The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association will award more than $58,000 in scholarships statewide for the 2026–2027 academic year. Scholarships may be used for tuition, books and fees, and recipients must be full-time students at an Illinois-certified college or university; online enrollment is acceptable.
Wayne County Sheriff, Chris Otey will award a $500 scholarship. Applicants must be permanent Illinois residents and enrolled full-time during the 2026–2027 school year (excluding summer). The program is open without restrictions based on race, age, creed, color, sex or national origin.
Applications are available at local sheriff’s offices or online at https://www.ilsheriff.org/youth-2/. Completed applications, including the required essay and documentation, must be returned to the sheriff’s office in the applicant’s county of residence by March 13th (postmarked by that date). Applications can be picked up at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department.