The Edwardsville Community Foundation has announced the opening of their 2025 scholarship applications. The ECF has been providing local students a chance to secure more financial aid for higher education for 27 years.
Applications opened Jan. 20 and will close March 15.
Any high school seniors at EHS, Father McGivney and Metro-East Lutheran High School are eligible. Applicants should be ready to meet several academic, extracurricular and community service requirements during the application process.
According to the ECF scholarship website, last year’s cycle awarded a record-breaking $125,000 in scholarships.
Senior Jumana Bahrainwala said that, to her, there’s no downside to applying.
“I’m applying for these scholarships simply because they are open,” Bahrainwala said. “There is no downside in applying, especially if their description fits the type of person that I am.”
As Bahrainwala starts her applications, she is hopeful to earn any of the scholarships, specifically the ones that align with her future career.
“I think all the questions are reasonable and important information to see who they’re looking for for each scholarship,” Bahrainwala said.
While seniors can apply for scholarships through the ECF, others require coaches or staff to recommend a student for a scholarship. Some include the Loretta “Babs” Enloe Memorial Edwardsville CEO Scholarship and the Sharon Petty Field Hockey Scholarship.
According to the ECF website, there are over 30 different scholarships tailored to an applicant’s specific field of interest.
Senior Samantha Huffman is hopefully to receive any of the scholarships offered.
“I’m hoping that I’m eligible for anything,” Huffman said. “As of right now though, my biggest concern is just getting them done.”
Huffman, like Bahrainwala, sees no harm in applying to try and receive some extra money for college.
“Applying won’t hurt, it could potentially be money that can help me out with tuition,” Huffman said.
Father McGivney ‘24 grad Jaiden Zook received about $2,000 from the Friends of the Wildey Scholarship, which is geared toward those pursuing a career in the fine arts.
“The scholarship I received provided me with the money I needed to attend my desired school,” Zook said.
According to Zook, the application process was intense but necessary because ECF receives so many applicants from all three schools.
Zook recalls people being stressed because they waited until the deadline to submit their application.
“Getting any of the scholarships is really competitive,” Zook said. “My biggest piece of advice for the seniors would be to not wait until the last minute to apply.”