Howard D. Colman Scholarship Grant

Howard D. Colman Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Amount: US $2,500 - US $32,500
Last Updated: September 22, 2025

Summary

The Howard D. Colman Scholarship supports high school seniors from Boone and Winnebago Counties pursuing degrees in engineering or technology fields. Established in memory of entrepreneur Howard D. Colman, the scholarship offers $2,500 in the first year, with potential renewal up to $10,000 for three additional years, contingent on meeting criteria. Recipients gain hands-on experience through internships with local firms, fostering connections to the Rockford area.

Overview

Howard D. Colman Scholarship Supporting students from Boone and Winnebago County who are pursuing a degree in engineering, computer science, applied science, or a comparable technology field. The Howard D. Colman Scholarship honors this entrepreneur and inventor who lived and worked in Rockford in the early 20th century. The fund was established in his memory by his daughter, Ruth Colman Tower, and is awarded to students with plans to study manufacturing or engineering. Students who receive the Colman Scholarship are also connected with a Rockford-area manufacturing or engineering firm for a hands-on, paid internship. Each year, one of these scholarship winners who has completed the internship is awarded the additional distinction of Colman Scholar, which provides an additional scholarship and the opportunity to continue their internship. Specifications The Howard D. Colman Scholarship is a piece of the larger Howard D. Colman Scholarship Program and has a separate application and timeline from other CFNIL Scholarships. The application opens November 1 and closes January 1 each year. Finalists will be required to interview with members of the selection committee. The first year award is $2,500. Each year, one of four recipients from the prior year will be selected as the Howard D. Colman Scholar and have their award increased to $10,000 and renewed for up to three additional years, as long as criteria are met. Total award over four years could be as much as $32,500. Recipients must be willing to accept full-time summer internship offers through CFNIL and make a good faith effort to return to the Rockford area after graduation. Please visit the Howard D. Colman Scholarship Program page to learn more.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must:Be a graduating high school senior.Currently reside in Boone or Winnebago County. Intend to major in engineering, computer science, applied science, or a comparable technology field.Personify the innovative spirit of Howard D. Colman.Have a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.In addition, applicants will be considered based on their:Demonstrated connection and commitment to the Rockford region,Willingness to commit the next four summers to doing a 20-30 hour per week internship, andWillingness to take at least one local internship, ideally in the first year of the program.