Carpe Diem Foundation of Illinois Scholarship

Description: The Carpe Diem Foundation is established pursuant to the direction of Mabel E. Greenspan who died on March 21, 2001. Her instructions were that upon her death, a charitable foundation was to be established to identify and assist students who were most likely to improve the quality of human life. The scholarship grants will be awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, exceptional leadership ability and a serious commitment to community service. Recipients of scholarship grants must be enrolled as full-time students, maintain a B average and participate in service activity. While the grants will be awarded based upon merit, priority among equally qualified candidates will be given to students whose parents are employed in education, government, social services, public health, the administration of justice and the fine arts.
Dollar Value: The scholarships range from $2,500 to $5,000 per year for tuition, room, board and books at U.S. accredited educational institutions. The scholarship can be renewed for up to four years.
Number of Scholarships: 12 to 24 merit based scholarship.
Eligibility:
  • Applicant must be a U.S. citizen
  • Applicant must be a new or continuing undergraduate student attending a U.S. accredited educational institution in the Fall of that year
  • Applicant does not have to be an Illinois resident.
Application Procedures: Applicant must download the application package, which includes the application form, three essay questions, teacher recommendation form, and community service recommendation form. Complete the application form, two short essay questions and long essay, secure the recommendations and an official transcript, enclose the $14.25 application fee and return the completed application packet to the Foundation.
Deadline: TBA
Contact Information:
Carpe Diem Foundation of Illinois
c/o Gordon V. Levine, Executive Director
P. O. Box 3194, Chicago, 1L 60690-3194
Phone: 847-866-3000;
Fax: 847-328-8554 or 847-328-8281
Fellowships Coordinator:
Name: Scott Handley, Honors College, University Hall 212
Phone: 417-836-6371

Frequently asked questions

Does a student have to major in a specific area of interest, if awarded the scholarship?
Students do not have to declare a major if they are a high school senior or college freshman. They are expected to have a vision for the future and be able to describe their role in pursuing their goals.
Can additional documentation be included?
Only one to two pages and only if it is absolutely necessary to explain a section of the application. DO NOT SEND books, binders or large volumes of paperwork. Also, if the applicant would like materials return, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The return of documents cannot be guaranteed, but the Foundation will make every effort to do so.
Should samples of creative writing/poetry, graphic arts/artwork or musical or theatrical performance be included in the application?
To be considered for achievement in the arts, applicants must submit representative samples of work. Theatre and Music tapes, CDs, DVDs and creative writing samples will not be returned. Art portfolios are more expensive, and the Foundation will attempt to return them. If the applicant would like the samples returned, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The Foundation cannot guarantee the return of samples, but will make every effort to do so. Art can be submitted on a computer disk (specify the format) or if viewable on a web site, provide the web address. For theatre and music, it is better if the performance is a solo. The Foundation wants to see what the applicant can do.
What information is needed on research project?
If the applicant has worked with a teacher/professor on a research project, please explain. If the applicant has conducted an independent research study that was not a class assignment, please explain. If published, please supply citation.
What standardized test scores are required?
Scores are needed for either the old SAT, the new SAT or the ACT. If both the SAT and ACT were taken, supply both test results. Supply SAT II test scores for any subject tests taken.
Can a high school counselor complete the community service recommender portion?
Yes, but send a brief note of explanation why someone other than a community/church/social leader is completing the questionnaire. It is in the best interest of the applicant to have someone NOT associated with the school complete the community service recommendation.
Can the teacher and community service recommendations be sent in separately?
Only if it is absolutely necessary and totally unavoidable. There is every effort made to match the application with the recommendations, but the Foundation cannot guarantee our efforts will be successful. Talk with recommenders early. Do not hold application waiting for letters from recommenders. Do not miss the deadline for receipt of the application.
When will applicants hear whether if they have been awarded the scholarship?
If chosen to receive a scholarship, applicants will be notified by August. A list of those selected will be posted on the Website. No written notification will be sent to applicants.