The Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarships. Click any title in the list below to view an explanation of each award and its eligibility requirements. You may view application instructions and download forms where available. A number of educational enrichment and professional development grants are also available.
For all OPRF area high school seniors
Kathy McMahon Adams Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 college scholarship
Description: The Kathy McMahon Adams Fund provides college scholarships to graduates of Ascension School in Oak Park, or parishioners of Ascension Church. Special consideration is given to students considering the teaching profession.
Eligibility: Open to graduates of Ascension School or Ascension Church parishioners who are high school seniors or current college students. (A desire to pursue a career in teaching receives extra consideration.)
Application Information: The scholarship application period closed on February 13, 2023 for this academic year. Thank you for your interest!
Catherine Devereux Brandstrader Scholarship
Amount: $1,500 college scholarship
Description: Mrs. Brandstrader's grandchildren established this scholarship to honor their grandmother who raised eight children with her husband Frederick in Oak Park. All three sons attended college, but the family did not have the funds to send their daughters.
Eligibility: Female graduating senior from Oak Park and River Forest, Fenwick or Trinity High Schools and who is also from a large family.
Application Information: The scholarship application period closed on February 13, 2023 for this academic year. Thank you for your interest!
Kiwanis Club of River Forest / Oak Park Scholarship
Amount: $500 to $2,000 college scholarships in 2022-23
Description: The Kiwanis Club of River Forest / Oak Park will award several scholarships to assist high school seniors who have demonstrated exemplary efforts in community service to others, achievements in scholastics, and extra-curricular activities to attend the college of their choice.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors who are residents of River Forest or Oak Park and are active in community service and extra-curricular activities.
Application Information: The scholarship application period closed on February 15, 2023 for this academic year. Thank you for your interest!
Oak Park Residence Corporation Scholarship Fund
Amount: $2,000; 4 year renewable scholarship
Description: Established for the benefit of high school graduates that reside, or have resided, in Oak Park Residence Corporation properties, to support their postsecondary educational plans. Postsecondary educational plans may include colleges, universities, trade or vocational schools.
Eligibility: Student must be a high school graduate, and a resident/ tenant of an Oak Park Residence Corporation property, located in Oak Park, Illinois for the first year of funding. In subsequent years of funding, residency in an Oak Park Residence Corporation property is not a requirement to be eligible for the renewal of the scholarship.
Application Information: The scholarship application period closed on January 20, 2023. Please contact Suzette Roman, [email protected] for more information.
Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest – Community Service Award
Amount: $1,500 college scholarships
Description: The Oak Park-River Forest Rotary club was founded in 1919 and is dedicated to the Rotary mission of "Service Above Self."
Eligibility: Graduating seniors who are residents of Oak Park or River Forest and are active in community service.
Application Information: The scholarship application period closed on February 13, 2023 for this academic year. Thank you for your interest!
For Oak Park and River Forest High School seniors
Bolin-Cooper Scholarship
Amount: $3,000 four-year, renewable college scholarship
Description: The Bolin-Cooper scholarship honors the memory of former Hockey Club players Kevin Bolin, who died in 2001, and John Cooper, who died in 1979.
Information: This scholarship is no longer accepting new applicants and is only open for renewal candidates in 2022-2023.
Kathleen Marian Garrigan Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 college scholarship
Description: The Kathleen Marian Garrigan Leadership award was established to commemorate the life of Kathleen Garrigan who was an alumnus of Oak Park and River Forest High School and three sport athlete.
Eligibility: Graduating senior at Oak Park and River Forest High School who has participated in sports, been active in community service and demonstrated leadership on and off the field. Academic performance is a consideration but not a priority.
Application Information: Applications are accepted through the OPRFHS Common Application, which closed on January 27, 2023 for this academic year. Thanks for your interest!
Bernard (Duke) Gawne Scholarship
Amount: $3,500 college scholarship
Description: The Bernard "Duke" Gawne scholarship was established in memory of Mr. Gawne, a long-time Oak Park resident whose children attended Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors at Oak Park and River Forest High School who have demonstrated financial need, at least a 3.0 gpa, and have participated in extracurricular activities and community service.
Application Information: Applications are accepted through the OPRFHS Common Application, which closed on January 27, 2023 for this academic year. Thanks for your interest!
Muehrcke Family Fund Scholar Athlete Award
Amount: $5,000 one-time renewable college scholarship in second semester of freshman year
Description: This scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Robert Muehrcke, who established a medical team for athletes within the West Suburban Conference and served as the athletic team physician for Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Eligibility: High school seniors at Oak Park and River Forest High School who demonstrate leadership in athletics during their high school career and explicitly plan to pursue a four-year, post-secondary degree related to medicine, such as medicine, dentistry, nursing or physical therapy. The high school senior selected must have at least a 4.0 gpa and be expected to achieve and maintain a minimum 3.2 Grade Point Average (GPA) during the first semester of college.
Application Information: Applications are accepted through the OPRFHS Common Application, which closed on January 27, 2023 for this academic year. Thanks for your interest!
Oak Park and River Forest High School Hockey Club Scholarship
Amount: $1,500 college scholarship
Description: This one year college scholarship was established for the benefit of active student members of the OPRFHS Hockey Club, who demonstrate leadership skills on and off the ice.
Eligibility: Residents of River Forest and Oak Park who are currently a member of the OPRF Hockey Club, in their senior year of high school and plan to attend college
Application Information: Please contact the OPRF Hockey Club President, Laura Fransen, for 2023-2024 application information at [email protected].
Oak Park-River Forest High School Scholarship Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Various scholarships
Description: The Oak Park and River Forest High School Scholarship Foundation Fund provides a number of scholarships and awards to graduating seniors at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Criteria depend upon the individual scholarship awarded.
Eligibility: Students of Oak Park and River Forest High School
Details: For information and online application, visit: www.scholarships4oprfhs.org
Application Information: Applications are accepted through the OPRFHS Common Application, which closed on January 27, 2023 for this academic year. Thanks for your interest!
The Shepard Family Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 college scholarship
Description: The Shepard Family Memorial Scholarship was established is in memory of Harold Shepard and Dr. Marcia Hubbard-Shepard who raised their family in Oak Park and whose children are alumni and/or currently attend OPRF High School. Dr. Hubbard-Shepard was a pathologist and Harold Shepard was a tech entrepreneur. This scholarship is focused on encouraging an African-American male or female interested in pre-medicine, technology or entrepreneurship to pursue such careers. Scholarships will be distributed directly to the institute of higher learning, i.e. college or university.
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors of OPRF High School
Application Information: Applications are accepted through the OPRFHS Common Application, which closed on January 27, 2023 for this academic year. Thanks for your interest!
Elizabeth Snow Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $500 college scholarship
Description: Elizabeth Snow was a much loved, respected and active leader in the civic and cultural life of Oak Park.
Eligibility: Graduating senior at Oak Park and River Forest High School planning to pursue the study of French as a major or minor during college.
Application Information: Applications are accepted through the OPRFHS Common Application, which closed on January 27, 2023 for this academic year. Thanks for your interest!
Tibensky Family Scholarship
Amount: $2,000 four-year renewable college scholarship
Description: The Tibensky family established this scholarship to provide mentoring and opportunities for students that demonstrate financial need.
Eligibility: Oak Park and River Forest High School students
Application Information: Applications are not being accepted for the school year 2022-2023.
William and Joyce Wartmann Scholarship
Amount: $1,500 college scholarship(s)
Description: Mr. Wartmann honors his mentor, art teacher Arthur Peltz, with this scholarship that encourages students that are inspired by the arts but might not have excelled otherwise academically.
Eligibility: Students of Oak Park and River Forest High School, active in the arts, special consideration given to students with mid-level academic performance.
Application Information: Applications are accepted through the OPRFHS Common Application, which closed on January 27, 2023 for this academic year. Thanks for your interest!
Braley Family | Wood Scholarship
Amount: $2,000 college scholarship(s)
Description: This scholarship honors long-time community leaders James and Yvonne Wood.
Eligibility: Graduating senior at Oak Park and River Forest High School
Application Information: Applications are accepted through the OPRFHS Common Application, which closed on January 27, 2023 for this academic year. Thanks for your interest!
19th Century Charitable Association
Amount: $2,000 college scholarships, renewable for four years
Description: The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association promotes social responsibility and life-long learning as it serves our community.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Priority is based on financial need, academic excellence and community service.
Application Information: Applications are accepted through the OPRFHS Common Application, which closed on January 27, 2023 for this academic year. Thanks for your interest!
Other area scholarship opportunities
Brookdale Oak Park Employee Scholarship (Oak Park, IL)
Amount: Annual scholarship renewable an additional five years in tiered amounts.
Description: The Brookdale Oak Park Employee Scholarship was founded by the former James Marshall while he lived at Brookdale to help employees further their post-secondary education. The scholarship is focused on providing support to students for all years while they attend school and work at Brookdale Senior Living Oak Park. The annual scholarship amounts are tiered as the student advances in her/his degree with a maximum of 6 years in support (schedule available upon request).
Eligibility: Open to all employees of Brookdale Senior Living, Oak Park, IL who are pursuing an Associate or Bachelor Degree in an accredited institution of higher education. This scholarship is not competitive.
How to Apply: Applications are accepted annually during the summer. Questions, please contact Patrick Carroll, the Resident Services Director at Brookdale Senior Living, at [email protected].
Jack Kunkle Memorial Scholarship (Lyons Township)
Amount: $2,000 college scholarship(s)Jack Kunkle
Description: The Jack Kunkle Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2015 to honor Jack’s memory and award Lyons Township seniors who have participated in performing arts, including theatre, improvisation, choir, WLTL, and LTTV. Special consideration will be given to students who have emulated Jack’s creativity and generous spirit with fellow writers and performers.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors at Lyons Township High School (LaGrange, IL) who have been active in performing arts.
Application: Please contact Cody Dailey, College and Career Center Coordinator at Lyons Township High School for more information at [email protected].
Justin W. Leong Scholarship (Thomas Kelly College Prep)
Amount: $3,000 scholarship renewable for one additional year for a potential total of $6,000
Description: The Justin W. Leong Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 by John Y. Leong, Ph.D., an immigrant and graduate of Thomas Kelly College Prep, in honor of his son and appreciation for his experience in high school. Dr. Leong is a retired physicist, currently residing in Silicon Valley, California. The scholarship is funding for vocational or trade school training.
Eligibility: Any current Thomas Kelly College Prep senior or graduate may apply for funding to attend vocational or trade school training beyond high school. Award may be used for tuition or any school related expense. Multiple criteria will be considered including any demonstrated potential for advancement in the chosen trade, unique endeavors, character and maturity, community service, work history, unusual challenges, and extreme financial hardship.
How to Apply: Link HERE for application. Deadline to apply is March 17, 2023.
Muehrcke Family Fund Scholar Athlete Award (Lakeside Lutheran, WI)
Amount: $5,000 one-time renewable college scholarship in second semester of freshman year
Description: This scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Robert Muehrcke, who established a medical team for athletes within the West Suburban Conference and served as the athletic team physician for Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Eligibility: High school seniors at Lakeside Lutheran High School who demonstrate leadership in athletics during their high school career and explicitly plan to pursue a four-year, post-secondary degree related to medicine, such as medicine, dentistry, nursing or physical therapy. The high school senior selected must have at least a 4.0 gpa and be expected to achieve and maintain a minimum 3.2 Grade Point Average (GPA) during the first semester of college.
How to Apply: Please contact Andy Rosenau at Lakeside Lutheran for more information at [email protected].
Bridget Noobler Memorial Scholarship Fund (CICS Northtown Academy)
Amount: $2,000 college scholarship
Description: Mrs. Bridget Noobler served the Northtown community as a teacher, team leader, assistant principal, and, briefly, as an interim principal. She was known for having a remarkably smart, witty sense of humor that helped her lead her teams and support her students, even during challenging periods. During her tenure, she distinguished herself as a staunch advocate for students and teachers, focused intently on building a welcoming, vibrant community. The Fund has been established in memory of Ms. Noobler, for the benefit of graduating seniors of CICS Northtown Academy that seek to attend post-secondary education and demonstrate financial need.
Eligibility: Open to CICS Northtown Academy seniors who:
- Work hard academically
- Advocate for all students & contributes to safe, welcoming environment
- Contribute to campus spirit and fun
Application: Please contact Kathy Kreiling, Northtown Scholarship Committee: [email protected] for more information.
The Harold D. Shepard Memorial Scholarship (Lane Tech)
Amount: $1,000 college scholarship
Description: The Harold D. Shepard Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Harold D. Shepard, an alumnus of Lane Technical College Prep High School class of 1966. Upon graduating from Lane Tech, Harold attended DeVry University and then went on to work at IBM before starting his data processing and fulfillment company. This scholarship is focused on providing financial assistance for an African-American male or female with an interest in technology or entrepreneurship.
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors of Lane Tech College Prep High School
How to Apply: Please contact the Director of the Lane Tech Alumni Association, or Michelle Weiner at [email protected] for more information.
Dr. Marcia L. Hubbard-Shepard Memorial Scholarship (Shaker Heights, OH)
Amount: $1,000 college scholarships
Description: The Dr. Marcia L. Hubbard-Shepard Memorial Scholarship is in memory of Dr. Marcia Hubbard-Shepard who is from Shaker Heights, OH and attended Shaker Heights High School. Dr. Hubbard-Shepard was a pathologist at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The scholarship is focused on providing support and mentorship to an African-American male or female with an interest in the pre-medicine, math or sciences.
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors of Shaker Heights High School
How to Apply: Please contact Denise Johnson at Shaker Heights High School: [email protected].
Braley Family | Wood Scholarship (Geneva High School)
Amount: $2,000 college scholarships
Description: This scholarship honors long-time community leaders James and Yvonne Wood.
Eligibility: Graduating senior at Geneva High Schools
How to Apply: Geneva HS Students apply using your high school common scholarship application. Contact Joy Wilson at [email protected].
