Among the requirements for scholarships to be awarded by the Township Officials of Illinois is this one:

“Must submit a 500-word essay on The Role of Township Government in Today’s Society and in the Future that will include information gained from an interview with an elected township official.”

The scholarship is worth $2,000 and there are seven given out each year. TOI explains.

The full announcement follows:

TOI 2023 Scholarship Application is Open!

It’s that time again, the TOI Scholarship Application is open! Seven $2,000 Scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors this year.

Each year since 1989, the Scholarship Fund has awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors to continue their education at Illinois colleges/universities. Seven $2,000 scholarships were given in 2022, making a total of $359,500 that have been awarded to 214 students over the years. 

Please share this email and the application (linked below) to the high schools in your area, and with any graduating high school seniors you know.

To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

•   Must be a graduating Illinois high school senior.
•   Must be applying to attend a university/college located in Illinois. Awards may not be deferred. If you need to change schools after being awarded a scholarship, please contact the TOI office as soon as possible.
•   Must be a U.S. citizen and resident of Illinois.
•   Must plan to attend a university/college in Illinois as a full time student.
•   Must have a history of extracurricular activities that demonstrates a willingness to accept
•    responsibilities (student government, club officer, etc.) or a commitment to civic
• responsibility, consciousness and a willingness to serve the community (community service projects, volunteer activities with  local service agencies or charitable institutions, etc.)
•    Must submit a 500-word essay on The Role of Township Government in Today’s Society
• and in the Future that will include information gained from an interview with an elected township official.
•    Must submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, local officials or business people.
•   Must submit an official high school transcript.
•   Must submit a cover letter and completed application form.
•   Must be mailed no later than March 1, 2023. Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

For more information, contact the TOI office at (217) 744-2212 or by email kayla@toi.org