Quad City Engineering and Science Council Scholarship (QCESC) 2026 – STEM Scholarships

Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) High School Senior / STEM Quad Cities Area (IL / IA)
Quad City Engineering and Science Council Scholarship - QCESC STEM Scholarships

Scholarship Description

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) Scholarship program invests in the future of engineering, science, and technology by providing annual scholarships to high school seniors pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) education. Since 1994, QCESC has partnered with member societies, local businesses, and regional universities to offer one-time scholarships to students in the Quad City area.

In 2025, the QCESC awarded 15 scholarships totaling $30,500 to exceptional students. The awards are presented at the annual STEM Celebration, recognizing the next generation of engineers and scientists who will build a stronger tomorrow.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is open to residents of the Quad City area, specifically the following Illinois and Iowa counties:

Illinois Counties: Carroll, Henry, Knox, Lee, Mercer, Rock Island, Whiteside

Iowa Counties: Clinton, Scott, Muscatine, Louisa

Scholarship Deadline

For the 2026 scholarship cycle, applications are now closed. The deadline for the 2026 application was January 27, 2026.

2026 Application Status: CLOSED

2026 Deadline: January 27, 2026

Next Application Period: Typically opens in December each year

Recommendation: Check the QCESC website in December 2026 for the 2027 application cycle.

Host Organization

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) – a council of engineering and science societies, local businesses, and regional universities. QCESC has been supporting STEM education in the Quad City area since 1994, providing scholarships and promoting STEM careers.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: High school senior (pursuing post-secondary education).

Fields: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics). Scholarship funds can be used for:

  • Four-year accredited college or university degree programs
  • Associate degree at a community or junior college
  • Skilled trades certification programs

Target Group

The scholarship targets high school seniors who are residents of the designated Quad City area counties in Illinois and Iowa. Applicants must be planning to pursue post-secondary education in STEM fields at accredited institutions.

Scholarship Amount

Scholarship Details:

  • Number of Scholarships: Typically 15 scholarships awarded annually
  • Total Awarded (2025): $30,500
  • Type: One-time scholarships (not renewable)
  • Purpose: Support STEM education at accredited institutions

📊 Summary of Awards (2025):
Total Scholarships: 15
Total Value: $30,500
Average Award: Approximately $2,033 per student

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

  • Residency: Must be a resident of one of the eligible counties: Carroll, Henry, Knox, Lee, Mercer, Rock Island, or Whiteside (IL) OR Clinton, Scott, Muscatine, or Louisa (IA).
  • Status: Must be a high school senior.
  • Academic plans: Must be planning to pursue post-secondary education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) at an accredited institution.
  • Program types: Eligible programs include four-year college/university, associate degree at a community/junior college, or skilled trades certification.

✅ Eligible Candidates

  • High school seniors in eligible Quad City counties.
  • Residents of IL counties: Carroll, Henry, Knox, Lee, Mercer, Rock Island, Whiteside.
  • Residents of IA counties: Clinton, Scott, Muscatine, Louisa.
  • Pursuing STEM education at an accredited institution.
  • Planning to attend a 4-year university, community college, or skilled trades program.

❌ Ineligible Candidates

  • Residents outside the designated Quad City counties.
  • Students not planning to pursue STEM education.
  • Non-high school seniors.
  • Students already enrolled in college (unless applying for a specific program).

Application Procedure

  1. Check eligibility – Ensure you are a high school senior residing in one of the eligible Illinois or Iowa counties.
  2. Visit the official QCESC website – Go to www.qcesc.org/scholarship when the application period opens (typically December).
  3. Prepare required documents – Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any other required materials.
  4. Complete the online application – Submit the application form through the QCESC website before the deadline.
  5. Submit by the deadline – Applications are typically due in late January. Late applications are not accepted.
  6. Await notification – Award recipients are announced at the annual STEM Celebration.

Important notes: The 2026 application cycle is now closed. For the 2027 cycle, watch the QCESC website for updates in December 2026. For further information, contact the Scholarship Chair, Tom Hein, at 309-798-0556 or email the QCESC scholarship committee.

Official Website & Application Links

QCESC Scholarship – Official Page

Contact: Scholarship Chair, Tom Hein — Phone: 309-798-0556

Email: Available through the QCESC website contact form.

Scholarships groups Join Facebook Group Join Telegram Channel

💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council Scholarship provides vital support for local high school seniors pursuing STEM education. With 15 scholarships totaling over $30,000 awarded annually, this program has helped hundreds of students in the Quad City area launch their careers in engineering, science, and technology since 1994.

Key strategies for a successful application:

  • Verify your residency — you must live in one of the eligible Illinois or Iowa counties.
  • Ensure you are a high school senior planning to pursue STEM studies.
  • Prepare your application materials early — the deadline is typically in late January.
  • Check the QCESC website in December for the next application cycle.
  • Contact the Scholarship Chair if you have questions about eligibility or the application process.

Important reminders: The 2026 application cycle is now closed. For the 2027 cycle, check the QCESC website in December 2026. Scholarships are one-time awards and are presented at the annual STEM Celebration. The program supports not only traditional four-year degrees but also community college and skilled trades programs.

Quad City Engineering and Science Council Scholarship 2026 – FAQ

What is the QCESC Scholarship?

It is a one-time scholarship program for high school seniors in the Quad City area pursuing STEM education. Since 1994, QCESC has awarded scholarships to support the next generation of engineers and scientists.

Who is eligible to apply?

High school seniors who are residents of eligible Illinois counties (Carroll, Henry, Knox, Lee, Mercer, Rock Island, Whiteside) or Iowa counties (Clinton, Scott, Muscatine, Louisa) and planning to pursue STEM education.

What is the application deadline?

For the 2026 cycle, the deadline was January 27, 2026. Applications are now closed. The next cycle will open in December 2026.

How many scholarships are awarded?

Approximately 15 scholarships are awarded annually. In 2025, the total awarded was $30,500.

What can the scholarship funds be used for?

Funds can be used for four-year university degrees, associate degrees at community/junior colleges, or skilled trades certification programs.

Is the scholarship renewable?

No, the QCESC scholarships are one-time awards.

Who can I contact for more information?

Contact the Scholarship Chair, Tom Hein, at 309-798-0556 or through the QCESC website.

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