There are many ways to find scholarship money. One of the best is through the Black Hawk College Foundations. We also offer academic and athletic achievement awards specifically for BHC students and can recommend other sources.
Black Hawk College Foundations Scholarships
The two Black Hawk College Foundations (East Campus and Quad-Cities Campus) have more than 200 scholarships available to you as a full- or part-time student. Scholarship opportunities are based on academic performance, financial need and/or area of study. Benefit from the generosity of the many individuals and organizations who believe in your education.
Quad-Cities Campus Foundation »
East Campus Foundation »
Foundations Scholarship Application
The Foundations Scholarship Application must be submitted from March 15 to June 1 each year to be eligible for the following academic year. Students complete only one application whether they are enrolling at the Quad-Cities Campus or the East Campus. However, once in the application, you must select the campus you will be attending in order to qualify for scholarships specific to each campus. Recipients are notified during the summer.
Browse or Apply for BHC Foundations Scholarships
NOTE: The East Campus CNA scholarship applications are awarded through a separate process, for the application and more information visit the Black Hawk College East Foundation website.
BHC Presidential Scholars
In-district high school seniors in the top 10% of their graduating class at the end of seven semesters are eligible for the Black Hawk College Presidential Scholars Award. For early graduates (after 3½ years), class rank after six semesters will be used. You must have attended a public high school or a Higher Learning Commission-accredited private high school within the Illinois Community College District #503 to qualify. Presidential Scholars are awarded 100% of their tuition up to 16 credit hours per semester. An administration fee of $30 per credit hour will be assessed.
Presidential Scholars-eligible high schools
- Alleman High School
- AlWood High School
- Annawan High School
- Cambridge High School
- Erie High School
- Galva High School
- Geneseo High School
- Kewanee High School
- Mercer County High School
- Moline High School
- Orion High School
- Riverdale High School
- Rock Island High School
- Rockridge High School
- Sherrard High School
- Stark County High School
- United Township High School
- Wethersfield High School
Qualifying students will receive a packet in the spring and must accept by May 15. Presidential Scholars must enroll full-time immediately after graduation from high school. Summer enrollment is optional. Presidential Scholars must maintain a 3.25 cumulative grade point average to renew the scholarship.
Other BHC Achievement Awards
Several academic departments and athletic teams offer tuition awards to talented students. You need to enroll full-time and maintain the requirements of the department. Awards are based on credit hours up to 16 credit hours per semester. An administration fee of $30 per credit hour will be assessed.
Black Hawk College partners with Educational Assistance Ltd. (EAL) to provide scholarships to needy students from donated excess inventory. EAL places inventory of new and used items with accredited colleges in their network. In return, colleges create scholarships. Black Hawk College partially funds achievement awards with EAL assistance.
Private Scholarships
Scholarships may be from an industry, service group, professional organization, foundation, church, state government or academic department. You can search for scholarships then follow the donor’s application guidelines and deadlines. Each donor sets their requirements of what they’re looking for in a scholarship recipient.
Be wary of scholarship search scams where you pay to apply. There are no guarantees or money-back offers for scholarships.
Online resources
Petersons »
UNIGO – formerly Scholarship Experts »
College Greenlight »