Black Hawk College Foundation offers scholarships to outstanding students based on financial need, academic merit, or both.
New and returning full and part-time students are encouraged to apply for Black Hawk College Foundation scholarships. Scholarships are based on some or all of the following criteria: academic performance, financial need and/or area of study.
The majority of these scholarships are awarded for the fall semester of the entire year—though some exceptions may exist. General eligibility criteria is listed for each scholarship, though additional terms and conditions may affect eligibility.
Update: Scholarship Applications Under Review
The scholarship application season ended on May 15. In fairness to all applicants, we do not accept applications after the deadline.
Award announcements begin in July. Scholarship FAQs | Contact us.
Our Scholarships
Listed in alphabetical order. Updated: March 2021
Endowed Scholarships
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
Established by the English/Philosophy Department. Awarded to a full-time Black Hawk College freshman enrolled in a transfer program. Preference is given to students in English, philosophy and foreign languages. Recipients are selected by the academic department.
Byron Beck Scholarship
For students studying history or pre-law with a minimum 2.5 GPA and financial need. Student selection should eliminate students who are receiving a full tuition waiver.
Dorothy Beck Scholarship
For students, with financial need, studying humanities, languages, and journalism.
Earl H. Beling Memorial Scholarship
Established by 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.
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.
Arthur B. Conelly Memorial Scholarship
Established by Tri-County Home Builders Association, Inc. Preference given to students majoring in pre-engineering, technical engineering, real estate or building trades.
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 Marilyn and the late 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 (QC)
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
Established by Steve and Tammy Franklin after Tammy 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.
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 student enrolled in biological science or nursing; 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. Awarded to a full-time student of any major with a B average.
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. Must include a personal statement.
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, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy or pre-veterinary medicine. Must be full-time and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Robert E. Nuquist History Scholarship
Given by 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 Scholarship
Established by 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 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 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.
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.
Larry Raasch Memorial Scholarship
Established by his sons in the memory of Larry Raasch, who believed in the power of education to uplift and empower individuals. Larry was a Professor at BHC for over 30 years, teaching within Business Information Systems, which became the Office Careers department. He served as Department Chair prior to his retirement. Awarded annually to career or transfer students who are majoring in Business, Computer, and Engineering Technology and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Preference given to those in financial need.
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 and Wayne 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 Tamisea Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Jeanne Tamisea 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.
Annual Scholarships
Vickie L. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Created for female nursing students with financial need.
Bandits Scholarship Program
The Quad Cities River Bandits team owner Dave Heller established the Bandits Scholars program in 2009. The deserving recipients 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. Scholarships will be awarded annually to a student who has completed the first year at Black Hawk College, to fund their second-year tuition. Bandits Scholars also receive a summer internship with the Quad Cities River Bandits following their first year. Scholarships are non-renewable and are only available for full-time students.
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 given to QC-Iowa high school graduates.
Brissman Foundation Scholarship
Established in honor of the Brissman family. Awarded to students in the welding and CNC programs who are current or former 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.
Marilyn Casey Scholarship
Awarded to students pursuing a degree in a health-related field. Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and show financial need.
Sandie K. Cockerill Scholarship
Student must demonstrate financial need and plan to attend Black Hawk College for two full years.
Joanna Dye Scholarship
Established with tribute gifts from colleagues, family and friends upon the retirement of Joanna Dye, director of financial aid. Joanna worked for Black Hawk College for 34 years. Awarded to student with Type I Diabetes. Preference to graduates of either Moline High School or United Township High School who were involved in sports or other activities. The scholarship is renewable.
EALgreen Scholarship
This is a need-based scholarship for students who will be unable to continue their studies without this financial support. The student should be pursuing a degree or recognized certificate program. The student must be in good academic standing.
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.
P.J. and Molly Foley Rock Island Scholarship
Awarded to full-time students with a minimum 2.5 GPA who demonstrate financial need. Must be a resident of Rock Island. Preference given to Alleman graduates, with second preference to Rock Island High School graduates.
Barbara D. Greim Ph.D. Scholarship for Foreign Language Students
For students majoring in foreign language studies with a minimum 3.0 GPA and enrolled full-time. Preference given to those students with financial need if candidates are equally qualified.
Henry County Independent Insurance Agents Association Scholarship
Awarded to students in good academic standing. Must show financial need.
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.
ICCSF Health Trust Scholarship
Awarded to students who are pursuing a degree in a health-related field at an Illinois community college. Must be in good academic standing and have financial need.
ICCSF Healthcare Scholarship
Awarded to residents of Illinois enrolled in a health care program that provides direct medical care to individuals. Student must be committed in his/her intent to practice in Illinois or in an area out of state directly benefiting Illinoisans. Must demonstrate financial need.
Illinois Health Improvement Association Scholarship
Awarded to students pursuing a degree in a health-related field. Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and show financial need.
International Student Association Scholarship
Given to our international students involved in the ISA organization. Recipients selected by the ISA advisor.
John Kidwell IMPACT Scholarship
Created by the IMPACT organization in honor of former college employee John Kidwell. Scholarship is for students in the Sustainable Energy/Engineering Program.
Kings Daughters Nursing Scholarship
Given in support of nursing students. Must demonstrate financial need and academic performance.
Kings Daughters Textbook Scholarship
To purchase student textbooks. Must demonstrate financial need and academic performance.
Karla Miley 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.
Dr. Keith Miller Honorary Scholarship
Created by the IMPACT organization in honor of former college president Dr. Keith Miller. Awarded to students with good academic standing.
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 students pursuing a trades program with preference given those in the machinist program and to nontraditional students with financial need. Scholarship given for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses.
Bradley D. Padakis Memorial Scholarship
Established by the Padakis family and Moline Firefighters Local #581. Created in memory of Brad Padakis, a Black Hawk College graduate and a Moline firefighter paramedic. Preference given to those enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic certificate or associate degree program with interest in becoming a career firefighter and 30 years old or younger.
Robert J. Perkins Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of Robert J. Perkins by the Perkins family. Awarded to African-American students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Preference given to financial need only if candidates are equally qualified. Scholarship given 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.
Ben and 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. Eligible recipients can be a Black Hawk College GED graduate or high school graduate demonstrating need with a 3.0 GPA or greater. Preference will be given to students enrolled in a law enforcement program.
Sheet Metal Workers Scholarship
Established by Sheet Metal Workers Local 91. Awarded to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. First preference given to members of Local 91, their spouses or their children.
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.
*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.
Information for Students
If you are looking for additional information, please contact us.
