Scholarship window opens for Morgan County students, easing college costs

The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln opened its scholarship application window on Jan. 13, offering more than 45 post-secondary scholarships through a single general application available at cfll.org. Students who meet individual scholarship criteria will be automatically considered, the foundation said, and recipients are expected to be notified by early May.

More than $250,000 was distributed in scholarships and scholarship renewals in 2025, and this year’s process uses new online application software intended to streamline submissions. The foundation is based in Springfield, and the consolidated application aims to reduce paperwork and make multiple awards easier to access with one effort.

For Morgan County students, the window creates a direct opportunity to lower the cost of college and training programs. Scholarships can ease immediate financial strain, reduce reliance on loans, and free up family resources for housing, food, and health care. Those effects matter here: educational affordability is closely tied to broader public health and economic stability, especially in rural communities where travel, childcare, and limited local job opportunities complicate school completion.

The single-application format also has equity implications. By matching applicants to awards automatically, the system can help students who may not know which scholarships to pursue or who face time and resource constraints. At the same time, the switch to new online software highlights a potential digital divide. Students without reliable internet access or help with uploads may need support from school counselors, libraries, or community organizations to complete applications before the March 1 deadline.

Beyond individual aid, scholarship funding contributes to local workforce planning. Financial support for post-secondary education can help Morgan County retain young people who train in fields such as teaching, nursing, and technical trades, sectors that affect community health and local services. Renewals included in the $250,000 figure show that some recipients continue to receive support through multiple years, which can improve degree completion rates and long-term economic outcomes.

To apply, students should visit cfll.org and start the general application well before the deadline to allow time for transcript requests and any technical troubleshooting with the new online platform. Recipients will be contacted by early May, giving families time to factor awards into financial planning for the upcoming school year.

The takeaway? Treat this as low-hanging fruit for families juggling college costs. Our two cents? Begin the application now, lean on your high school counselor or public library if you need internet access or document help, and give yourself a buffer before March 1 so the new system doesn’t trip you up.