Southern Illinois Blacks in Government Scholarship

The Mission of Blacks in Government (BIG) is to enable all present and future Black employees in Local, State, and Federal government agencies to have the ability to maximize their career opportunities and provide a mechanism for inclusion, growth and advocacy. Our goals and objectives are to be an advocate of equal opportunity for Blacks in Government, to eliminate practices of racism and racial discrimination against Blacks in Government and to develop and promote programs which will enhance ethnic pride and educational opportunities for Blacks in Government. We are dedicated to promoting personal and professional growth and feel it is important for our young leaders to build a strong educational foundation for their future by awarding a deserving student a one-time $1,000.00 scholarship to attend a College/University of their choice.

Eligibility Criteria
High school senior or current college student
Resident of one of the following Illinois Counties: Clinton, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, Bond, Jersey, Calhoun
Plan to enroll in an institution of higher learning for the 2025-2026 academic school year.
GPA 3.0 or higher
Demonstrate a recognizable need for financial assistance

Scholarship recipients will be required to share a photo with the organization for award purposes..

Contact support@myscholarshipcentral.org with any questions.

Award
$1,000
Deadline
03/31/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. Parent/Guardian Name(s)
  2. Parent/Guardian Address(es)
  3. Class rank
  4. Upload your 2025-2026 FAFSA Submission Summary.
  5. Upload a letter of acceptance from a college or university (high school seniors) or proof of enrollment (current college students).
  6. List any extracurricular school activities or family responsibilities, including the activity, the time involved, dates of involvement, and position(s) held:
  7. List honors or awards that you have received, including the name, date, and type of recognition.
  8. List any volunteer/community activities, including the activity, the time involved, dates of involvement, and position(s) held:
  9. List any work experience, including company name, dates of employment, hours worked per week, and position(s) held:
  10. List hobbies, talents and skills.

  11. Please submit an essay of at least 500 words addressing ONE of the following topics:

    My chosen field of study is …because …

    How my community, church or family has influenced me

    Why it is important for me to attend college

  12. RECOMMENDATION - TEACHER/PROFESSOR - Enter the name and e-mail address of a qualified individual who will submit a recommendation on your behalf. NOTE: As the applicant, it is your responsibility to inform that person to watch for an email sent on your behalf that will explain how to complete this process.
  13. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION #2 (Community Member/Coach/Employer): Enter the name and e-mail address of someone from the community who will submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. NOTE: As the applicant, it is your responsibility to inform that person to watch for an e-mail sent on your behalf that will explain how to complete this process. Only submit contact information for recommenders who you have already spoken with and have agreed to write a letter.
  14. I give permission to Southern Illinois Chapter BIG. to use, without charge and without reservation, the likeness of my child in any medium and for any lawful purpose, including promoting the organization, its programs and services. I waive any rights of action I may have and release Southern Illinois Chapter BIG from any and all claims I may have arising from use of my child’s likeness, including any right to sue for defamation or violation of my rights of privacy or publicity.
  15. APPLICANT SIGNATURE: By entering my full name below, I authorize the administrators of this scholarship and its agents to examine, verify and discuss my academic and/or financial records and other information which applies to the consideration of this application. I certify that all answers are accurate and truthful to the best of my knowledge, and that all information in the application and essays are my own work.
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