Ecolab High School Senior Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Chemical Industry Council of Illinois

Illinois Chemical Education Foundation — Ecolab High School Senior Scholarship ($2,000)

Overview
The Chemical Industry Council of Illinois, through the Illinois Chemical Education Foundation (ICEF), awards multiple $2,000 scholarships each year to outstanding high school seniors planning to pursue careers in chemistry-related fields or to become high school chemistry teachers. Eligible career interests include, but are not limited to: chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, materials science, environmental science, agricultural science, and high school chemistry teaching.

Purpose
The ICEF scholarship program recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, meaningful extracurricular or work experiences, and strong community involvement.

Important deadlines
- Application materials must be postmarked by Friday, March 6, 2026.
- Applications must be received no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application checklist
Include the following items in the order listed:

1. Cover page (only): full name, mailing address with ZIP code, email address, and phone number. Do not include any additional information on this page.

2. Official high school transcript showing GPA (with scale) and fall 2025 grades. The transcript must either display an official school seal or be enclosed in a sealed school envelope with a school official’s signature across the seal.

3. Class rank.

4. ACT or SAT scores. Scores may be provided via the official transcript or directly from ACT/SAT documentation. PSAT results are not acceptable.

5. Two signed letters of recommendation from teachers (one must be from a science teacher). Each letter must be on official school letterhead and bear the recommender’s signature.

6. Two one-page essays (both required):
- ICEF essay: “How did you become interested in your chosen college major and where do you hope it takes you?”
- Ecolab essay: “How would you make the world cleaner, healthier, and safer for everyone?”

7. A list of extracurricular activities, community service, awards and honors, and employment/work experience.

Submission guidelines and notes
- Do not include photographs, certificates, presentation binders, or college acceptance letters with your submission.
- Please do not staple pages together.
- Ensure all items listed above are included; an application missing any required component will be considered incomplete.

Ecolab scholarship opportunity — Water University tour
Selected Ecolab scholarship recipients are offered a tour of Water University. Water University is a specialized, high-technology learning center devoted to water education. Its interactive exhibits and hands-on activities teach water reduction, reuse, and recycling strategies. Facilities include a functioning wet lab, specialized equipment and control systems for pretreatment, boiler, cooling, process, and post-treatment demonstrations, and a virtual work center featuring Prysm technology with a roughly 15-foot-wide interactive video wall for environmental simulations and 3D process visualization. A Water Safety section highlights techniques for managing waterborne pathogens and illustrates water health standards.

Questions
For questions about the scholarship or submission process, contact the Illinois Chemical Education Foundation (contact details available through the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois).