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Scholarships

The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the future of our community through three different annual scholarship programs:

Saluki Stay Scholarship

Carbondale Chamber Scholarship

Mayor's Scholarship

Saluki Stay Scholarships (Southern Illinois University)

The Saluki Stay Scholarship is the most unique scholarship at Southern Illinois University. Five returning students who meet the award criteria (2.8 cumulative GPA, at least four semesters completed at SIU, and demonstrated financial need) are presented with in-kind gifts ranging from restaurant gift cards and haircuts to grocery store gift certificates and $250 to use toward the purchase of textbooks. Some even receive a month of free rent. Dozens of Chamber members contribute cash and prizes to the scholarship. Usually, the awards exceed $1,300 in value.

The Saluki Stay Scholarships are awarded at the Chamber's August Monthly Membership Luncheon and applications for the awards are available during the spring semester.

Thank you for your interest in the Saluki Stay Scholarship program. This unique scholarship program is geared towards SIU undergraduate students.  Five scholarships will be awarded, including in-kind gifts ranging from retail store gift cards to meals in area restaurants.  The total value of the awards is approximately $1,500 each.

The Saluki Stay Scholarship award will be given to a Junior or Senior who has been enrolled at full-time status at SIU for at least 4 previous semesters.  The student must have at least a 2.8 GPA (A=4.0) and be enrolled full-time for fall semester 2023 classes.  Preference will be given to students with financial needs.

APPLICATION FOR FALL SEMESTER 2023

To be considered for this award, applicants must submit this application by April 30, 2023.  Awardees will be notified by May 20, 2023. Scholarship items will be awarded at the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on August 15, 2023. Scholarship winners are urged to attend.

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Scholarships (Carbondale Community High School)

Awarded each spring at Carbondale Community High School's annual Honors Night, the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce scholarships recognize two outstanding CCHS seniors who will be continuing their educations at Southern Illinois University. Recipients are chosen by CCHS' scholarship committee. The awards are funded through a variety of Chamber events, primarily a jewelry raffle at the Annual Banquet each February. The scholarships are $500 or more. CCHS students may apply for this scholarship through the school.

Mayor's Scholarship (Carbondale Community High School)

Also at the CCHS awards ceremony, the Mayor's Scholarship is presented to an outstanding senior who will be attending SIU. This scholarship is funded in whole or in part through proceeds from the Mayor's annual State of the City Address which is hosted by the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce as the organization's December Monthly Membership Luncheon. This award is $500 or more. CCHS students may apply for this scholarship through the school.