Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) is accepting applications for its 2026 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program, offering college and occupational training scholarships for low-income individuals with high academic potential.
WADI said the scholarship is intended to help cover tuition, fees, and program-specific supplies, supplementing costs students may not be able to meet on their own. Applicants may attend a college, university, or trade school, either in-state or out-of-state, and may enroll part-time or full-time in remote, on-ground, or hybrid programs. The scholarship is funded and designed in cooperation with the State of Illinois Office of Community Assistance within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
“Wabash Area Development, Inc. is pleased to have been selected as one of only 20 Community Action Agencies across the State of Illinois awarded the new 2026 CSBG Scholarship Program,” said Debbie Meyer, NCRI, CSBG Director. “We have seen firsthand how the previous CSBG Scholarship Program impacted students’ lives and look forward to seeing how the new scholarship with the higher award amount will assist the 2026 recipients on their journey towards self-sufficiency.”
Scholarship awards will vary, with amounts up to $5,000.
“This program played a vital role in supporting my educational journey, providing the funding I needed to continue my studies,” said Haley Smith of White County, a past scholarship recipient. “Thanks to the CSBG Program, I am proud to share that I am now a Substance Use Disorder Counselor Intern.”
Applicants must provide:
Proof of residency in Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, or White County
Gross household income for the past 30 days
Information on all household members
Proof household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
School transcripts (as required in the application materials)
Completed applications and required documents must be received by Thursday, May 7th. Applications and additional information are available at all WADI locations and online at www.wadi-inc.com.
WADI LOCATIONS (CONTACT INFORMATION)
Edwards County WADI — 314 Industrial Drive, Albion, IL 62806 — 618-445-2379
Gallatin County WADI — 14 Veteran’s Drive, Harrisburg, IL 62946 — 618-252-2680
Hamilton County WADI — 110 E. Jefferson St., McLeansboro, IL 62859 — 618-643-2161
Saline County WADI — 14 Veteran’s Drive, Harrisburg, IL 62946 — 618-252-2680
Wabash County WADI — 119 W. 12th St., Mt. Carmel, IL 62863 — 618-262-4151
Wayne County WADI — 2004 W. Delaware St., Fairfield, IL 62837 — 618-842-2962
White County WADI — 110 Latham, P.O. Box 70, Enfield, IL 62835 — 618-384-5541