Des Plaines History Center Announces $1,000 Higher Education Scholarship for 2026

DES PLAINES (January 20, 2026) The Des Plaines History Center is pleased to announce its 2026 Higher Education Scholarship, which supports college-bound students who value critical thinking, cultural understanding, and community engagement.

This year's essay question focuses on the theme of citizenship and civic responsibility, asking students to consider how they and their generation can uphold and advance the founding ideals of liberty, equality, and democratic engagement.

The $1,000 scholarship is open to college-bound graduating high school seniors living in a 60016 or 60018 zip code. It recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement and an appreciation for history’s role in shaping the present. Full details and the application PDF are available at www.desplaineshistory.org/scholarship-2026.

A 500-word essay answering this year's question, a high school transcript, letters of recommendation, and confirmation of community service are required. The essay topic for this year’s scholarship is:

Nearly 250 years ago, the founders of the United States articulated a vision for the nation through the Declaration of Independence and later established a framework for governance in the Constitution. These documents set forth enduring ideals about liberty, equality, rights, and civic responsibility.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, consider your role as a citizen of the State of Illinois and of the nation. In your essay, discuss how you and your generation can work constructively at the local, state, and federal levels to help bring the ideals expressed in the founding documents closer to reality. What actions, responsibilities, and values do you believe are essential to meaningful citizenship today, and what does it truly mean to be an engaged and responsible citizen in a modern democracy?

To be eligible for consideration, applications may be submitted online, delivered by hand or mailed.

• Online applications must be emailed to applications@desplaineshistory.org no later than April 6, 2026.
• Hand-delivered applications are due at the Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., no later than 5:00 p.m., April 6, 2026.
• Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than April 6, 2026.

For details visit www.desplaineshistory.org/scholarship-2026.

All applicants must be accepted to an accredited college or university and notify the Des Plaines History Center where they will be attending. The Scholarship Award check will be paid directly to the school on behalf of the student and must be used for the 2026–2027 academic year, barring extraordinary circumstances.

The Des Plaines History Center is a local museum and nonprofit educational organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Des Plaines. Through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and research resources, the History Center connects people of all ages with the community’s past. Many programs and events are offered free to families, children, and adults. Membership support helps sustain this important work. Learn more about the Educational Center and the Kinder House Museum at www.DesPlainesHistory.org.