The Gold Star Mission Scholarship is for students who are driven to make a difference.
Gold Star Mission scholarships are available to Illinois students who demonstrate academic potential, service to others, and a commitment to their community.
Scholarship Details
- Offered by Gold Star Mission
- Supports students with an Illinois connection
- Open to high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students, trade and technical students, and adult learners
- Recognizes academic potential, service to others, and community commitment
- Applications open November 1st
- Application deadline is February 1st
- Applicants may submit an optional demographic questionnaire, but it is not required
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an Illinois student
- High school applicants must be Illinois seniors planning to continue their education
- College and university applicants may be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs, including community colleges
- Trade and technical students must be pursuing certificate programs, trade education, or technical education at an accredited Illinois institution
- Adult and returning learners pursuing degrees or new educational and career opportunities are eligible
- Applicants should demonstrate academic potential, service to others, and commitment to their community
Application Process
- Complete the Gold Star Mission Scholarship application.
- Prepare a personal cover letter describing yourself, your educational and career goals, and what you hope to accomplish.
- Write a 500-word essay explaining how you have helped, or would help, honor and preserve the memory of fallen service members. Include your ideas about contributing to Gold Star Mission's commitment to remembrance.
- Obtain one letter of recommendation from someone who is not a family member.
- Provide official or unofficial academic transcripts.
- Include a letter of acceptance from a college, university, trade school, or technical school.
- Submit the completed application and supporting materials by February 1st.
The Gold Star Mission scholarship program honors the brave men and women from Illinois who gave their lives in service to our country by investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators and community members.
