The deadline for scholarship applications is February 1, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
List of supporting documents that MUST be uploaded for this application to be considered complete:
Completed application form (online only)
Cover letter (maximum two-page double spaced Times New Roman 12) about the applicant and what they want to do. (uploaded at the bottom of the application)
Essay (maximum three pages double spaced Times New Roman 12) What they have done in the past or would do if awarded the scholarship to meet the goal of the Gold Star Mission and keeping the memory of our Fallen Service Members alive. (uploaded at the bottom of the application)
Letters of recommendation (2x) (uploaded at the bottom of the application)
Letter of acceptance and class schedule for a first-time recipient. Only a class schedule is needed for a previous scholarship recipients. (uploaded at the bottom of the application)
Official and most recent transcripts of former education (current transcript, which include the last semester completed) (uploaded at the bottom of the application)
Optional documents:
Demographic questionnaire (included at the top of the online application)
If any question does not apply to you, please put N/A in the space.
If chosen as a scholarship recipient, you will be notified by e-mail.
If you have any questions about the application, please e-mail [email protected]
Please click the "I acknowledge" button below to continue.
Initial Application Access
Before you begin on the application, we would like to ask a few questions.
Before entering your email below, bookmark or favorite this page in case you need to complete this application at a later date.
If you do not receive an e-mail with the code, please double check the e-mail used to request the code as well as your SPAM folder. If you still have not received the code, you may contact us via email at [email protected]. This code is required for the completion of the online scholarship application. Please retain this code. This code will be required, if necessary, to make corrections or edit your application.
To start the application process, enter your e-mail to receive an application code:
To continue your application
To view the status and updates, enter your e-mail address and the access code that you were emailed:
OUR MISSION
The Gold Star Mission seeks to honor and support our Illinois Gold Star Families by preserving the memory of their Illinois Fallen Military Service Members.
OUR MISSION
The Gold Star Mission seeks to honor and support our Illinois Gold Star Families by preserving the memory of their Illinois Fallen Military Service Members.
