Elsie Jefko Carlson Scholarship

The Elsie Jefko Carlson Scholarship is a financial aid program administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. This scholarship is specifically designed to support non-traditional students who demonstrate financial need. To qualify, applicants must reside in one of the following Illinois counties: Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago. The program assists recipients with their educational expenses, helping to reduce the overall cost of higher education.

To apply, students must complete the foundation's online universal application, which automatically matches applicants to the scholarships for which they meet the criteria. While the foundation evaluates financial need through its application process, students are generally encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to document their financial situation. The application cycle for this program runs during the winter, with the submission window open from Dec. 1st to Feb. 1st.