Scholarship Information

VFW-Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy^® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, more than 26,400 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. 

For More Information: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Eligibility:

• Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
• Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
• High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
• Scholarships are available only to students who enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.

For more information and to apply: https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to achieve their goals and graduate college debt-free. The scholarship provides $2,000 to help pay for essential items to attend college and up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. Free workshops, Free Schwab Brokerage Accounts, and Free Study Abroad provide recipients with a practical understanding of important life skills not typically covered in the school curriculum. Hagan Scholars have attended 745 colleges and universities located in 50 states and the District of Columbia and have studied abroad in 58 countries.

The Hagan Graduate Scholarships are for Hagan Scholars who have graduated college while in the Hagan Scholarship Program and are good for up to four additional semesters in college, providing up to $7,500 each semester to attend graduate school or the first two years of a professional program.

The Hagan Scholarship provides $2,000 to help purchase essential items for college, up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, workshops to learn important life skills not typically covered in the college curriculum, HSF Schwab Brokerage Account to manage to learn how to invest, and up to $8,000 to study and travel abroad.

For More information, application, and list of eligible schools go to: https://haganscholarships.org/

The Hagan Scholarship provides $2,000 to help purchase essential items for college, up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, workshops to learn important life skills not typically covered in the college curriculum, HSF Schwab Brokerage Account to manage to learn how to invest, and up to $8,000 to study and travel abroad.

Hagan Scholars who graduate while in the Hagan Scholarship Program can apply for a Hagan Graduate Scholarship, good for up to four additional consecutive semesters to attend graduate school or first two years of a professional program, receiving up to $7,500 each semester.

1. The disbursement amount will be determined each semester by HSF by taking the Total Cost of Attendance including tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, personal and transportation costs; then, deducting the total dollar amount of ALL scholarships, awards, grants, waivers, Federal and institution provided work-study, and one-half of the recipient’s FAFSA SAI. Parents are not required to pay the SAI, it is used only to determine the disbursement amount.
2. The disbursement amount will be adjusted each semester to offset the expiration or loss of other scholarships, awards, grants, waivers, Federal or institution provided work-study, and changes in the recipient’s SAI.
3. The Hagan Scholarship is renewable for up to seven additional consecutive semesters if the recipient fulfills the scholarship criteria and mandatory workshop responsibilities. Funding of the Hagan Scholarship will cease upon graduation from college or after earning 140 credit hours, whichever first occurs. In such event, recipients will continue managing their HSF Schwab Account and fulfill all other scholarship criteria until their Award Year Class graduates college. To receive funding after graduation or after earning 140 credit hours, recipients must apply for and be awarded a Hagan Graduate Scholarship.
4. First year recipients will receive $2,000 after being awarded a Hagan Scholarship to help purchase essential items for college not covered by the scholarship; items such as a computer, printer, cell phone, clothing, school supplies, and bedding.
5. Second year recipients will open a Personal Schwab Brokerage Account. After the account is opened HSF will deposit $100 in the account and provide each recipient with an HSF Schwab Brokerage Account to manage until graduation. HSF funds managed by each recipient will be $10,000 the second year, $15,000 the third year, and $20,000 the fourth year.
6. Third year recipients who have achieved a 3.50 CGPA are eligible for an all-expense paid study and travel abroad experience worth up to $8,000. Or, the funds can be used to study abroad the second semester of the third year in college.
7. Recipients who will graduate college while in the Hagan Scholarship Program can apply for a Hagan Graduate Scholarship the semester prior to graduation, good for up to four additional consecutive semesters to attend graduate school or a professional school receiving up to $7,500 each semester. Recipients must enroll in college as a full-time graduate student no later than the upcoming fall semester following the Award of a Hagan Graduate Scholarship.
8. Recipients must work 240 hours from January 1 to September 1, prior to the start of the fall semester each academic year. Employment and/or paid internships must be regularly scheduled work performed under supervision for compensation. Work can be full-time or part-time.
9. There is no application fee or processing fee.

More information and to apply: https://haganscholarships.org/

Each year the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) awards scholarships to Wisconsin students enrolling in a course of study leading to a degree in police science or criminal justice. All scholarships are awarded without regard to sex, race, cultural background, or religious preference. Financial need is not a criterion for selection in this scholarship program.

For More information and to Apply: https://wppa.com/scholarship-program/

The Chuck Berg Memorial Scholarship is one of the scholarships with the SPEF (Sheboygan Public Education Foundation)

The Chuck Berg Memorial Scholarship is available to graduating seniors of Sheboygan County schools who wish to extend their academic and golf careers.  

The Sheboygan Public Education Foundation administers this scholarship on behalf of the Berg family. The Memorial Golf Outing Board as well as his Conservation Club has established the criteria for this scholarship.

Charles “Chuck” Berg was a 1983 graduate of Sheboygan South High School and in 1987 graduated from UW Oshkosh with a Bachelor’s in Journalism, Advertising, and Public Relations.  He worked for 20 years in Marketing at Oostburg State Bank.  He was the first in his family to attend college.  Chuck loved playing sports as a child, and as an adult found golf an enjoyable challenge.  He encouraged his children to be athletes, knowing all the life lessons that are taught when on a team.  He loved the outdoors, from cutting grass, hiking, fishing, or hunting.  He was a proud member of the Howards Grove Rod and Gun Club.  Chuck had a way of lighting up a room with his warm smile, hardy handshake, gentle hug, and amazing sense of humor.  He was a great listener and truly loved people.  If you were lucky enough to know Chuck, it meant you had a friend for life.

Criteria

1. Graduating Senior from Sheboygan County.

2. A demonstrated interest in Conservation

3. Must intend to enroll in an accredited two or four-year College or University of their choice..

For More information and to apply go to: https://spefwi.org/sheboygan-county-school-scholarships/

Make sure to read and complete all steps of the application process in order to be considered for the scholarship award. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation at 920-208-7667.

*The 2026 SPEF Scholarship Deadline is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by 9 p.m..

The Dustin “Dusty” K. Knaus Memorial Golf Scholarship is one of the scholarships with the SPEF (Sheboygan Public Education Foundation)

The Dustin K. Knaus Memorial Golf Scholarship is available to graduating seniors of Sheboygan County who wish to extend their academic and golf career.  The Sheboygan Public Education Foundation administers this scholarship on behalf of the Knaus family. The Knaus family has established the criteria for this scholarship.

Dusty Knaus was a 1990 graduate of Sheboygan South High School. Dusty’s passion was golf. He carried out his passion on the course as a four-year member of the Sheboygan South golf team, where he led his team to qualify for the state tournament in 1989. Dusty continued his passion for golf after graduating by becoming a professional caddie at Whistling Straits and in Naples, Florida, at Calusa Pines. Dusty had a big heart and a smile that could light up any room instantaneously. He lived life to the fullest and never took anyone or any opportunity for granted. Dusty passed away in a tragic accident on June 24, 2017. His infinite smile, laugh, and caring attitude will always be remembered. The Knaus family would like to award a scholarship in Dusty’s honor to a Sheboygan high school golfer who shared similar qualities and interests in life.

Scholarships of various amounts may be awarded to recipients from Sheboygan County each year.  It is important to note that it is not implicit that an award be given out each year. The intent is that it only be given to very exceptional students who have provided an exceptional level of skill and leadership in both the classroom and as a golfer. The selection committee may interview applicants. Disbursement of this scholarship is awarded based on proof of registration sent to the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation.

Criteria:

1. Graduating Senior

2. Must be a member of their High School golf team.

3. Must intend to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year College or University of their choosing.

For More information and to apply go to: https://spefwi.org/sheboygan-county-school-scholarships/

Make sure to read and complete all steps of the application process in order to be considered for the scholarship award. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation at 920-208-7667.

*The 2026 SPEF Scholarship Deadline is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by 9 p.m..

The Kyle J. Neurohr Memorial Scholarship is one of the scholarships with the SPEF (Sheboygan Public Education Foundation)

For Graduating Students of the Co-Op Red Raider Hockey Program

The Kyle J. Neurohr Memorial Hockey Scholarship is available to graduating seniors of the Co-Op Red Raider Hockey Program who intend to continue their education. The Sheboygan Public Education Foundation administers this scholarship on behalf of the Neurohr family. The Neurohr family has established the criteria for this scholarship.

Kyle J. Neurohr was a 2009 graduate of Sheboygan North High School. He was an outstanding student athlete who participated in football, track, soccer and hockey. His love of hockey began at the age of 3 while living in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Kyle and his family moved to Sheboygan when Kyle was 5 and after participating in the Blue Line Mighty Mite Festival, Kyle was hooked on hockey for life. Kyle was a 4-year starter for the Red Raiders in goal and was named 2006 Rookie of the Year, 2007, 2008 & 2009 All Conference, 2008 Red Raiders MVP, 2009 Team Captain and the 2009 Hobey Baker Character Award recipient. Kyle holds many goaltending records for the Red Raider program. Kyle attended UW-Stevens Point as a freshman and was a sophomore pursuing a degree in Physical Education at UW-Whitewater at the time of his death. Kyle J. Neurohr passed away on October 16, 2010 in an automobile accident. Since then, many memorials in the form of funds and gifts have been received with the purpose of establishing a scholarship fund in his name. It is appropriate that a scholarship be presented to worthy students who aspire to meet the attributes of a Red Raider player and that this scholarship is awarded in honor of his life.

Scholarships of various amounts may be awarded to recipients from the Co-Op Red Raiders Hockey Program each year.  It is important to note that it is not implicit that an award be given out each year. The intent is that it only be given to very exceptional students who have provided an exceptional level of skill and leadership in both the classroom and as a member of the Red Raiders Program. The selection committee may interview applicants. Disbursement of this scholarship is awarded based on proof of registration sent to the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation.

Criteria:

The following criteria are established for the awarding of a scholarship in the name of Kyle J. Neurohr:

1. Must be a graduating senior member of the Red Raider Hockey Team.

2. Must intend to enroll in an accredited 4-year college or university of their choosing.

For More information and to apply go to: https://spefwi.org/sheboygan-county-school-scholarships/

Make sure to read and complete all steps of the application process in order to be considered for the scholarship award. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation at 920-208-7667.

*The 2026 SPEF Scholarship Deadline is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by 9 p.m..

The Leonhard Family Scholarship for Independent Living is one of the scholarships with the SPEF (Sheboygan Public Education Foundation)

The Leonhard Family Scholarship for Independent Living is awarded to graduates of the Sheboygan County High Public High Schools to continue their journey on achieving an independent lifestyle. Emma M. Leonhard graduated from Sheboygan North High School in June 2016. Although she is challenged with intellectual and physical disabilities, Emma was determined to learn how to live independently and was accepted into the Bethesda Program at the University of Concordia in Wisconsin. The Sheboygan Public Education Foundation administers this scholarship on behalf of the Leonhard Family.

The purpose of the Leonhard Family Scholarship for Independent Living is to provide financial support to students with an Intellectual Disability who have been enrolled in and graduated from a high school program within the Sheboygan County Public High Schools. The Leonhard Family has established a scholarship fund in which THREE “one-time” scholarships in the amount of $5,000.00 will be awarded to students enrolling AT The scholarship will be paid in two installments ($2,500/$2,500); the first installment upon proof of enrollment, and the second installment at the commencement of the first semester and upon demonstration that the first semester performance was at a passing level and school enrollment is confirmed for the second semester. Lakeland University’s program offers students with an intellectual disability the opportunity to prepare students to live a life of independence. 

Criteria/Qualifications:    

1. Member of the current graduating class in the Sheboygan County Public High Schools

2. Submit documentation of disability (i.e. IEP)

For More information and to apply go to: https://spefwi.org/sheboygan-county-school-scholarships/

Make sure to read and complete all steps of the application process in order to be considered for the scholarship award. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation at 920-208-7667.

*The 2026 SPEF Scholarship Deadline is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by 9 p.m..

The Natalie Black Scholarship is one of the scholarships with the SPEF (Sheboygan Public Education Foundation)

The Natalie Black Scholarship is available to graduating seniors of a Sheboygan County School District who wish to pursue a degree at a four-year college/university of their choice.  The scholarship was created in the Fall of 2023 by Natalie Black.

The scholarship is meant to provide a deserving student with assistance in obtaining a degree in their chosen field. The “renewable” scholarship will award a total of up to $20,000 per year (up to $80,000 possible). Recipients “may renew” their scholarship if they remain enrolled as a full-time student and achieve a college/university 3.5 yearly GPA, and continue to exhibit community service, leadership, and are involved in extracurricular activities/groups. 

Interested applicants MUST submit ONE SPEF Local Scholarship Application, ONE High School Transcript (after their first semester senior year), and ONE SPEF Character Reference Form. The Sheboygan Public Education Foundation will contact selected applicants to be interviewed for this scholarship to set up time and date for his/her interview. 

Criteria:

1. Candidates must be a member of the graduating class from a Sheboygan County High School.

2. The applicant should have a minimum high school GPA of 3.25 on 4.0 scale.

3. The applicant should have scored a 23 or higher on their ACT.

4. Applicant focus should be on community service, leadership, and extracurricular activities.

5. Financial need shall be considered when awarding this scholarship.

For More information and to apply go to: https://spefwi.org/sheboygan-county-school-scholarships/

Make sure to read and complete all steps of the application process in order to be considered for the scholarship award. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation at 920-208-7667.

*The 2026 SPEF Scholarship Deadline is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by 9 p.m..

The Sheboygan Contractors Association Scholarship is one of the scholarships with the SPEF (Sheboygan Public Education Foundation)

The Sheboygan Contractors Association (SCA) Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Sheboygan County high schools who plan to pursue a career in the professional trades (such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, etc.). Students must be full-time attendees of a Sheboygan County high school to be eligible.

This scholarship was established through a generous donation from the Sheboygan Contractors Association, whose mission is to unite contractors, suppliers, and supporting trades in Sheboygan County. Their goal is to strengthen the building trades, encourage apprenticeship training, and advance the skills and knowledge of both contractors and employees. The scholarship is administered by the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation on behalf of the SCA.

Each year, up to two scholarships of $500 may be awarded, depending on the recommendation of the selection committee. Awards are given as a lump sum at the start of the fall semester following graduation.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a graduating senior from a Sheboygan County high school.

• Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in high school.

• An ACT Score is NOT required to be considered.

• Must be pursuing a professional career in the trades.

For More information and to apply go to: https://spefwi.org/sheboygan-county-school-scholarships/

Make sure to read and complete all steps of the application process in order to be considered for the scholarship award. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation at 920-208-7667.

*The 2026 SPEF Scholarship Deadline is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by 9 p.m..

The Sheboygan Economics Club Scholarship is one of the scholarships with the SPEF (Sheboygan Public Education Foundation)

Congratulations on your aspirations to continue your academic education beyond high school in the study of Economics.  The Sheboygan Economics Club Scholarship is available to a graduating senior of Sheboygan County High Schools to continue their education at an accredited four-year university or college on a full-time basis in the field of Economics. The Sheboygan Public Education Foundation administers this scholarship on behalf of the Sheboygan Economics Club Scholarship Committee. Applicants may be interviewed by the selection committee.

The TWO scholarships, which will be awarded yearly, were established to assist in furthering the education of two deserving students who plan to pursue a career in Economics. The amount of the award is $1,000 per year paid in two installments ($500/$500) provided the student continues in the field of Economics, meets the first semester grade point average (GPA) requirement of 3.0, and provides transcripts and proof of registration at an accredited college or university for second semester renewal.

Criteria:

1. Member of the graduating class of Sheboygan County High School.

2. Students must have successfully taken and/or currently enrolled in a high school Economics course to be considered for this scholarship. 

3. Must attend Sheboygan County High School on a full-time basis.

4. Must attend an accredited four-year college or university and major in Economics.

5. The student must have been actively involved in co-curricular activities at their schools or in the community. Examples of such activities may include sports, pep band, scouts, choirs, church youth groups or any other activities for the benefit of themselves or others.

For More information and to apply go to: https://spefwi.org/sheboygan-county-school-scholarships/

Make sure to read and complete all steps of the application process in order to be considered for the scholarship award. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation at 920-208-7667.

*The 2026 SPEF Scholarship Deadline is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by 9 p.m..

The Sheboygan Fire Fighters Charitable Trust Scholarship is one of the scholarships with the SPEF (Sheboygan Public Education Foundation)

The Sheboygan Firefighters Charitable Trust Scholarship is available to graduating seniors of Sheboygan County who intend to continue their education in fire science or fire medic field. The Sheboygan Public Education Foundation administers this scholarship on behalf of the Sheboygan Firefighters Charitable Trust. The Sheboygan Firefighters Charitable Trust members established the criteria for this scholarship to encourage students to pursue a career in fire science or fire medic fields.

A scholarship of $1,000 (paid in two installments of $500) may be awarded each year. One-half will be awarded for the first semester and the concluding second half for the second semester (with a minimum 3.0 grade point average). It is important to note that it is not implicit that an award be given each year. The intent is that it only be given to students who have exhibited a commitment to fire science and/or fire medic fields. The selection committee may interview applicants. Disbursement of this scholarship is awarded based on proof of registration sent to the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation.   

Criteria:

1. Member of the current graduating class of Sheboygan County in the upper 50% of their class.

2. Must intend to enroll in an accredited 2 or 4-year technical college, college, or university of their choosing in the fire science and/or fire medic field.

For More information and to apply go to: https://spefwi.org/sheboygan-county-school-scholarships/

Make sure to read and complete all steps of the application process in order to be considered for the scholarship award. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation at 920-208-7667.

*The 2026 SPEF Scholarship Deadline is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by 9 p.m..

The Sheboygan Area – SHRM is committed to “Serving the Professional and Advancing the Profession” within the community. Therefore, they proudly sponsor the Jack Schoemer Scholarship. Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:

• Must be a Sheboygan, Calumet, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, or Manitowoc County resident. Sheboygan County residents will be given preference.
• Must be a high school senior or entering the second year or higher at an accredited post-secondary institution.
• Must be a full-time student.
• Must have a declared major in human resources management or business with an emphasis in human resource management (or intend to if not already accepted into the program).
• Must show a commitment and career interest in human resources.
• Must be in good standing at school and in the community.
• Must not be receiving any financial assistance from other sources that cover the entire cost of your tuition.
• Must be available for an in-person or conference call interview.
• Applications will not be accepted from prior recipients or from students who are members of the Sheboygan Area-SHRM Scholarship Selection Committee, Board Members, or their family members.

For more information and application:  2026 Sheboygan Area - SHRM Jack Schoemer Scholarship

Wisconsin Antique Power Reunion members feel it is our responsibility to help educate the next generation. In recognition of the increasing value of higher education in today’s world. We offer three $2000.00 scholarships per year.

This is for someone pursuing a field of study in agriculture, residing in Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Washington counties in WI. These are the three counties that represent the club.

Wisconsin Antique Power Reunion Application

The Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program at UW-Madison, established 40 years ago, offers a four-year merit-based scholarship to academically talented and outstanding students who have experienced hardship or disadvantages, which have impacted their educational opportunities. Students are chosen from a national pool of high school seniors for their potential to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. Please see our website for more information about our eligibility criteria. 

There is no separate scholarship application to be considered for the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program. High school seniors must apply as a First-Year Student to UW-Madison either through the Common Application or the UW System Application. There is no preference between applications. Please see more information about the selection process and qualifications for the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program on our website.