Scholarships
Our scholarships support your success and help you reach your full potential. We select one individual for each scholarship and each scholarship includes a $1,000 award.
Undergraduate Scholarships
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
2020 Recipient
Kaitlin Nortemen
2021 Recipient
Briana Lagunas
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
2020 Recipient
Malik Liming
2021 Recipient
Dean Zubi
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.
- Be a Junior or Senior.
- 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
2020 Recipient
Karly Smith
2021 Recipient
KeAira Jones
Graduate Scholarship
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
2020 Recipient
Tyler Marcheschi
2021 Recipient
Nastasha Powers