Illinois Bankers Association

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Scholarships

Illinois Bankers Scholarship Program

This program provides scholarship funding to high school graduates and college students seeking a degree in the financial services industry in order to promote the development and continuation of a vibrant talent pool of future leaders in the field of banking. Applications accepted between January 1 and March 31 with award recipients announced by May 31.

Apply Here download Scholarship program flier

Make A Contribution (Tax-Deductible)

All donations to the Illinois Bankers Scholarship Fund will be paid into and held in a segregated fund within Illinois Bankers Education Services, a not-for-profit subsidiary, EIN 36-4271815, of the Illinois Bankers Association, and will be used exclusively for the purpose of granting scholarships under this program to further professional careers in banking. Donations paid into and held in this fund may be tax deductible as charitable contributions to the extent permitted by law. No proceeds from this fund will be used for government advocacy or other purposes.

DONOR LEVEL RECOGNITION

Contributors will be recognized in the Illinois Banker magazine and displayed in the Illinois Bankers Center for Banking Excellence.

Friend $25 - $500
Supporter $501 - $1,000
Patron $1,001 - $5,001
Champion $5,000+

Four Ways to Contribute

Online (Secure): Giving Guide

Mobile Text: 44-321 with the message “IBGIVE

Mail: Illinois Bankers Education Services, Inc.
3201 W White Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Springfield, IL 62704
Checks made payable to Illinois Bankers Education Services Inc.

Amazon Smile: Place your orders thru Amazon Smile (Illinois Bankers Education Services Inc.)

Illinois Bankers Scholarship and Linda J. Koch Scholarship Criteria

    Several $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually from the Illinois Bankers Scholarship and the Linda J. Koch scholarship funds. Total awards are capped at 25% of the fund balance.

    Application Criteria

  • High school graduates enrolling in college and undergraduate college students seeking a financial industry-related degree

  • Student applicants must be sponsored by an IBA member financial institution and an accompanying bank officer 

  • Proof of enrollment or admission letter from a college or university; all accredited in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities are eligible 

  • Applications may be received and scholarships awarded in multiple years

  • Illinois residency is not required

  • Applicants are required to disclose their field of study; the Committee has the discretion to determine whether the curriculum falls within a banking industry-related degree

  • No demonstration of financial need is required

  • Applicants must include GPA and transcripts in the applications process

  • Linda J. Koch Scholarship is awarded to applicants who demonstrate exemplary leadership and service characteristics with a minimum 3.0 GPA

Sample Language for you to use

Share the Good News with Your Family, Friends and Co-workers!

Announcement to Your Staff 

Applications are now open for the Illinois Bankers Scholarship. The Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) is awarding several scholarships to high school graduates and college students seeking a related degree in the financial services industry. The scholarship is intended to help support and continue building a vibrant talent pool of future leaders in the field of banking. One important criterion is that applicants must be sponsored by an IBA member financial institution along with an officer from the bank. If you or a family member, or you know of a customer or other local resident who would be interested in applying, BANK welcomes the opportunity to sponsor the applicants. Applications may be accepted until March 31. To learn more, visit https://illinois.bank/Education-Events/Scholarship.

Announcement for High School Counselors and University Colleges 

Applications are now open for the Illinois Bankers Scholarship. As a member of the Illinois Bankers Association (IBA), [ENTER BANK NAME] is pleased to participate in the Illinois Bankers Scholarship Program. The IBA is awarding several scholarships to high school graduates and college students seeking a related degree in the financial services industry for the upcoming school year. The scholarship is intended to help support and continue building a vibrant talent pool of future leaders in the field of banking. Among other criteria, applicants must be sponsored by [BANK] or another IBA member financial institution and accompanying bank officer, must be considering a career in the financial services industry, and must provide proof of enrollment or admission letter from a college or university. We welcome the opportunity to sponsor your student applicants. Contact [ENTER BANK OFFICER NAME / CONTACT INFO] to learn more about the scholarship program. Applications accepted until March 31. To learn more about the Illinois Bankers Scholarship Fund, please visit: https://illinois.bank/Education-Events/Scholarship 

Announcement for Customers (social media, newsletters or other):

Applications are now open for the Illinois Bankers Scholarship. The Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) is awarding several scholarships to high school graduates and college students seeking a related degree in the financial services industry. The scholarship is intended to help support and continue building a vibrant talent pool of future leaders in the field of banking. One important criterion is that applicants must be sponsored by an IBA member financial institution along with an officer from the bank, must be considering a career in the financial services industry, and must provide proof of enrollment or admission letter from a college or university. As our valued customer, [ENTER BANK NAME] would welcome the opportunity to sponsor your application or another family member’s application. Applications accepted until March 31. To learn more about the Illinois Bankers Scholarship Fund, please visit: https://illinois.bank/Education-Events/Scholarship

GSB's Graduate School of Banking Scholarship

$1,500 per year, applicable to first year students only (total value $4,500)
This 25-month leadership development program provides the tools you need to be successful in your banking career. Explore a broad range of electives, learn from talented faculty and participate in hands-on learning projects that challenge you to put key concepts to work in the real world. At GSB, you’ll develop the critical thinking skills and leadership talents to manage change and motivate people by drawing on a clear understanding of all areas of financial services management. Application Deadline: May 1

Apply Here

GSB's Human Resource Management School Scholarship

Value: $1,050 (applied towards the $3,450 admission fee)
Designed specifically for financial services HR professionals to help tie together important banking and HR issues, this respected one-week school will expand your knowledge of the business of banking, human resource management and employee performance. Plus, you will return to your organization with a network of colleagues with whom to interact and exchange ideas for years to come. Application Deadline: February 18 (non-transferrable)

Apply Here

ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking

The recipient receives a one third discount off the tuition per year (first year students only).
This executive management school for the financial services industry is designed to develop leaders who are able to compete in the 21st century. The primary objectives of the school are to provide you with the knowledge and skills to recognize and solve executive management problems and to implement solutions. With an industry undergoing such rapid change, highly developed leadership skills are required to meet the challenges and rapid changes occurring in the industry. Stonier's intense three-year program brings together the best and the brightest minds in the banking industry to be challenged by expert faculty and fellow students. Through a variety of team-building experiences students are able to brainstorm and share ideas. They develop strategies to be proactive in today's competitive financial environment, improve their effectiveness and internal working relationships, and hone their skills in all areas of banking. Application Deadline: February 28

Apply Here

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