Scholarships to Empower BHC Students to Succeed
Scholarships are listed in alphabetical order. Updated: May 2025
Endowed Scholarships
ABC All-Star Scholarship
Awarded to students with disabilities who have their cases filled with the Disability Office. Student must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Vickie L. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Created for female nursing students with financial need.
Lisa Bahnks Memorial Scholarship
Established by Mr. and Mrs. William Bahnks in memory of their daughter, Lisa, who was a 1977 graduate of Black Hawk College. Scholarship is awarded to a transfer student with a 3.0 GPA or higher in a health-related field.
Dr. Norbert Barwasser Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1985 to serve Black Hawk College students with academic promise.
Thomas Batell English/Philosophy Scholarship
The English/Philosophy Department established the Thomas Batell English/Philosophy Scholarship with contributions from the Department and matched by the Foundation. Scholarship recipients will be full-time students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university and pursue a curriculum with a preference in English or philosophy. Scholarships are awarded to students in their second year at Black Hawk College.
Byron and Dorothy Beck Scholarship
For students with financial need. Can be used toward tuition, fees and books.
Earl H. Beling Memorial Scholarship
Established by the late Mrs. Earl H. Beling in memory of her husband. Mr. Beling is recognized as one of the founders of the community college which is now Black Hawk College. Awarded annually with preference to students studying a foreign language. Academic performance and financial need are considerations.
Black Hawk College Foundation Scholarship
Established by the Black Hawk College Foundation. Academic performance and financial need are considerations.
Black Hawk College Leaders in Business Scholarship
The BHC Leaders in Business Scholarship was established through proceeds from the Leadercast series hosted on campus by BHC staff and faculty. This scholarship is awarded to students majoring in business or will be a business transfer. The student must earn a 2.5 GPA and complete at least 15 credit hours with business courses and submit an essay exhibiting leadership qualities through community service or volunteering in their application.
Robert C. Bopp Memorial Scholarship
Jackie Bopp, wife of Robert C. Bopp, established this scholarship in memory of her husband. Originally established as an annual scholarship, generous contributions from various BHC employees, family and friends of Bob helped raise the fund principal to endow the scholarship in 2014. BHC students in any program who maintain a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate a strong work ethic are eligible to receive this scholarship.
Lucy Brandicon/Leon Dombrock/Donna Figle O’Meara Memorial Scholarship (BDO)
Established by friends and relatives of these three individuals. Miss Brandicon taught piano at Black Hawk College; Mr. Dombrock was the manager of the Black Hawk College Bookstore; and Ms. O’Meara was an instructor in the Music Department. The recipients of the combined scholarship are selected by the Music Department.
Doris E. Braner Memorial Scholarship
Established by the Braner family in honor of their mother, Doris, who worked in the Black Hawk College Bookstore for 11 years. Consideration given to widowed or divorced homemakers who demonstrate financial need. Scholarship is for books only.
Byron Carlson Scholarship
Alumnus Byron L. Carlson established the Byron Carlson Scholarship to recognize the efforts of transfer students who complete their program of study at Black Hawk College within three years, with preference given to those intending to transfer to St. Ambrose University or Western Illinois University (Macomb or Quad-Cities campus). Preference will be given to a graduate of Orion High School. GPA of 3.5 or greater.
Erskine Carter Truth in Journalism Scholarship
Byronie A. Carter established the Erskine Carter Truth in Journalism Scholarship in memory of Professor E.R. Erskine Carter, retiree of Black Hawk College and beloved professor in journalism. The Carter sisters allowed that memorials for their father be directed to the scholarship, and many colleagues and friends contributed to create this endowment. Scholarships are intended to be awarded to students with a 3.5 GPA or greater majoring in English or journalism and/or students pursuing an associate degree with extensive participation in journalism while on campus (i.e. involved in some way in every issue of a certain publication).
John R. Cioe Memorial Scholarship
John R. Cioe was a Chicago police officer and training instructor, a lover of books, and an advocate of lifelong learning. It is the intention of his family that the award established in his memory will benefit adult learners enrolled in at least nine credit hours in a wide variety of academic disciplines.
James Cobin Class of 1976 Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to full-time nursing student that maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Preference giving to those students with financial need and be used toward tuition, fees and books.
Arthur B. Conelly Memorial Scholarship
Established by Tri-County Home Builders Association, Inc. For any major but preference given to students majoring in pre-engineering, technical engineering, real estate or building trades.
Diana Corley Schnapp Endowed Scholarship
Dr. Diana Corley Schnapp taught speech at Black Hawk College for 22 years and touched the lives of hundreds of students. She created this scholarship for students of any course of study with a minimum 2.5 GPA and financial need.
Paula Cravero Memorial Scholarship
Established by family, faculty and friends in memory of Paula Cravero, professor of accounting in the Business Department. Awarded annually to career or transfer students who are majoring in accounting and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Cummings Family Memorial Scholarship
Established by the late Marilyn and Wayne Cummings. Scholarship is awarded to a career program major who has financial need and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Patty Decker Memorial Scholarship
Established by Mr. and Mrs. Wendell C. Cree in memory of their daughter, a graduate of the Black Hawk College nursing program. Preference given to students enrolled in the nursing program.
Joan Eastlund Scholarship
Professor Emerita Joan Eastlund established this scholarship which is open to students of any program, full- or part-time, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrating financial need.
Burton C. and Anna L. Foster Scholarship
Established by the late Burton (Black Hawk College professor emeritus) and Anna Foster in honor of their son, Clinton Foster. Preference is given to students with disabilities in an Allied Health program.
The Franklin Foundation Scholarship
stablished by Steve and alumna Tammy Franklin after she pursued her nursing degree at Black Hawk College as a nontraditional student. Scholarships are for students in the Associate Degree Nursing program who demonstrate financial need.
Barbara E. Garst Memorial Scholarship
Established by Dr. Josephine Garst and friends. Miss Garst was a professor of English at Black Hawk College. Awarded annually to students graduating from Moline High School.
Goldenrod Solar Scholarship
Awarded to students who reside in Mercer County with preference for STEM or agricultural courses of study. Student must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Academic performance and financial need are considerations.
Cristina Greene Memorial Scholarship for International Students
Created by Sharon Cunningham and Brian Greene in memory of their mother, Cris Greene, who changed the lives of many students at Black Hawk College. Scholarships are limited to students in the international student program, with preference given to ESL students pursuing college-level courses. Students must demonstrate financial need and include a strong personal statement.
John R. Grotzinger Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of John Grotzinger, a professor in the Psychology/Sociology Department. Awarded to a graduating member of Psi Beta, a national honor society for community college students interested in psychology. Based on academic achievement, leadership and community service. Recipient selected by the academic department.
Martha Ann Grotzinger Memorial Scholarship
Established by family, faculty and friends. Martha Grotzinger was a professor in the Biology Department at Black Hawk College who had a deep concern and interest in the students. This award goes to a full-time female transfer student with a 3.0 or higher GPA enrolled in biological science, nursing or a health-related field. Special preference to widows with children.
Mary and Louis Hampes Memorial Scholarship
Established by William Hampes in memorial of his parents Mary and Louis Hampes to provide financial support for Black Hawk College students.
Hawk’s Hub Bookstore Scholarship
Student must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Must show financial need, but not currently receiving financial aid. Will be awarded in the form of a Hawk’s Hub gift certificate.
Martin E. Hayes Physics/Engineering Scholarship
Established in memory of Martin E. Hayes, professor of physics and engineering at Black Hawk College. Awarded to students who have completed one year at Black Hawk College and are majoring in physics or engineering with intent to transfer to a four-year institution. Students must maintain a 3.5 GPA.
Erwin Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Created in memory of Mr. Johnson who served as a professor and chair of the engineering-related technology department at Black Hawk College. Awarded to students demonstrating interest in engineering who have completed at least 30 credit hours with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Lowell N. Johnson Foundation Scholarship
Awarded to students who have resided in Rock Island, Henry or Mercer counties for a minimum of three years. Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA and show financial need.
Todd C. Harold Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Established by the Johnson family in memory of Todd Johnson, a Black Hawk College graduate and auxiliary police officer who was killed in a training accident. Two scholarships are awarded each year; one to a law enforcement major and the other award to a major in the paramedic program.
Carol and Esther Kalin Scholarship
Established upon the death of Anna Mae K. Erickson to create opportunities for Black Hawk College students.
Leaders Under 40 Alumni Scholarship
Created by Leaders Under 40 alumni. Scholarship awarded to students who demonstrate strong leadership skills.
Krystel Leigh Madison Memorial Scholarship
Krystel Madison taught in Black Hawk College’s Optional Education program. This scholarship in her memory is for first-time college students coming out of the Optional Education program with a GED® or diploma. Recipient selected by the academic department.
Barbara McChurch Memorial Scholarship
The Barbara McChurch Memorial Scholarship will be available to a full- or part-time student enrolled in a transfer program with an education major. Recipient must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
E.S. (Bert) Metcalf Memorial Scholarship
Established by relatives and friends for the former Rock Island County Superintendent of Schools and supporter of Black Hawk College. Preference given to a sophomore or older part-time student. Scholarship is for books only.
Milan Area Rotary Scholarship
Established by the Milan Rotary Club. Students must be residents of one of the following: Blackhawk, Andalusia, Bowling, Edgington, Buffalo Prairie or Drury townships, or the portion of Rural Township and Mercer County within the Sherrard School District. Student must demonstrate financial need.
Karla Miley Endowed Scholarship
Established by Karla Miley for students majoring in social work, planning a career in social work, and planning to transfer into a BSW program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Preference is given to those students who have demonstrated academic success (minimum 3.0 GPA) at Black Hawk College and demonstrated financial need.
Douglas L. Mitton Memorial Law Enforcement Scholarship
Established by Mr. and Mrs. Floyd C. Mitton in memory of their son. Preference given to a law enforcement student.
Natural Science & Engineering Scholarship
Established by faculty in the Black Hawk College Natural Science and Engineering Department. Students must be studying astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, Earth science, geology, physics, pre-chiropractic, pre-dietetics, pre-engineering, pre-medicine, prepharmacy, pre-physical therapy or pre-veterinary medicine. Must be full-time and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Glenda Nicke Scholarship
This scholarship was created by former Dean Glenda Nicke to support students interested in non-credit classes who are not eligible for financial aid. Student recipients are referred by Adult Education Department.
Robert E. Nuquist History Scholarship
Given by the late Dr. Robert E. Nuquist, a longtime professor of history and department chair. This scholarship is to benefit history majors of high academic standing, demonstrating financial need.
Nursing Faculty Endowed Scholarship
Established by the Black Hawk College nursing faculty. Students must be registered in the ADN program. Must have financial need, but not currently receiving other scholarships or grants.
Robert and Blenda Ontiveros Family Foundation Athletic Scholarship
Established by the late alumni Robert and Blenda Ontiveros for Hispanic student-athletes with emphasis on baseball and soccer.
Robert and Blenda Ontiveros Family Foundation Entering Students Scholarship
Established by the late alumni Robert and Blenda Ontiveros. For entering minority students maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
Robert and Blenda Ontiveros Family Foundation Scholarship
Established by the late alumni Robert and Blenda Ontiveros. For Hispanic students maintaining a 3.0 GPA with emphasis given to students studying health care, sciences or technology.
Alan D. Perley Memorial Scholarship
Established through the generosity of loved ones, friends, family and the BHC community in memory of alumnus Alan Perley. Alan was the son of Lucille and the late Roger Perley, both music faculty at Black Hawk College. The scholarship will be awarded to a full- or part-time student in the law enforcement/criminal justice program who maintains at least a C average. The recipient must live in-district or in one of the approved contiguous counties of Iowa and have earned at least 14 college credits in the program. Recipient must demonstrate a history of volunteerism and giving back to the community.
Roger A. Perley Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Roger A. Perley, professor of music at Black Hawk College. Awarded to students who have completed 15 semester hours at Black Hawk College and are majoring in music in a transfer program with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Recipient selected by the academic department.
Perlmutter Scholarship
Established by the late Dr. Harold and Evelyn Perlmutter. Awarded to high school seniors enrolling as science majors who demonstrate financial need.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Students must be members of the Eta Kappa chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at the Quad-Cities Campus at the time of application and be returning the following semester enrolling in 12 credit hours. Must have a 3.75 cumulative GPA.
Puffer/Reid Scholarship
Established in honor of former college presidents Dr. Richard Puffer and Dr. Alban Reid. Given for excellent academic recognition.
Quad-Cities Alumni Scholarship
Students who have completed at least nine semester hours at Black Hawk College, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and show financial need.
Quad City’s Vintage Rods Scholarship
Established in 1984 by the Quad City’s Vintage Rods Club to support Black Hawk College students. Students must demonstrate academic success.
Elaine K. Saffield Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Elaine K. Saffield. Awarded annually to students demonstrating academic progress and financial need.
The Sedona Group Scholarship
Awarded to students in transfer/career programs with preference to computer science majors. Preference is also given to employees or dependents of employees at The Sedona Group.
Dr. Barbara Shellhouse, Wayne & Son Scott Shellhouse Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Dr. Shellhouse who taught in the Music Department of Black Hawk College for 30 years. Scholarships are awarded to students majoring in music, preferably vocal music. Recipients selected by the Music Department faculty.
Jeanne Tamisiea Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Jeanne Tamisiea who taught for many years in the Black Hawk College Art Department. Scholarships will support art majors. Recipients selected by the Art Department faculty.
Timothy VanHecke Class of 1978
Awarded to students whose course of study is business, business administration or economics. Students eligible for this scholarship must also be full-time and have a GPA of at least 2.5.
Marian Walters Health Occupations Scholarship
Established in memory of Marian Walters, this scholarship is available to students enrolled in health-related programs.
Gertrude West Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Ms. West who taught in the Black Hawk College Speech Department. Students must show academic promise.
Jules Mueller Westmer Scholarship
Must be a graduate from Mercer County in top half of graduating class. Preference given to a graduate from Westmer High School. Must demonstrate financial need and be a full-time Black Hawk College student.
Dr. Robert & Dorothy White Scholarship
Established in honor of Dr. Robert and Dorothy White – Bob, a longtime professor, and Dorothy, an alumna of Black Hawk College. Given to students with academic promise.
Woman’s Club of East Moline Scholarship
Created by the Woman’s Club to support students enrolled in health-related programs.
The Wray Family Scholarship
The Wray Family Scholarship is open to students enrolled in Career and Technical Education certificate or degree programs who are learning new skills. Preference will be given to a student trying to make a fresh start. Students must demonstrate financial need and have a 2.0 minimum GPA.
Annual Scholarships
BHC Foundation Anonymous Scholarship
This anonymous scholarship is awarded to a full-time student with a minimum 2.0 GPA. This scholarship supports a student with full-time tuition for two years. Preference is given to those students with financial need if candidates are equally qualified.
Jason Blair Roberts Memorial Scholarship
The Jason Blair Roberts Memorial Scholarship celebrates the life of a man who was tragically lost too early and serves as an inspiration for area students who wish to continue their education after high school. The scholarship is open to minority students of an Iowa high school with financial need, a minimum 2.5 GPA, community involvement, and participation in extracurricular activities. Preference is given to Iowa Quad-Cities high school graduates.
Brissman Foundation Scholarship
Established in honor of the Brissman family. Awarded to students in vocational and career-focused programs who are current residents within Milan city limits.
William Butterworth Foundation Scholarship
The William Butterworth Foundation Scholarship recognizes students pursuing one of the organization’s major programming pillars – the arts. The scholarship will be open to full-time art students pursuing an associate degree, transfer degree, or certificate. Recipient must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and reside in Rock Island County, Illinois, or Scott County, Iowa. Preference will be given to a nontraditional student intending to stay in the Quad-Cities community.
Dell Family Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a high school graduate studying early childhood or elementary education. The candidate must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to United Township High School students.
Lane Evans Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to former or active military students with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Preference is given to those students with financial need for tuition, fees, and books.
Barbara D. Greim Ph.D. Scholarship for Foreign Language Students
For full-time students majoring in foreign language studies with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to those students with financial need if candidates are equally qualified.
Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary CNA Scholarship
The Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary, in conjunction with Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation, provides a partial scholarship for dual-credit Geneseo High School students enrolled in the Black Hawk College CNA program. Black Hawk College Foundation provides matching funds as well.
Henry County Independent Insurance Agents Association Scholarship
Awarded to students in good academic standing. Must show financial need.
Hot Roddin’ for Scholars
Student must maintain a 2.5 GPA. Academic performance and financial need are considerations.
Humanities, Languages, and Journalism Essay Contest
The Humanities, Languages, and Journalism Essay Contest is sponsored by the Foundations and made available through the Black Hawk College Humanities, Languages, and Journalism Department. A first place and a second place scholarship will be awarded. The top-scored essay will be selected as the college’s submission to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s Paul Simon Student Essay Contest. The winner of the ICCTA essay contest receives a scholarship award.
International Student Association Scholarship
Given to our international students involved in the ISA organization. Recipients are selected by the ISA advisor.
Kings Daughters Nursing Scholarship
Given in support of nursing students. Must demonstrate financial need and academic performance.
Rob Murphy Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship has been established by Rob Murphy’s family in his memory to support and encourage nontraditional students to continue to work toward their greatest goal, just as he did. Awarded to nontraditional students pursuing a new skill. Preference is given to those in the machinist program or to nontraditional students with financial need. Scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, books, or other educational expenses.
Physical Therapist Assistant Scholarship
Created for students enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Must be a part-time student with financial need. Awarded for summer, fall, and spring semesters. A written essay is required.
Prairieland Hospice Foundation of Galesburg Scholarship for EMS Student
Created for students who are Illinois residents of Rock Island County and adjoining counties of Mercer, Henry, and Whiteside and are enrolled in the AAS nursing, LPN, or EMS program. Student must be in good academic standing and must show financial need.
Prairieland Hospice Foundation of Galesburg Scholarship for Nursing Students
Created for students who are Illinois residents of Rock Island County and adjoining counties of Mercer, Henry, and Whiteside and are enrolled in the AAS nursing, LPN, or EMS program. Student must be in good academic standing and must show financial need.
Quad Cities River Bandits Scholarship
The deserving recipient will not only excel in the classroom, but also be active in extracurricular activities at their school and make a positive impact in their community through their actions and activities. QC River Bandits Scholars must be enrolled full time and also receive an opportunity to interview for a summer internship with the Quad Cities River Bandits.
Quad City Bank & Trust Scholarship
The Quad City Bank & Trust Scholarship is awarded to a full-time student with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Preference is given to minority first-generation college students. This one-of-a-kind scholarship awards full tuition plus expenses for books and other educational fees.
Ben & Carrie Smith Law Enforcement Scholarship
Ben and Carrie Smith created this scholarship in 2018 in honor of their many family members who have served, and are currently serving, in law enforcement. Preference will be given to students enrolled in a law enforcement program with a 3.0 GPA or greater.
The Villas at Black Hawk Scholarship
The Villas at Black Hawk Scholarship is available for students residing in The Villas. The scholarship is awarded as a rent concession.
2025-26 Scholarship Brochure
*Black Hawk College Foundation scholarships listed provide general descriptions and/or requirements of scholarship opportunities. None of the information provided for any scholarship implies a commitment by Black Hawk College Foundation to specific terms, requirements and/or the awarding of any scholarship.
Scholarships are subject to change. We reserve the right to make changes at any time and those changes are binding, regardless of whether updated online or not.
