2025

Illinois Chemical Education Foundation

$2,000 Ecolab High School Senior
Scholarship Application

Open Only to All Future Chemists, Chemical Engineers, Environmental Engineers, Material Scientists, Environmental Scientists, Agricultural Scientists and High School Chemistry Teachers

The Chemical Industry Council of Illinois, through the Illinois Chemical Education Foundation (ICEF) presents a number of $2,000 scholarships each year to top high school senior science students. We welcome all applications for the ICEF scholarships. 

The ICEF’s objective is to recognize and honor high school seniors who have exemplified outstanding achievement in academics, extracurricular/employment activities, and community involvement.

Please submit the following information postmarked no later than Friday, March 7, 2025, and received no later than Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

The application must be complete to be considered for the scholarship. 

• Name, address (include zip code), email, and telephone number only on a cover page
• Official high school transcript (MUST have either an official seal or enclosed in a sealed envelope with a signature of school official across the seal) including grade point average with scale and fall 2024 grades
• Rank in high school class
• ACT/SAT scores (Either through Official transcript or from the ACT); PSAT will NOT be accepted
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers; including one science teacher. The letter MUST be on office al letterhead and signed.
• Two essays are required. Each essay must be one page only.
       ICEF essay question: “How did you become interested in your chosen college major and where do you hope it takes you?”

              Ecolab essay question: “How would you make the world a cleaner, healthier and safer for everyone?” 
             (Both essays are required for this scholarship)

• List of extracurricular activities, including community service, awards and accomplishments, and employment/work experience

Do not include photographs, certificates, folders, binders or college acceptance letters with your application. Please DO NOT staple the papers together.

Ecolab Scholarship also offers a tour of Water University
Water University is the World’s first high-tech learning environment dedicated exclusively to water education. Through interactive experiences and hands-on learning, total water solutions come to life as students embrace ways to reduce, re-use, and recycle water. The University features a functional wet lab as well as customized equipment and control technologies designed to support pretreatment, boiler, cooling, process, and post-treatment applications. A virtual work center with its incorporated Prysm Technology boasts a 15-foot wide interactive video wall for running environmental simulations and engaging with 3D water processes. The Water Safety section of the University showcases methods for controlling water borne pathogens and provides a back-drop for understanding water health standards. 

Suite 210
Des Plaines, IL 60018

All submitted materials become the property of the Illinois Chemical Education Foundation

Please Note: Only chosen applicants will be notified. 
High School Scholarship applicants must be an Illinois resident and planning to attend a post-secondary educational institution (i.e. junior college, community college, four-year undergraduate institution). We encourage all eligible students to apply for this prestigious scholarship. There is no limitation on the number of students that may apply at each school. 

The ICEF Scholarship Awards will be presented at our 68^th Annual Scholarship Luncheon. 

Additional information on the Scholarship Program and ICEF can be found on our website at www.cicil.net or by contacting Lisa Frede, ICEF/CICI at 847-544-5995 or at [email protected].