Scholarships

Illinois Bankers Scholarship Program

This program benefits high school graduates and college students seeking a degree in the financial services sector.

The Illinois Bankers Scholarship Program promotes the development and continuation of a vibrant talent pool of future leaders in the field of banking. The Illinois Bankers Scholarship Committee reviews and selects applications received by high school graduates and college students seeking a degree in the financial services sector – from finance and accounting to marketing and IT. Applications are accepted between January 1 and March 31 with award recipients announced by May 31.

Scholarship Application (Apply Here)

    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 (any level of banking officer referral is acceptable)
  • 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

Apply Here

Share with Family, Friends and Co-workers (Sample Language)

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. Learn more by visiting Illinois Bankers 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 are accepted until March 31. Learn more by visiting Illinois Bankers 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. Among other criteria, 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 an 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 are accepted until March 31. Learn more by visiting Illinois Bankers Scholarship.

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 West White Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Springfield, IL 62704
Checks made payable to Illinois Bankers Education Services Inc.

Other Scholarship Programs

Future Leadership Alliance Scholarship

For New or Seasoned Bank Professionals

The Future Leaders Alliance program is a 14-month talent-building program cultivating the next generation of bank leaders. The unique program builds employee confidence, creates a positive environment, and strengthens the organization’s performance. Enrollment begins in the fall with session one starting in January/February of the next year. To minimize the program cost, we offer two FLA Scholarships per class.

Apply Now (application period closes at the start of the current class)

Scholarship Partners

We are proud to partner with the Graduate School of Banking at Madison-Wisconsin and the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking to present the following scholarship programs.

GSB Graduate School of Banking Scholarship

Value: $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 financial services areas. Submission deadline May 1st. 

Apply Here

GSB Human Resource Management School Scholarship

Value: $700 (applied towards the $2,725 admission fee)
Designed specifically for HR financial services professionals to tie together banking and HR issues, this respected one-week school expands 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. Submission deadline February 18th.

Apply Here

ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking

The recipient receives a one-third discount off the tuition per year (first-year students only).

Stonier is specifically designed to prepare senior-level bankers and regulators for the decision-making and oversight required to navigate change. The school is focused on providing the knowledge and skills to recognize and address high-level management issues and implement effective solutions. Leadership courses taught by faculty from the Wharton School are designed to help you take on broader responsibilities and create more value for your organization. Initial courses focus on individual styles, skill sets, and development and then turn to more complex managerial and leadership solutions at the enterprise level.

The Jeffrey and Diana Owen Scholarship Fund awards one scholarship each year to cover tuition for a student to attend the first year of the American Bankers Association’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking. The scholarship is open to first-year participants who work with community banks and have applied and been accepted to either Year 1 or the Accelerated program. Submission deadline February 28th. 

Apply Here