Choose to Include Scholarship

Supporting Inclusive Students

The Choose to Include Scholarship honors students who have demonstrated a commitment to inclusion through Special Olympics Illinois and Unified Champion Schools. Eligible students can apply by completing the form below.

Choose to Include Scholarship Information

Submission Deadline:
April 15, 2026

Amount of Scholarship Award:
$500

Additional Recognition:
Recipient(s) will be invited to attend Unified Champion Schools Youth Activation Summit. The details of their nomination may be kept private per request.

Eligibility Requirements:
High school student of any age

Considerations:
Demonstrate commitment to building an inclusive community and/or bullying prevention in their school and community.

Scope:
Applicants participating in Unified Champion Schools Strategy and/or Special Olympics Illinois Unified Sports will be given significant consideration. At minimum, one scholarship will be awarded to this type of applicant. Donors may designate additional scholarships within their community.

Qualifications:

Preference given to applicants participating in Unified Champion Schools, Unified Sports, or Special Olympics Illinois activities.
Must have a letter of recommendation from a faculty member of a High School, Special Olympics Illinois staff, or, if a Unified Partner, a parent/guardian of a Special Olympics Illinois Athlete.
Demonstrates commitment towards building an inclusive culture and/or bullying prevention in their school and community.

Choose to Include Scholarship Application

Today's Date*
Student Contact Information
Name*
First Last
Address*
Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Email*
Phone*
Parent/Guardian Contact Info
Name*
First Last
Email*
Phone*
High School Information and More
Name of High School*
High School
List of Extracurricular Activities in High School*
Anticipated College or University*
Name of University
Anticipated Major*
Field of Study Being Pursued
Recommendation Letter Info and Essay
School Staff or Unrelated Adult Writing Letter*
Full Name Email Address Phone Number
Upload Recommendation Letter Here*
Max. file size: 20 MB.
Upload Your 500-1000 Word Essay*
Describe how your accomplishments relate to the mission of creating an inclusive community and/or ways you have proactively helped to lessen all forms of bullying within your school community and additionally reflect on the impact of your actions to your classmates, community and/or yourself.
Max. file size: 256 MB.
Social Media (Optional)
Link to your social media profile:
If you choose to do so, please insert a link to your preferred social media platform. (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram)
Final Statement
Would you like to keep your terms of nomination private?*
- Yes
- No
Scholarship Terms and Conditions:

To the best of my knowledge and belief, there is no reason that would prevent my being eligible to receive the above-named scholarship. The Special Olympics Illinois Foundation, its Scholarship Committee, and its staff, have my permission to review my academic information and documents for the purposes of verifying my eligibility for this scholarship.
Have you read the above statement and do you accept the terms?*
- I have read and accepted the above statement and understand that incomplete applications will not be considered.
- I have not read nor accepted the above statement.

Choose to Include Scholarship

Supporting Inclusive Students

Choose to Include Scholarship Information

Choose to Include Scholarship Application

Student Contact Information

Parent/Guardian Contact Info

High School Information and More

Recommendation Letter Info and Essay

Social Media (Optional)

Final Statement

Scholarship Terms and Conditions: