Illinois Association for Gifted Children

Awards and Scholarships

IAGC provides a variety of scholarship and recognition opportunities for parents, educators, students or community members. Earn scholarship funds to develop your own talents, recognize someone who is making a difference in the lives of gifted young people, or support the professional development of someone you admire with an IAGC scholarship or award. All award winners are recognized at the annual IAGC Convention.

Applications are open from May through November. Apply for yourself or share information about all of these opportunities with families, colleagues and students!

For Students

This $1,000 award was established in memory of Carol Morreale, an educator, early IAGC member and tireless advocate for gifted children. Funded through memorial donations, this scholarship is given to a student in grade 1 through 8 who has demonstrated excellence in language arts or math. Financial need is a consideration.

Application Deadline: November 1

Online Application Form

This scholarship provides up to $1,000 to support a student in grade 9 through 12 in an academic endeavor. Applicants must demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas: visual or performing arts, academic achievement or service and leadership. Financial need is a consideration.

Application Deadline: November 15

Online Application Form

For Parents, Educators or Community Members

Mary Ann Paradise IAGC Convention Scholarship

This award, named in honor of Mary Ann Paradise long time convention co-chair and IAGC founding member, was established in 1996 to provide financial support for those who wish to enhance their understanding of gifted education. Two scholarships are awarded each year to parents, educators or other school staff members who work with gifted children. The award provides a complimentary one-day registration to the IAGC Conference.

Application Deadline: November 15

Application Criteria & Online Application Form

Ruth Wright Professional Development Scholarship

This award was established in 1996 to provide financial support to members of IAGC who currently work in the area of gifted education. Named for early founder and first IAGC president, Ruth Wright, the award provides a complimentary one-day registration to the IAGC Conference.

Application Deadline: November 15

Application Criteria & Online Application Form

Promising Projects Award

In 2002, IAGC established this award for members in order to give monetary support for projects created by teachers of gifted education. These projects must be specifically designed and differentiated to meet the needs of gifted students and may be used to purchase materials or pay for field trips and project-related expenses. One or more awards will be given each year, not to exceed a total of $500.

Application Deadline: November 15

Application Criteria & Online Application Form

Sally Walker Distinguished Service Award

Named in honor of long-time IAGC Executive Director and nationally recognized gifted advocate, Sally Walker, IAGC presents the Distinguished Service Award to an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of gifted education in Illinois and/or to the development of the organization. This award is given to an individual who has been in the field for more than ten years and/or IAGC for at least four years and has shown evidence of making major contributions with lasting impact on the field of gifted education. These contributions must have been ongoing and must demonstrate a continued commitment over time. All IAGC board members, committee chairs and paid employees are ineligible for this award.

Application Deadline: November 15

Application Criteria & Online Application Form

Bonnie Park Leadership Legacy Award

Named in honor of Bonnie Park, long-term Board Chair of IAGC, this award recognizes an individual who works tirelessly as an advocate for gifted students. Nominees should demonstrate service excellence, going above and beyond to make a significant impact on the lives of gifted students. All current IAGC board members, committee chairs and paid employees are ineligible for this award.

Application Deadline: November 15

Application Criteria & Online Application Form