For Kids' Sake International Southern Illinois Scholarship - 2026

FKSI Mission: To support, educate, and empower children, orphans, students, and families with the basic necessities of food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and education.

In alignment with our mission, we provide scholarships to Southern Illinois high school graduates with $2,500 scholarships.

Requirements:

· Must be a Southern Illinois graduating high school Senior, completed GED credential, or a post high school graduate or GED credential holder, up to two years after completion.

· Lost one or both parents (due to death, incarceration, abandonment)

· Not currently in the foster care system

· Pursuing a career in the trades, vocational or technical fields

Award:

Each recipient will receive a $2,500 award to be applied to their trade school tuition, certification fees, and/or required start-up equipment. Awards will be given each May.

If awarded a scholarship each recipient is required to:

· Volunteer with FKSI for a minimum of 10 hours

· Send a handwritten letter or thank you to donor(s)

· Be present to receive scholarship award at Award Reception

· Complete survey upon completion of program

· Must enroll in an accredited program (i.e., community college, apprenticeship, certification program, technical institute, etc.)

Application Process:

Complete online application and respond to the following short answer questions:

How did losing a parent affect you?

What trade, vocational or technical career are you pursuing and why are you choose this field?

Who/what motivates you to succeed?

What might be the toughest challenge of reaching your goals?

Other info:

Community involvement

Job experience

Extra-curricular activities & favorite things to do

Academic awards, clubs, organizations

Recommendation letters from a teacher, community member, and family member

School transcripts

If a finalist - Interview with FKSI staff and Board of Directors