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High Impact Scholarships

Each spring MCC accepts applications for a select group of high-value scholarships for students enrolling in the following academic year.

  • How to Apply
    • Start on the scholarships page
    • Fill out and submit the General Application which will auto-match students to general scholarships.
    • After submitting the General Application, additional scholarships including these High Impact scholarships will appear for students who meet eligibility.
    • Provide the additional information needed and submit each High Impact scholarship separately.
    • Submit your transcripts to MCC Admissions BEFORE the scholarship deadline of April 1, 2025.

    The Scholarship Application Deadline is April 1, 2025

    Tips and Reminders:

    • Our system will email your references directly with instructions to upload their letter. You will receive an email once your reference has completed the letter. Please ensure you include a correct email address for each reference.
    • Keep a copy of your essays for future reference.
    • Scholarship applications can be updated until the due date April 1, 2025.
  • Presidential Talent Scholarship - open to high school students

    McHenry County College, along with the Friends of MCC Foundation, award the prestigious Presidential Talent Scholarship to qualified individuals based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and service.

    Recipients of the Presidential Talent Scholarship receive 60 (in-district) credit hours of tuition, fees, and books at MCC.

    Application Requirements:

    • Be an MCC in-district high school graduate
    • Academically talented high school students with 3.6 cumulative GPA or 1300 composite SAT or 28 composite ACT.
    • Reside within the boundaries of MCC
    • Enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester (fall and spring)
    • Represent MCC at college functions
    • Two letters of recommendation, one from a teacher
    • A 300-500-word essay on a given topic. If you're applying for both Presidential Talent and Board of Trustees scholarships, you may use the same essay.

    Five Presidential Talent Scholarships are awarded annually.

  • Board of Trustees Scholarship - open to high school students

    The Board of Trustees Scholarship is awarded to qualified individuals based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

    Recipients of the Board of Trustees Scholarship receive 60 (in-district) credit hours of tuition at MCC. Recipients must pay for their fees and books.

    Application Requirements:

    • Be an MCC in-district high school graduate
    • Have earned a minimum of a 3.0 high school GPA confirmed on the high school transcript
    • Reside within the boundaries of MCC
    • Enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester (fall and spring)
    • Two letters of recommendation, one from a teacher
    • A 300-500-word essay on a given topic. If you're applying for both Presidential Talent and Board of Trustees scholarships, you may use the same essay.

    Three Board of Trustee Scholarships are awarded annually.

  • Follett Educational Foundation - Four Brothers Scholarships

    The Follett Educational Foundation is providing the Four Brothers Scholarship for incoming McHenry County high school graduates. Recipients will receive up to $5,000 per school year toward tuition, fees, and books at MCC (maximum of $10,000 total per student).

    Application Requirements:

    • Be an MCC in-district high school graduate
    • Have earned a minimum of a 2.5 high school GPA confirmed on the high school transcript
    • Must be a full-time student in an associates or technical program taking 12 credits per semester
    • Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 while attending MCC
    • Two letters of recommendation, one from a teacher
    • Children of Follett employees encouraged to apply

    Ten Follett Educational Foundation Scholarships are awarded annually.

  • Founding Faculty Scholarship - open to MCC and high school students

    Three scholarships worth 60 tuition credit hours each at MCC are awarded in recognition of retired faculty members David B. Hill, John D. Konitzer, and Erwin Cornelius.

    Recipients of the Founding Faculty Scholarship receive 60 (in-district) credit hours of tuition at MCC. Recipients must pay for their fees and books.

    Application Requirements:

    • Have a high school or MCC GPA of 2.5 or higher
    • Reside within the boundaries of MCC
    • Enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester (fall and spring) at MCC
    • Official high school or MCC transcript (whichever is being used for GPA purposes)
    • A 300-500 word essay on the following subject (use Times New Roman, 12 pt. font): An exceptional teacher you have had and how that individual has impacted your educational pursuits.

    Three Founding Faculty Scholarships are awarded annually. Students of all ages are welcome to apply.

The generosity of our donors allows MCC to provide numerous other scholarships to students who exhibit academic, merit, financial need, strong leadership, and service to their communities. See Friends of MCC scholarship details for other scholarship opportunities