WIRC offers the following scholarships to help eligible lower-income students with paying for their studies at a trade school, community college, or university:
- WIRC Scholastic Scholarship
- Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship
- Trade School Scholarship (accepts applications year-round)
The scholarships have awards ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition and fees, textbooks and supplies, or room and board if you are living in campus housing. Scholarship awards will be made directly to your college or university financial aid office for use as-needed.
Other Things You Need to Know
- You cannot receive a WIRC scholarship more than two times.
- The WIRC scholarships are funded in part by the federal Community Service Block Grant (CSBG), which is administered statewide by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
- The Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship is funded by Janet and Lee Cobb, in partnership with the Macomb Community Foundation.
- WIRC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
How Do I Apply?
For the WIRC Scholarship and Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship, apply now for both on our online form. The WIRC Scholarship Committee will review your application and determine if you are a good candidate for one or more scholarships. If so, you may be required to provide more information before the award is given.
For the WIRC Trade School Scholarship, schedule an appointment with Nickie by calling 309-837-2997 or open a chat with us here on the website.
WIRC Scholastic Scholarship
The WIRC Scholastic Scholarship helps income-eligible students who are studying at a university, community college, or trade school. The award amount is $1,000.
Scholastic Eligibility Guidelines
- Your primary residence is in Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough or Warren County in Illinois.
- You have earned a high school diploma, GED, or will graduate by July 1, 2024 from an accredited high school or GED administering institution.
- You must be accepted into an Illinois college or university, community college, or occupational training program on at least a half-time basis.
- Your household’s total income must be at or below 200% of the current poverty guidelines (refer to the income chart listed below).
- Answer the short essay question that is included in the application link.
Scholastic Income Guidelines
To see if your household is within the income guidelines for this scholarship, view the chart shown below. The household size includes you, plus any other people who live at your permanent (primary) address.
| Household Size | Combined Annual Income Limit (Gross) |
| 1 person | $ 30,120 |
| 2 people | $ 40,880 |
| 3 people | $ 51,640 |
| 4 people | $ 52,400 |
| 5 people | $ 73,160 |
| 6 people | $ 83,920 |
| 7 people | $ 94,680 |
| 8 people | $ 105,440 |
| For each additional person in your home, add | $5,380 per person |
WIRC Trade School Scholarship
The WIRC Trade School Scholarship helps income-eligible students who are studying a vocational trade at a trade school or community college. The award amount is $1,500. Preference will be given to applicants who are pursuing high-demand fields. This scholarship is needs-based, and accepts applications year-round or until funding is exhausted.
Examples of vocational trades include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Automotive Technology
- Commercial Driver Training
- Cosmetology
- Computer Information Systems (IT)
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Welding
- And other similar trades
Trade Scholarship Eligibility Guidelines
- Your primary residence is in Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough or Warren County in Illinois.
- You have earned a high school diploma, GED, or will graduate by July 1, 2024 from an accredited high school or GED administering institution.
- You must be accepted into an Illinois college or vocational trade school on at least a half-time basis.
- Your household’s total income must be at or below 200% of the current poverty guidelines (refer to the income chart listed below).
- Answer the short essay question that is included in the application link.
Trade Scholarship Income Guidelines
To see if your household is within the income guidelines for this scholarship, view the chart shown below. The household size includes you, plus any other people who live at your permanent (primary) address.
| Household Size | Combined Annual Income Limit (Gross) |
| 1 person | $ 30,120 |
| 2 people | $ 40,880 |
| 3 people | $ 51,640 |
| 4 people | $ 52,400 |
| 5 people | $ 73,160 |
| 6 people | $ 83,920 |
| 7 people | $ 94,680 |
| 8 people | $105,440 |
| For each additional person in your home, add | $5,380 per person |
Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship
Each year, Janet and Lee Cobb, in collaboration with WIRC, offer the Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship to help two McDonough County, Illinois, students with paying for their higher education. The scholarship grants an award of $5,000 each to one traditional student and one non-traditional student.
To learn more about Nathan and his legacy, visit our webpage at https://wirpc.org/cobbscholarship/.
Cobb Scholarship Eligibility Guidelines
- You must currently live in McDonough County, and have lived there for at least one year.
- You must have earned a high school diploma or GED.
- You must be accepted into a college, university, community college, or occupational training program as a FULL-TIME student.
- Your household’s total annual income cannot be higher than 300% of the current poverty guidelines (refer to the income chart shown below).
- Complete the essay in the application link.
Cobb Scholarship Income Guidelines
Check the following chart to see if you are within the income guidelines for the Cobb Scholarship. The household size includes you, plus any other people who live at your permanent (primary) address.
| Household Size | Combined Annual Income Limit (Gross) |
| 1 person | $ 45,180 |
| 2 people | $ 61,320 |
| 3 people | $ 77,460 |
| 4 people | $ 93,600 |
| 5 people | $ 109,740 |
| 6 people | $ 125,880 |
| 7 people | $ 142,020 |
| 8 people | $ 158,160 |
| For each additional person in your home, add | $ 5,380 per person |