Scholarships

Program

We are proud to offer the Edwardsville Lodge #99 Scholarship Program. Established to support educational opportunity and community development in Madison County, Illinois, the program provides financial assistance to qualified students pursuing post-secondary education at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, or technical/vocational schools.

Our scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, leadership, and personal character. The program is open to all qualified applicants regardless of Masonic affiliation. We make no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, economic status, or any other protected characteristic.

Eligibility

To be considered, applicants must:

  • Be a resident of Madison County, Illinois, or a current or recent graduate of a high school located within Madison County, Illinois (public, private, or parochial).

  • Be accepted for enrollment, or currently enrolled, at an accredited college, university, community college, or technical/vocational school in the United States.

  • Demonstrate strong academic performance (e.g., competitive GPA and rigorous coursework) and financial need.

Requirements

A completed application package must be submitted by the annual deadline of April 1st. Required materials include:

  • Completed Scholarship Application Form (includes student and parent/guardian contact information, intended school and major)

  • Official or counselor-certified high school transcript

  • Personal essay (300–1,000 words) addressing one or more of the following:

    • Educational goals and how college will help achieve them

    • Career aspirations and how your chosen field aligns with your strengths and interests

    • Community involvement, volunteer service, extracurricular activities, or leadership roles

    • Explanation of financial need and how the scholarship would make a difference

    • Why you believe you deserve this scholarship

  • 1–3 letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, or community leaders

  • Proof of acceptance or current enrollment (acceptance letter or enrollment verification)

Apply Now: Application Form

Download the Brochure: Brochure

Selection

The Scholarship Committee reviews all completed applications using an objective, nondiscriminatory process. Evaluation is based on:

  • Academic performance and rigor of coursework

  • Quality and insight of the personal essay

  • Strength of recommendation letters

  • Demonstrated financial need

  • Community involvement and leadership potential

Final selections are made by majority vote of the Scholarship Committee, with recommendations forwarded to the Lodge for funding approval. Award amounts are determined annually based on available funds, the number of qualified applicants, and individual need. Scholarships are paid directly to the educational institution for qualified expenses (tuition, fees, books, etc.).

Renewal

Scholarships may be renewed in subsequent years (subject to available funds) if the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress (typically a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA) and submits a timely re-application with updated transcripts and proof of continued enrollment.

Additional Opportunities

In addition to our local awards, selected Edwardsville Lodge #99 scholarship recipients may be eligible for supplemental funding through the Grand Lodge of Illinois’ Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP). For each student we select, the Scholarship Committee will submit an IMCAP application (with the student’s consent) during the appropriate cycle. Receipt of IMCAP funds does not affect eligibility for or the amount of our Lodge scholarship. Approval of IMCAP assistance is at the sole discretion of the Grand Lodge of Illinois.

Questions

For more information about the Edwardsville Lodge #99 Scholarship Program, please contact the Scholarship Committee at scholarships@edwardsvillemasons.org.

We look forward to supporting the next generation of Madison County students!