High school seniors from select counties in Central Illinois who plan to attend Eastern Illinois University have an exciting opportunity for financial support. The EIU Community Ambassador Scholarship, funded by local businesses and community members, awards $2000 to qualified students. This one-time scholarship recognizes individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to higher education and serve as role models in their communities.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be a high school senior due to graduate in the Spring.
- Must attend high school in Champaign, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Jasper, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, Richland, Shelby, or Vermilion county.
- Must complete the online application form and submit a personal statement/essay.
- Optional submission of at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, principal, supervisor or mentor.
- Must be admitted to Eastern Illinois University by March 15.
APPLICATION & DEADLINE
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- All scholarship application materials are due by March 15.
- Students can apply here once admitted to EIU.
- Still need to apply to EIU? Our online application is fast, free and mobile-friendly!
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
In 2017, the local office of Wells Fargo Advisors, under the leadership of Managing Director Gary Swearingen, donated $20,000 to establish the Community Ambassador Scholarship Fund. This fund supports local high school students who plan to continue their education at EIU. Since its inception, numerous local businesses and individuals have generously contributed to this fund.
Tier I Donors
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SC3F Wealth Management Group |
Sarah Bush Lincoln Mattoon, IL |
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| Midland States Bank Effingham, IL |
Heartland Dental Effingham, IL |
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| First Neighbor Bank Toledo, IL |
Julie & Bob Sterling Charleston, IL |
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| Dan & Jeanne Cunningham Mattoon, IL |
Carle Foundation Champaign, IL |
Tier II Donors
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| KC Summers Mattoon, IL |
Tier III Donors
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Consolidated Communications
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Agracel Inc.
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Doehring Winders and Co.
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Mary Bomball
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West and Co., LLC
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Jerry & Lana Esker
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Judy Ethell
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Washington Savings Bank
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Diepholz Auto
Tier IV Donors
- Robert Carr
- James Bailey
- Chris Considine
- Davis-Houk Mechanical Inc
- Dr. Philip Kepp
- Don Yost
Interested in Contributing to the Community Ambassador Scholarship? Fill out the Community Ambassador Pledge Form and return to Amber May via email at ammay@eiu.edu or mail to Amber May, 600 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL 61920.
Gracie Dow
Elementary Education, Mattoon, IL
I am personally responsible for paying for all of my tuition and college expenses. Doing so on a part-time income can be very stressful, therefore all of the assistance and financial aid I receive is extremely beneficial for me to reach my professional goals and aspirations in life. My personal goal is to graduate debt free in order to set myself up for a stress-free future, so I am so grateful to receive this scholarship.
Austin Ames
Accounting & Finance Lerna, IL
This scholarship has helped me tremendously. By receiving this scholarship, it has allowed me to work with less stress and help me accomplish my future aspirations…Now that I have this scholarship, I will be able to keep my money that I worked so hard for and spend, save, or give to others like I have been given. Once I do reach a higher financial status, I plan to set up a scholarship fund to give to a young adult like myself to spark their dreams, hopes, ambitions, and aspirations as they enter a new chapter of their life…This scholarship has inspired me to pay it forward once I become successful.
Olivia Lane
Public Relations, Charleston, IL
Coming from a low-income household and being a first-generation college student, Eastern’s overall cost and scholarship opportunities were helpful. We have the most understanding and friendly faculty who are very diverse with their teaching styles. And the students are amazing to interact with.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Donation Information
Amber May
Director, Alumni Services &
Executive Director, EIU Alumni Association
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-6616
ammay@eiu.edu
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Student Services Building, East Wing
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-6405
finaid@eiu.edu