships 2023
EOA Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility: One award to each State within the EOA region: (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin).
Amount: $1,000
Description: This scholarship is sponsored by the EOA Foundation Board of Directors. Students are nominated by TRIO/EOP professionals in their respective Chapters. State scholarship committees select the recipients and the scholarships are awarded by the EOA Foundation. The number of scholarships varies each year and are non-renewable.

EOA Board of Directors Scholarships

EOA Board of Directors Scholarship
Eligibility: One award to each State within the EOA region: (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin).
Amount: $1,000
Description: This scholarship is sponsored by EOA Board of Directors. Students are nominated by TRIO/EOP professionals in their respective Chapters. State scholarship committees select the recipients and the scholarships are awarded by the EOA Foundation. The number of scholarships varies each year and are non-renewable.
2020 Winner: Kaleb Medina

Student Support Services
Danville Area Community College
2020 Winner: Lauren McCartney

Educational Talent Search
Association for Education Excellence





James B. Hamilton and Thomas G. Mortenson Student Research Award
Eligibility:
The student applicant must meet the following criteria to apply:
1. Be a current participant or recent graduate of a TRIO/EOP program (within 2 years).
2. Be enrolled as a full-time student by the fall semester immediately following application
competition Note: Full-time enrollment verification required. (Undergrad-12 hours Graduate-
9 hours per semester or 12 hours per quarter).
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Be conducting a research project that is consistent with the goals and purposes of EOA.
5. Be nominated by a current member of EOA at the time of the scholarship deadline
Amount: $1,000
Description: Dr. James Hamilton (1933-1994) was a strong supporter of TRiO and EOP programs developing research and data to support the importance of programs and services for low-income
and first-generation students. Mr. Thomas G. Mortenson is a Senior Scholar at the Pell Institute.
He edits and publishes Postsecondary Education Opportunity (PEO), a monthly research
newsletter devoted to analysis and reporting on the demographics and socio-political nature of educational opportunity after high school.
BRIDGES AND LADDERS LGBTQ+ Scholarship
Eligibility:
1. Be a current TRIO/EOP student within the EOA region;
2. Be enrolled or anticipate enrollment for high school seniors, in a two-year or four-year post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year or anticipated enrollment for current high school seniors;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;
4. Demonstrates leadership, involvement, and experiences that intersect with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally community (LGBTQ+).
Amount: $1,000
Description: This endowed scholarship is established by the EOA Foundation. Students are nominated by TRIO/EOP professionals in their respective Chapters and selected through a process administered jointly by EOA and the EOA Foundation. This scholarship is awarded by the EOA Foundation and is non-renewable.
Illinois TRIO is committed to holistically assisting in the development of each of the students served by our 150 programs. The Association has been very proactive in seeking out opportunities to support first-generation, low-income, disabled and veteran students through the pipeline towards post-secondary education.
Annually, in conjunction with the Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) and the EOA Foundation (EOAF), Illinois TRIO works to distribute various scholarships and awards to deserving recipients. We seek candidates who have overcome a myriad of obstacles and show promise with excelling at the post-secondary level. With guidance and direction from the EOA Scholarship Committee, the IL TRIO Scholarship Committee works diligently to ensure a diverse pool of applicants.
The EOA Scholarship competition is open! Students will be using the new Kaleidoscope Scholarship Platform. Applications and supporting materials will be due no later than Wednesday, March 8 at 5:00 pm CST. Please review the 2023 EOA Scholarship Handbook for specific questions about the application process and eligibility requirements. You can also access this through the scholarships page of the EOA website.
Here are some helpful tips for the nomination process:
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All EOA scholarship applications will be completed by the nominator, not the student.
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The applications will be submitted via the new Kaleidoscope Scholarship Platform. You must have the following to apply:
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Students must be a member of a current TRIO or EOP program in IL TRIO region.
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Students will complete the application process and send you a nominator link to complete your nomination.
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To complete the nomination form, you will need your EOA membership number and the expiration date of membership. You must be a paid EOA member through March 8, 2023. (Refer to the Handbook for instructions on finding your membership information).
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Student and nominator statements, unofficial transcripts, and the income verification document (only for Purnell scholarship) must be either in .pdf or .jpg format. Your application will NOT be reviewed if this guideline isn’t followed (the Handbook has helpful hints on how to do this).
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More information can be found at eoa.wildapricot.org.
PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR ILLINOIS TRIO SCHOLARSHIPS YOU MAY SUBMIT ONE SCHOLARSHIP PACKET.
(If you have questions, please contact the Illinois TRIO Scholarship Co-Chair, Ms. Tracy Cureton at
illinois-scholarship@eoa.org.)
Please note: All EOA scholarships are disbursed by September from the EOA Foundation (EOAF) after student enrollment has been confirmed. The awards will be sent directly to the institution. Illinois TRIO scholarships have varying disbursement dates. Please see applications for details.
Robert Jenkins Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility:
1. Be from a first-generation or low-income background and/or is a student with a disability;
2 Be a current high school senior anticipating enrollment in a two-year or four-year post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year.
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;
4. Demonstrate involvement in co-curricular and/or community activities;
5. Be a current TRIO/EOP student within the EOA region.
Amount: $1,000
Description: After Robert Jenkins retired from the Air Force, he continued his love and passion for education by working with the Higher Education Consortium of Metropolitan St. Louis Educational Talent Search (ETS) program for 23 years until retiring in 2014. While working full-time for ETS Robert also served as a member of EOA and was the organization's treasurer until retiring in 2015. Robert was committed to broadening student access and success in formal and post-secondary education. EOA recognized him as an Honorary Professional Member and in 2018, he was inducted into the MKN (Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska) Hall of Fame.
This endowed scholarship is established by the EOA Foundation in collaboration with the EOA Board of Directors. Students are nominated by TRIO/EOP professionals in their respective Chapters and selected through a process administered jointly by EOA and the EOA Foundation. This scholarship is awarded by the EOA Foundation and is non-renewable.
Veterans Scholarship
Eligibility:
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Be an honorably discharged veteran or current member of the Armed Services (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard) to include the Reserve and National Guard;
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Be enrolled in a two-year or four-year post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year; and
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Be a current or former participant in a TRIO/EOP program within the EOA region.
**This scholarship does not have a minimum GPA requirement.**
Amount: $500
Description: The Veterans Scholarship fund was established in collaboration with the EOA Foundation and the EOA Board of Directors. The scholarship is to help veterans with educational expenses as they pursue higher education.
ELI Scholarship
Eligibility:
1. Be a current TRIO/EOP student within the EOA region.
2. Be enrolled in a two-year or four-year post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year or anticipated enrollment for current high school seniors;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; and
4. Demonstrate strong leadership abilities in their community and/or advocacy efforts in their TRIO community.
Amount: $1,000
Description: The Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) Scholarship fund was established in collaboration with the EOA Emerging Leaders Institute and the EOA Foundation (EOAF). Since 2002, select EOA ELI cohorts have fundraised each year for student scholarships. One student in the EOA region will be awarded $1000.00 toward their educational needs. Each Chapter Scholarship Committee will select a semi-finalist for their respective chapter. The EOA Scholarship Committee will have a panel of readers to select the finalist for the current year award.

Scholarship Deadline
Mar. 20

2020 Winner: Janleigh Lindang

Student Support Services
Oakton Community College

James B. Hamilton and Thomas G. Mortenson TRIO/EOP Professional Research Award
Eligibility:
1. Eligibility-Current TRIO/EOP Professional:
(Application may be an individual or a group of professionals)
1. Be current TRIO/EOP program personnel during the scholarship award year.
2. Be an EOA members in good standing. EOA professionals may apply on their own behalf.
A nominator is not required.
3. Be conducting research that advances existing knowledge and best practices in college access, equity or completion specifically as it affects TRIO/EOP eligible students.
4. If applicant is not the project director, then a memo from project director affirming applicant’s project must be included.
Amount: $1,000
Description: Dr. James Hamilton (1933-1994) was a strong supporter of TRiO and EOP programs developing research and data to support the importance of programs and services for low-income
and first-generation students. Mr. Thomas G. Mortenson is a Senior Scholar at the Pell Institute.
He edits and publishes Postsecondary Education Opportunity (PEO), a monthly research
newsletter devoted to analysis and reporting on the demographics and socio-political nature of educational opportunity after high school.
Illinois Scholarships

IL TRIO Board of Director's College/Adult Scholarship
Eligibility:
1. Be a current IL TRIO college/adult program participant: EOC, McNair, SSS, or VUB
2. Be enrolled in or anticipate enrollment in a two-year or four-year post-secondary institution for the next academic year;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;
4. Demonstrate involvement in co-curricular and/or community activities;
5. Be nominated by a current IL TRIO member.
Amount: $500
Description: All students who are current participants in an Educational Opportunity Center, Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Program, Student Support Services or Veterans Upward Bound program in Illinois are invited to compete for a scholarship award of $500 for the next academic year. IL TRIO college/adult programs can submit up to five applications for this scholarship. Nominators must be a current member of IL TRIO.
2021 Winner: Shleana Morris

IL TRIO Board of Director's Pre-College Scholarship
Eligibility:
1. Be a current IL TRIO pre-college program participant in: ETS, UB, or UBMS;
2. Be a current high school senior and anticipate enrollment in a two-year or four-year postsecondary institution for the 2019-20 academic year;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;
4. Demonstrate involvement in co-curricular and/or community activities;
5. Be nominated by a current IL TRIO member.
Amount: $500
Description: All students who are current participants in an Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound,
or Upward Bound Math & Science are invited to compete for a scholarship award of $500 for the 2020-2021 academic year. IL TRIO pre-college programs can submit up to five applications for this scholarship. Nominators must be a current member of IL TRIO.

2021 Winner: Shaun Shannon


IL TRIO Board of Director's Textbook College/Adult Scholarship
Eligibility:
1. Be a current IL TRIO program participant in a : EOC, McNair, SSS or VUB program;
2. Be enrolled in, or anticipate enrollment in a two-year or four-year post-secondary institution for the 2018-19 academic year;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;
4. Demonstrate involvement in co-curricular and/or community activities;
5. Be nominated by a current IL TRIO member
Amount: $250
Description: All students who are current participants in an Educational Opportunity Center, Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Program, Student Support Service or Veterans Upward Bound program are invited to compete for one scholarship award of $250 for the 2019-2020 academic year. IL TRIO programs can submit up to five applications for this scholarship. Nominators must be a current member of IL TRIO.
2021 Winner: Melina Minaya


IL TRIO Board of Director's Textbook Pre-College Scholarship
Eligibility:
1. Be a current IL TRIO pre-college program participant in: ETS, UB, or UBMS;
2. Be a current high school senior and anticipate enrollment in a two-year or four-year postsecondary institution for the 2020-2021academic year;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;
4. Demonstrate involvement in co-curricular and/or community activities;
5. Be nominated by a current IL TRIO member.
Amount: $250
Description: All students who are current participants in an Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, or Upward Bound Math & Science program are invited to compete for one scholarship award of $250 for the 2020-2021 academic year. IL TRIO programs can submit up to five applications for this scholarship. Nominators must be a current member of IL TRIO, at the time application is submitted.
2020 Winner: Brooklynn Occhi

Upward Bound Math and Science
Carl Sandburg College

IL TRIO Past Presidents’ Advisory Council Student Leadership Adult/College Scholarship
Eligibility:
1. Be a current IL TRIO pre-college program participant in: ETS, UB, or UBMS;
2. Be a current high school senior and anticipate enrollment in a two-year or four-year postsecondary institution for the 2020-2021 academic year;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;
4. Demonstrate involvement in co-curricular and/or community activities;
5. Be nominated by a current IL TRIO member.
Amount: $500
Description: All students who are current participants in an Educational Opportunity Center, Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Program, Student Support Services, or Veterans Upward Bound program in Illinois are invited to compete for a scholarship award of $500 for the next academic year. IL TRIO programs can submit up to five applications for this scholarship. Nominators must be a current member of IL TRIO.
2021Winner: Catlin Johnson


IL TRIO Past Presidents’ Advisory Council Student Leadership Pre-College Scholarship
Eligibility:
1.Be a current IL TRIO participant: Talent Search, UB, UBMS;
2.Be enrolled in or anticipate enrollment in a two-year or four-year post-secondary institution for the next academic year;
3.Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;4.Demonstrate involvement in co-curricular and/or community activities;
5.Be nominated by a current IL TRIO member.
Amount: $500
Description: All students who are current participants in a Talent Search, Upward Bound Classic, or Upward Bound Math & Science Program in Illinois, are invited to compete for a scholarship award of $500 for the next academic year. IL TRIO programs can submit up to five applications for this scholarship. Nominators must be a current member of IL TRIO.
2021 Winner: Jesus Manuel Aguirre

Please note: The scholarship competition for the Illinois Chapter will end February 1, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. All EOA scholarships are disbursed in October from the EOA Foundation (EOAF) after student enrollment is confirmed. IL TRIO Awards are disbursed directly to the student in August after enrollment is confirmed. All nominators must be members of EOA and must login to submit the students nomination form and supporting documents.

