Understanding scholarships: Free money that many students ignore
Published February 04, 2026
Scholarships are among the most underused resources at College of Lake County (CLC). Many students don't realize they qualify for scholarships. Or even that scholarships are available to attend a 2-year community college.
In fact, CLC offers more than 100 unique scholarships and grant opportunities. Many are funded by the CLC Foundation.
Get scholarship money to
- Enroll in specific programs like music, automotive or nursing
- Reward academic achievement or leadership skills
- Pursue a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education
- Fund a study abroad program
- Support financial need
It is easy to apply for scholarships at CLC. Simply sign in to the scholarship portal and submit one general application to apply to them all.
You can apply year-round for scholarships. But applying early improves your chances.
Important dates to remember:
- CLC scholarship application opens – March 1
- Priority deadline for fall semester – July 31
- Priority deadline for spring semester – Dec. 31
CLC Scholarship Coordinator Matthew Lay says many students dismiss scholarships because they assume:
- They won’t be competitive
- Scholarships require long essays
- Scholarships are only for top students
- Scholarships don’t apply to them
The truth?
CLC’s scholarship application takes about 30 minutes to complete
It is a worthwhile effort. “The application is simple and straightforward. It’s six basic questions. It takes about 30 minutes of your time to potentially get your whole tuition covered for the year,” says Lay.
The questions aren’t difficult. One asks about your career goals. “And who knows this best than the students, themselves?” asks Lay.
Many scholarships go unclaimed because students don’t apply. “Don’t assume it’s too hard or too competitive to get a scholarship. Just apply,” he says.
Have questions? CLC financial aid experts will walk you through the scholarship application. They also steer you to other scholarship resources.
Talk to financial aid experts about scholarships: call (847) 543-2062 or email finaid@clcillinois.edu.
Effort matters more than perfect writing
You don’t need to be a professional writer to apply for scholarships. But you do need to think about your responses.
“We’ve made it super simple for students to apply, but you need to put in the effort. Whatever effort you put into the process, you're likely to get back,” says Lay.
The CLC Writing Center will review your work before you submit your application.
Lay also encourages students to provide a reference letter. A reference letter (sometimes called a letter of recommendation) usually is written by a CLC instructor or community leader. It vouches for your qualifications and character. This is an optional question on the scholarship application.
“A lot of students don't do that, and they're missing out on extra points that could earn them a scholarship,” he says.
Tell your personal story — it helps reviewers understand your needs and goals
Your application helps the scholarship committee get to know you. And the more they know your interests, desires, plans and the obstacles in your way, the more likely they are to award you a scholarship.
It can be difficult to share personal trials and tribulations. But it helps reviewers understand your drive and determination.
Students say they don’t want to give their ‘sob story,’ but I tell them: Just explain your situation. This is about you. What excites you. What challenges you. And how support from a scholarship can help you achieve your dreams. It’s enjoyable to read these stories. These are students trying to better themselves,” says Lay.
Saffa Sakhi, a student from Warren Township High School at CLC, agreed there is value in applying for scholarships at the school.
“It was really simple,” she recalls. “The more of yourself you put into the application, the easier it is for the person reading it to know who you are.”
Her thoughtful responses and good high school grades led to her becoming a CLC Scholar. CLC Scholars get tuition covered, a paid on-campus job and exclusive seminar-style courses.
Private scholarships also are available at CLC. This includes the Metallica Scholars Initiative, funded by rock band Metallica. The band has given money to CLC students in career and technical education programs for the past 7 years.
Even small scholarships are worth applying for, says Sakhi. “Don’t think you have to always go for the big scholarships. Even a $500 scholarship is $500 you don't have to pay back.”
Artificial intelligence was used to organize and summarize this article. Guidance, tips and quotes from CLC experts and students are expressly their own.