Closed
This scholarship is part of the Winter application cycle.
This scholarship is open from December 1st to February 1st.
The Secondary Success and Beyond Scholarship Fund was created as a natural extension of our mission to help students not only access higher education, but also persist through it. Secondary Success and Beyond was founded in 2020 by Gabrielle Foreman. Still in college herself she saw firsthand the challenges that high school and college students in her community were facing. Many of her peers at Northern Illinois University—especially first-generation students—shared how overwhelming it was to navigate applications, financial aid, and the realities of life on campus without clear guidance.
SSB is here to ensure that future students wouldn’t have to face those same gaps alone, especially when the right resources and guidance could make all the difference.
The Scholarship Fund was born out of that conviction. It provides direct financial support to students actively pursuing college degrees or trade programs. Statistically, the cost of education becomes more burdensome the longer students are enrolled, and financial strain is one of the leading reasons students stop short of graduation. This fund exists to help close that gap—making sure students can focus on their goals, not just their bills.
At its heart, the scholarship represents a belief that every student deserves the tools, resources, and financial support to see their education through to the finish line and beyond.
I am beyond grateful to share that the Secondary Success and Beyond Scholarship Fund has officially been established at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.
As a high school student, I once received a scholarship through this very foundation. Fresh out of college, I had the privilege of working for them. And now, to be able to create a scholarship fund that will support students forever is an honor I don’t take lightly.
I am humbled and thankful to give back in this way.
– Gabrielle Foreman
Eligibility
Every CFNIL scholarship has a unique intent, often reflecting the background of the donor or person in whose memory the fund was created. CFNIL uses an online "universal" application to ensure the most efficient process; as an applicant, you do not need to predetermine which scholarships you should apply for. Complete ONE application each cycle, and your answers to a series of yes/no and personal background questions automatically match you to every scholarship you are eligible for. Because our scholarships were created to support students of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations, we encourage every scholarship seeker (high school graduating seniors and older) to apply!