This is a list of scholarship websites and opportunities specific to the boundaries of the Algonquin Area Public Library District. This includes high schools in School Districts 155, 158, and 300 as well as the McHenry County College and Elgin Community College districts.
Little known fact for these local funds: many of them can’t find enough student applicants to take their free money. APPLY NOW!
Are you a foundation or organization with a scholarship fund? Get on the list by sending a message to teen@aapld.org.
For High School Students
Community Foundation for McHenry County – multiple types
A scholarship portal for McHenry County offering multiple different types of scholarships for members of the McHenry County community and designated for a certain cause, school, or region.
Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Foundation – multiple types
Must be: A high school senior or college student who attends Crystal Lake Community School District 155, Marian Central Catholic HIgh School, or McHenry County College.
District 158 Education Foundation – multiple types
Must be: A high school student of District 158.
Dundee Crown High School: Dundee Township Rotary Club – multiple types
Must be: Resident or student of the Dundee township.
Environmental Defenders of McHenry County – $2,000.00
Must study: Environment, conservation, or sustainability (or related fields).
Huntley American Legion Post #673 – multiple types
Must be: Interested in veteran or patriotic affairs.
Application PDF
Huntley High School: Hannah Evitts Active Legacy – $5,000.00
Must be: Huntley High School female student planning a career in the medical field.
Huntley High School: Huntley Education Association – $3,000.00
Must be: A Huntley High School student planning to study education / teaching.
Application PDF
Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation – multiple types
Must study: Education / teaching
Lake in the Hills Rotary Club – $500.00 – $1,000.00
Must be: Student at a high school residing in Lake in the Hills (LITH schools: Jacobs, Crystal Lake South, & Huntley HS).
Law Enforcement Records Managers of Illinois – $3,000.00
Must be: A student with a parent in Law Enforcement (current, retired, or fallen).
Must study: Criminal justice
Application PDF
McHenry County College – multiple types
A curated list of third-party scholarships for the McHenry County area.
McHenry County Farm Bureau Foundation Agriculture – $1,500.00
Must study: Farming, agriculture, or associated trades
McHenry County Genealogical Society – $1,000.00
Must study: History, preservation of history, or genetics
McHenry County Sheriff – $500.00
Must Be: A permanent Illinois Resident enrolled as a full-time student for the next academic school year.
Application Website
McHenry County Youth Sports Association in honor of Justin Schroeder
Must have: Participated as a roster player of a 15U host team in the MCYSA tournament or served as a volunteer, or was a family member of a home stay family.
Application PDF
Northern Kane County Pathways – multiple types
Must be: A student in District 300, District 301, District 303, or District U-46.
Right to Life McHenry County – $1,000.00
Must be: Pro-life advocate at your McHenry County high school.
Service League of Crystal Lake – $1,000.00 – $10,000.00
Must be: A high school student attending Crystal Lake Area High School.
Woodstock Fine Arts Association – $2,000.00
Must be: Involved in the arts (literary, performing, or visual)
For Community College Students
American Association of University Women Crystal Lake – $750.00
Must be: A 21+ woman enrolled at McHenry County College
Education to Empowerment – $10,000.00
Must attend: McHenry County College
Must be: A woman
Other Scholarship Search Engines
Bold – Explore thousands of exclusive college scholarships across hundreds of categories.
CollegExpress – An educational publisher and higher education marketing agency.
Niche – Offers thousands of scholarships (many of which don’t require an essay) to help more students afford college.
Sallie – Scholarships for high school seniors that can help you pay for college.
Scholarship Owl – Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships.
Scholarships 360 – A trusted platform helping students win scholarships and find colleges since 2011.