EIU Office of Belonging, Access, & Engagement

Scholarships

To apply for scholarships please go here.

What Specific Scholarships Does the Office of Belonging, Access & Engagement Administer?

Our office manages nine scholarships. All monies will be applied against university costs (tuition, fees, housing, etc.).

1. I. Roberta Bell Scholarship
   

   Awarded to incoming minority freshmen. Applicants with good academic records and strong performance in extracurricular activities are encouraged to apply. Each scholarship recipient will be assigned a mentor. (Privately funded.)

2. Minority Affairs Scholars Award (MASA)
   

   Awarded to incoming, first-time freshmen students with good academic backgrounds and a strong record of extracurricular activities.

3. Johnetta Jones Scholarship
   

   Awarded to a student accepted to and enrolled full time at Eastern Illinois University. The student must be enrolled in the Gateway Program and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.50.

4. Nate Anderson Scholarship
   

   Awarded to a minority student enrolled full time at Eastern Illinois University who has completed 24 credit hours at EIU and has a minimum grade point average of 2.50. Preference is given to freshman students planning to return for their sophomore year. Applicants must be well-rounded, academically talented, and demonstrate a need for financial assistance to continue their education. (Privately funded.)

5. Ona Norton Scholarship
   

   Awarded to a full-time African American student who is eligible for graduation, has a 3.50 or higher grade point average, and who has rendered significant service to the University and/or Charleston community. No application necessary. (Privately funded.)

6. Gerardo J. Solis Latino/Latina Scholarship
   

   Awarded to a full-time undergraduate Latino/Latina student for fall semester. Must be majoring in a degree program within the College of Sciences, be in good academic standing, and have completed a minimum of 48 hours of coursework at Eastern Illinois University. Preference is given to candidates demonstrating financial need. (Privately funded.)

7. Dean James E. Johnson Scholarship
   

   Awarded to a full-time, incoming freshman who is accepted to EIU and must maintain a minimum GPA of at least 2.5. A past recipient is also eligible to apply provided he/she continues to meet the criteria. Applicant should have a well-defined academic goal and a broad interest in sports and recreation in American life. Financial need is a consideration. (Privately funded.)

8. Redmond-Bey Annual Scholarship

   Awarded to a sophomore, junior or senior student and must be a member of any National Pan-Hellenic Council Organization (NPHC); which may include active or inactive NPHC members. Applicant must have an overall minimum GPA of a 2.5. [For this scholarship: the applicant must submit a brief essay explaining how they demonstrated commitment to scholarship, community service, and cultural enrichment].

9. Liz Halbert-Edwards Memorial Scholarship

At the time of selection, the recipient(s) must be a student of color with a minimum of 45 semester hours to Eastern Illinois University. The recipient(s) must be in academic good standing. The recipient(s) must be involved in public service/community service on campus. Student must be an active member of a recognized student organization on campus. The recipient(s) must show financial need. In the event that there are several suitable applicants, preference will be given to the recipient(s) with the greatest financial need.

All scholarship applicants must send in two (2) letters of recommendation and a transcript (unofficial EIU transcript or official high school transcript if you are currently enrolled in high school.) A one-page essay on "What does a college education mean to me and how does/will my involvement in organizations, public service, and/or fraternities or sororities enhance my educational experience?" is also required and may be attached to the online application before submitting.

The application and all supporting documents must be received on or before March 1. Notification of awards will be after June 1.

Office of Belonging, Access & Engagement
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920

Other Scholarship Opportunities

• TRIO Scholarships
• Other EIU Scholarships
• Other Minority Scholarships
• EIU's Emerging Leaders Program
• Illinois Student Assistance Commission
  

  Whether you are a student or parent, at College Zone you’ll find information just for you. This website also allows a student to complete a student profile. This data is then matched against a national database of federal, state, and private scholarships free of charge. Applicants receive information back through e-mail on possible scholarship matches, and can then apply for the awards.