Gold Star Mission Opens 2027 Scholarship Applications
Illinois students with a connection to the state can apply for $1,000 scholarships honoring Illinois Fallen Heroes through February 1, 2027.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Scholarships
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Gold Star Mission opened its 2027 scholarship application period on November 1, 2026, offering $1,000 awards to students with an Illinois connection. Applications are accepted online only and close February 1, 2027.
Why it matters
The program has awarded more than $350,000 in educational scholarships since launching in 2017, extending support to students regardless of military affiliation. Each award is given in honor of an Illinois service member killed since September 11, 2001.
Each scholarship is $1,000 and may be applied to tuition, textbooks, school fees, on-campus room and board, approved educational tutoring, and other qualifying educational expenses. The program has honored more than 300 Illinois military service members killed since September 11, 2001, and has awarded more than $350,000 since 2017.
The players
Gold Star Mission
A nonprofit founded by Illinois National Guard members in 2017 that runs scholarships honoring Illinois service members killed since September 11, 2001.
The details
Applicants select the "Complete Online" button on goldstarmission.org/Scholarship.php to begin an application once the period is open, and they review eligibility requirements before submitting. Gold Star Mission was founded by Illinois National Guard members in 2017.
Timeline
2017: Gold Star Mission launches its scholarship program.
November 1, 2026: The 2027 application period opens.
February 1, 2027: The 2027 application period closes.
March 2027: Scholarship recipients will be recognized.
Season Trajectory
The 2027 application cycle extends a scholarship program that launched in 2017 and has awarded more than $350,000 in total. Its annual cycle continues the pattern of tying each award to a named Illinois Fallen Hero.
Illinois students can apply for $1,000 awards that cover tuition, textbooks, school fees, and on-campus room and board, regardless of military affiliation. Applications are submitted online only, so students need internet access and must apply before the February 1, 2027 deadline.
The takeaway
Students with an Illinois connection do not need a military affiliation to apply, so eligibility is broader than the program's name suggests. Reviewing the requirements early leaves time to gather materials before the February 1, 2027 deadline.
What happens next
Applications close February 1, 2027, and scholarship recipients will be recognized in March 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Illinois scholarships for students seeking financial aid for college.
More information
Review eligibility and submit an application on the Gold Star Mission scholarship application page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Effingham Radio.
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