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The Illinois Sheriffs' Association announced it will award over $58,000 in college scholarships throughout the State of Illinois to students pursuing higher education during the 2023-2024 academic year. The scholarships assist with the cost of tuition, books, and fees. Funding is provided through various programs of the Illinois Sheriffs' Association. 

This year, one student from Peoria County will receive a $1,000.00 scholarship. Sheriff Watkins considers this to be an investment in the future of our community. There are no restrictions by reason of race, age, creed, color, gender, or national origin. The only limitations are as follows: 

  • Applicants must be permanent Illinois residents. 
  • Scholarships must be utilized at institutions of higher learning in the State of Illinois. 
  • Applicants must be enrolled full-time during the 2023-24 school year (excluding summer session); full-time online learning is acceptable. 

Only applications postmarked, emailed, or hand-delivered by March 15, 2023, are eligible for review. 

Download Application

Application packets are also available online at www.ilsheriff.org under the Youth Outreach tab. 

Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the Peoria County ISA Scholarship Citizens' Committee. The committee will select ONE WINNER and one alternate

Mail or hand-deliver applications to: 

Peoria County Sheriff's Office 
Attn: Ellen Balagna, Sheriff's Secretary 
301 N Maxwell Road 
Peoria IL 61604 

Email applications to: ebalagna@peoriacounty.org. 

Scholarship winners will be announced by May 1, 2023.