Scholarships List

• Barbara Jean Adkins Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice Sciences

  
  This scholarship has been made possible by family and friends in memory of Barbara Jean Adkins. Barb, an East St. Louis native, came to Bloomington-Normal to attend Illinois State University and began a long career with the city following her graduation in 1981. Her first job with Bloomington was as a part-time police dispatcher, but after years of roles involving community building, she became the deputy city manager in 2006. Adkins also served for several years as a housing commission for the city’s housing authority. In 1996, Adkins was the force behind the community’s first Not In Our Town march, from downtown Bloomington to Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, that brought a message of anti-racism to the forefront. Fellow community organizers saw her dedication to the city as strong as her dedication to inclusivity and human rights. Adkins was a long-time member and officer with the Central Illinois chapter of The Links, Inc., an international women’s organization dedicated to service.
  Credit: The Pantagraph: https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/13-mclean-county-women-whose-legacies-made-a-better-world-for-today/article_0e1e5600-dc15-11ee-82f5-f72f643c08d5.html

  Qualifications:
  
  Applicants for the Barbara Adkins Endowed Scholarship in CJS must:

  • Be enrolled in the following major: Criminal Justice Sciences
  • Demonstrate financial need. 
  • Student must be at a grade level of: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior

  Preference given to incoming first year and transfer students.

  Preference given to a first-generation higher education student.

  To Apply:

  • Complete the application;
  • Write a personal statement (500 words maximum, double-spaced typed) that demonstrates ways in which you fulfill the qualifications listed above; and
  • Complete a résumé that includes how you have been involved in the community, department, college, and/or university.
    
    Apply for the Barbara Jean Adkins Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice Sciences
    
    

    2024 Recipient

    Avery Steber

• Carla E. Barnes Endowed Scholarship

  
  This scholarship has been made possible by the Hon. Carla E. Barnes.
  
  Qualifications:
  
  Applicants for the Carla E. Barnes Endowed Scholarship must meet the following criteria:

  • Student must be a Criminal Justice Sciences major
  • Student must be at a grade level of: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Student must demonstrate financial need.
  • Miscellaneous: Sole Caregiver of minor children  (preferred) or First Generation Student
  • Scholarships will be awarded for the following term: One-Time Award

  
  To Apply:

  • Complete the application;
  • Write a personal statement (500 words maximum, double-spaced typed) that demonstrates ways in which you fulfill the qualifications listed above; and
  • Complete a résumé that includes how you have been involved in the community, department, college, and/or university.
    
    Apply for the Carla E. Barnes Endowed Scholarship
    
    

    2024 Recipient

    Kaitlyn Halcomb

   

• Dr. Thomas Ellsworth Family Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice Sciences

  The Dr. Thomas Ellsworth Family Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice Sciences was established in May 2023 by his daughter, Jodi Ellsworth, to honor her father's legacy as Department Chair and Emeriti Professor in Criminal Justice Sciences from 1978-2003.
  
  Qualifications:
  
  Applicants for the The Dr. Thomas Ellsworth Family Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice Sciences must:

  • Be majoring in the Department of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Be an undergraduate having completed at least 60 hours.
  • Not have received this scholarship previously.

  
  To Apply:

  • Complete the application;
  • Write a personal statement (500 words maximum, double-spaced typed) that demonstrates ways in which you fulfill the qualifications listed above; and
  • Complete a résumé that includes how you have been involved in the community, department, college, and/or university.
    
    Apply for the Dr. Thomas Ellsworth Family Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice Sciences
    
    

    2024 Recipient

    Erykah Thomas

• L. Edward Wells Memorial Scholarship in Criminal Justice

  Dr. Ed Wells was the "soul and moral compass" of the Criminal Justice and Sciences department for 25 years. His life's work was dedicated to creating a society that was equitable for all citizens.

  Qualifications

  To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

  • Be enrolled as an undergraduate student majoring in Criminal Justice Sciences at Illinois State.
  • Have a minimum of 45 earned credit hours and 1 semester at Illinois State.
  • Be an active volunteer in the community, participate in extracurricular activities at Illinois State, and/or participate in professional organizations.
  • Demonstrate how you strive to improve the human condition in order to make the world a better place.
  • Demonstrate academic achievement with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.

  Apply for the L. Edward Wells Memorial Scholarship

  2024 Recipient

  Jakeria Mitchell

• Peter V. Vitucci Memorial Scholarship

  Peter was a 1991 graduate in the Criminal Justice program. He was an excellent student and loved being a police officer with the Wood Dale Police Department.

  The recipient of this award is recognized at the annual Criminal Justice Sciences student awards reception.

  Qualifications

  To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

  • Be an Illinois State University student.
  • Have completed your junior year during the calendar year of the application.
  • Have a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
  • Have the intent to work in the criminal justice field.
  • Possess high moral values, integrity, and demonstrate leadership qualities.
  • Be involved in department and/or University activities.

  Apply for the Peter V. Vitucci Memorial Scholarship

  2024 Recipient

  Darrell Hill

• Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award

  The American criminal justice system has worked diligently to remedy discriminatory practices against minorities. While much has been done in the recent past to remedy bad practices, there is much more that can be accomplished.

  We established this award in honor of Rev. King, a man who dedicated himself to social justice, equality, respect, dignity, and compassion.

  The recipient of this award is recognized at the annual Criminal Justice Sciences student awards reception.

  Qualifications

  To be considered for this award, you must:

  • Be enrolled in good standing at Illinois State.
  • Be an undergraduate majoring in Criminal Justice Sciences with at least junior standing.
  • Demonstrate how you have worked in your community to embody the spirit and teachings of Rev. King.
  • Demonstrate how you will use your education in criminal justice to further the ideals of social justice.

  Apply for the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award

  2024 Recipient

  Olivia Riley

• Outstanding Graduate Student Award

  This award recognizes outstanding graduate work.

  Qualifications

  To be considered for this award, you must submit:

  • A 500-word essay that outlines your dedication to graduate education, research, leadership, participation, and department goals
  • Your current resume
  • One letter of recommendation from a criminal justice sciences faculty member

  Apply for the Outstanding Graduate Student Award

  2024 Recipient

  Constantus Akuma-Zanu