High Character? Bold Dreams? Ready to make an Unlimited Impact?

Today, we have over 800 current and alumni Wentcher Scholars who are already changing the world, including over 170 that began their studies at Oakton Community College. Are you ready to become one of them?

When you become an Oakton Wentcher Scholar, you receive a scholarship award of up to $3,500 a year, renewable for up to two years, plus:

Criteria to apply

The Wentcher Foundation identifies ten students from Chicago-area high schools planning to attend Oakton Community College who exemplify academic excellence, high character, and demonstrate financial need.

CHICAGO-AREA HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

Applicant must be a Chicago-area high school senior graduating the same year they are enrolling at Oakton Community College.

Academic excellence

The Wentcher Foundation requires a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA.

Financial need

Scholars must be eligible to receive federal financial aid. Applications from US citizens, legal permanent residents, and FAFSA-eligible noncitizens will be considered. If you are not sure about your eligibility status, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

High character

Students who are well-rounded in extracurricular activities, leadership experience, honors and achievements. During our interview process, we ask students about their achievements, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the dreams that they wish to fulfill. Oakton Wentcher Scholars often share the traits of being emotionally resilient and genuine. Like our founder, Ernie Wentcher, they are team players and leaders.

APPLY TO BE A Oakton Wentcher scholar

Due March 3, 2023

Oakton Wentcher
Scholarship APPLICATION TIMELINE

December 13, 2022

Oakton Wentcher Scholarship Application Opens

March 3, 2023

Oakton Wentcher Scholarship Deadline 

Mid April 2023

Finalists notified and invited to interview

April 2023

Interviews held via Zoom

May 2023

New scholars notified of awards

Oakton Wentcher Transfer Scholarship

Current Oakton Wentcher Scholars are notified of the opportunity to apply for the transfer award in Spring of their second year. To receive the Oakton Wentcher Transfer Scholarship award, you must first be a current Oakton Wentcher Scholar, have maintained a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and have received transfer admission to a new institution to complete your bachelors degree.

The Oakton Community College Foundation provides eligible Oakton Wentcher Scholars with the transfer application each spring, applicants are invited to interview in April 2023. 

In our fourteen years of providing Oakton Wentcher Transfer Scholarships, over 90 Wentcher Scholars have continued their studies beyond Oakton Community College to attend dozens institutions locally and nationwide.

“Be genuine. Believe in yourself. Fight for what’s right. Connect to a cause larger than yourself.”
- Ernie Wentcher