Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Onward Injury Law

Description

**Overview**
The Mary Rohrscheib Teaching Scholarship is an annual award created to support students pursuing careers in education. It provides financial assistance to multiple recipients each year, helping cover costs as they prepare to enter the teaching profession. The scholarship specifically aims to encourage candidates who demonstrate the values exemplified by Mary Rohrscheib: patience, kindness, and a commitment to inspiring students. This program is administered by Onward as a tribute to Mary’s lifelong work in Central Illinois.

Key takeaways:
- Annual scholarship for future educators.
- Multiple recipients each year.
- Honors Mary Rohrscheib’s commitment to teaching.
- Administered by Onward as a memorial tribute.

History of the Award

**Origins and Mission**
The scholarship was established in memory of Mary Rohrscheib, a devoted educator from Central Illinois who spent her career shaping young minds. It began as a family tribute and has since become a recurring program to perpetuate her influence by investing in the next generation of teachers. The award reflects the belief that great teachers change lives and communities by helping students feel seen and capable. Supporting aspiring educators is the primary way the organizers carry Mary’s spirit forward.

Key takeaways:
- Created to honor Mary Rohrscheib’s legacy.
- Started as a family tribute and expanded into an annual scholarship.
- Emphasizes the transformative role of teachers.
- Intends to perpetuate Mary’s values through investment in future educators.

Eligibility

**Who qualifies**
The scholarship is open to Illinois residents who are current high school seniors, college students, or graduate students and who will be enrolled in a two- to five-year post-secondary institution for the upcoming fall semester. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing. Preference is given to students from Central Illinois, reflecting Mary Rohrscheib’s local impact. Employees of Josh Rohrscheib and their immediate family members, as well as household members of those employees, are ineligible to apply.

Key takeaways:
- Open to Illinois residents (high school, college, or graduate students).
- Must be enrolled in a 2–5 year post-secondary program for the upcoming fall.
- Minimum GPA requirement: 3.0 and good academic standing.
- Preference for Central Illinois applicants; employee/family exclusions apply.

Award Value

**Financial details**
Each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship disbursed annually. The program awards this amount to several students each year rather than as a single large prize. The award is intended to support the recipient’s pursuit of a career in education. Specific disbursement mechanics (e.g., lump sum vs. institutional payment) are handled by the program administrators.

Key takeaways:
- $1,000 per recipient.
- Multiple recipients awarded each year.
- Funds are intended to support education career pursuits.
- Disbursement logistics are managed by the scholarship administrators.

Application Requirements

**Required materials**
Applicants must submit a 750–1,000 word essay describing the impact of a special teacher and the lessons the applicant plans to carry into their own teaching career. A professional résumé that details professional and academic experience is also required. Candidates must provide a transcript from their current school; first-year college students, graduate students, or recent transfers may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school plus the most recent official transcript from their prior institution. Follow the application instructions carefully to ensure all materials are included.

Key takeaways:
- 750–1,000 word essay on a teacher’s impact and lessons to carry forward.
- Professional résumé required.
- Current transcript required; special instructions for first-year/transfer students.
- Submit all materials per the application guidelines.

Application Timeline

**Deadlines and cadence**
The scholarship is awarded on an annual cycle and applications are due in June each year. Applicants should plan ahead to assemble essays, transcripts, and résumés well before the June deadline. The scholarship supports enrollment for the upcoming fall semester, so timely submission is essential. Check the official application page each year for the exact deadline and any updates to the process.

Key takeaways:
- Annual scholarship; applications due in June.
- Prepare materials well in advance of the deadline.
- Intended to support upcoming fall semester enrollment.
- Verify the exact deadline and any changes on the official application page.