Illinois Association for Gifted Children

Student Scholarships and Application Information

IAGC provides a variety of scholarship and recognition opportunities for students with gifts, talents, and untapped potential. All scholarship winners are recognized at a SPRING EVENT.

IAGC STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

THREE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Elementary, Middle School, High School

Applications OPEN December 1 - February 15

IAGC provides a variety of scholarship and recognition opportunities for students with gifts, talents, and untapped potential. All scholarship winners will be recognized in the spring.

This year the IAGC is offering THREE student scholarships for students CURRENTLY in the following grades:

GRADES 1 - 5: IAGC Elementary Excellence Scholarship ($500)
GRADES 6 - 8: IAGC Outstanding Middle Schooler Scholarship ($500)
GRADES 9 - 12: IAGC Distinguished Student Scholarship ($1000)

These scholarships are intended to provide financial support for students to explore, expand, or experience an opportunity for talent development between March and December of 2026.

These might include registration for a summer camp, an enrichment class, tutoring, mentoring, special materials, competitions, etc.

To apply:

Applicants must be a student in Illinois attending or enrolled in grades 1 - 12, with a passion to participate in an advanced, enrichment, or talent development opportunity during 2026.
Complete the Google Form application. This may be completed by the student, their parent/guardian, or both.
Include the intended PURPOSE of the scholarship funds, FINANCIAL need, and any optional supporting examples.
Attach and Submit a Letter of Recommendation
Attach and Submit an example of a previous project, schoolwork, presentation, etc that either relate to student's talent or overall aspirations.

The SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE is February 15, 2026. Winners will be notified as early as possible, or by March 15, 2026.

We can't wait to learn more about the talented students of Illinois!

Application Timeline: December 1, 2025 - February 15, 2026

Winners will be notified by MARCH 15, 2026

2025 STUDENT RECIPIENT

IAGC past-president Susan Corwith and IMSA president Dr. Evan Glazer congratulate IMSA student and 2025 Distinguished Student Scholarship recipient Olivia S.

Learn more about each Scholarship below

IAGC Elementary Excellence Scholarship (grades 1 - 5)

DESCRIPTION

Total Award: $500

This scholarship provides up to $500 to support one or more students in grade 1 through 5 in an academic or talent development endeavor. The award is intended to connect an aspiring young student with an opportunity to explore an enrichment or talent-development activity. Children with a willingness to take risks, apply curiosity, and learn through struggle are especially encouraged to apply.

Financial need is a consideration.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

APPLY NOW

CRITERIA

A statement (100 to 300 words) describing the intended purpose of this scholarship. It is expected that this scholarship will support an advanced, enrichment, or talent development opportunity during the year in which the scholarship is awarded.
Consider summer programs, enrichment classes, mentoring, independent projects, advanced coursework, etc.
Statement of Financial Need.

A Letter of Recommendation from a teacher or mentor. Teachers should comment on your advanced academic performance, scholarship, engagement in learning, and readiness for this talent development opportunity.
An example of work, progress, or innovation that relates to either student talent development or overall aspirations, work ethic, or community service.

IAGC Outstanding Middle Schooler Scholarship (grades 6 - 8)

DESCRIPTION

Total Award: $500

This scholarship provides up to $500 to support a middle school student in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade as they explore advanced talent development opportunities. This scholarship is intended to connect a passionate self-directed student with an opportunity to enhance or strengthen a creative or academic interest through an advanced talent-development experience. Children with a willingness to practice perseverance, apply ingenuity, and collaborate optimistically are especially encouraged to apply.

Financial need is a consideration.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

APPLY NOW

CRITERIA

A statement (100 to 300 words) describing the intended purpose of this scholarship. It is expected that this scholarship will support an advanced, enrichment, or talent development opportunity during the year in which the scholarship is awarded.
Consider summer programs, enrichment classes, mentoring, independent projects, advanced coursework, etc.
Statement of Financial Need.

A Letter of Recommendation from a teacher or mentor. Teachers should comment on your advanced academic performance, scholarship, engagement in learning, and readiness for this talent development opportunity.
An example of work, progress, or innovation that relates to either student talent development or overall aspirations, work ethic, or community service.

IAGC Distinguished Student Scholarship (grades 9 - 12)

DESCRIPTION

Total Award: $1000

This scholarship provides up to $1,000 to support one or more students in grade 9 through 12 in an academic or talent development endeavor. This IAGC scholarship is intended to support opportunities for talent development among high-school level students who demonstrate a passion, aptitude, and readiness to pursue excellence in one or more of the following areas: visual or performing arts, academic achievement, STEM Innovation, or service and leadership. High school students who demonstrate leadership, initiative, or community service are especially encouraged to apply.

Financial need is a consideration.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

APPLY NOW

CRITERIA

A statement (100 to 300 words) describing the intended purpose of this scholarship. It is expected that this scholarship will support an advanced, enrichment, or talent development opportunity during the year in which the scholarship is awarded.
Consider summer programs, enrichment classes, mentoring, independent projects, advanced coursework, etc.
Statement of Financial Need.

A Letter of Recommendation from a teacher or mentor. Teachers should comment on your advanced academic performance, scholarship, engagement in learning, and readiness for this talent development opportunity.
An example of work, progress, or innovation that relates to either student talent development or overall aspirations, work ethic, or community service.

APPLY HERE

APPLICATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15, 2026

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Illinois Association for Gifted Children

1500 Sullivan Road
Aurora, IL 60506

Ph: 630-907-5047
Fax: 630-907-5976

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