Youth Leadership

Award & Scholarship

Group of diverse young adults smiling and enjoying each other's company outdoors.

YWCA Elgin will present a $2,000 scholarship to one (1) high school senior residing within the School District U-46 boundaries who demonstrates leadership characteristics and will pursue a higher education.

Celebrating the 125th anniversary of the YWCA in Elgin from 1901 to 2026, with a logo featuring a large "125" and a banner saying "Anniversary", surrounded by black and white photos of diverse women and children.

Celebrating 125 Years of Empowering Youth
In honor of YWCA Elgin’s 125th Anniversary, the 2026 Youth Leadership Award & Scholarship continues our long tradition of recognizing young people who lead with courage, equity, and service in our community.

The 2026 scholarship applications are due on March 5, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the results by April 2, 2026.

Download the application or apply online by clicking the apply now button below. Resources to help students complete their application, including one-on-one help, can be found at the bottom of this webpage.

Apply Now
Award certificate titled 'Youth Leadership Recipient' awarded to Valerie Villegas. The certificate describes her leadership qualities and achievements, including her service as President of the National Honor Society, involvement in community service, and academic accomplishments. It features a photo of Valerie Villegas, a young woman with long, dark hair, smiling and wearing a pink off-shoulder dress, against a window background.

2025 - Valerie Villegas, Bartlett High School

2024 - Kaitlyn Rose Iverson, Bartlett High School

2023 - Stephanie Skrabacz, Elgin High School

Previous Awards Recipients

Celebrating 125 Years of Impact

Since 1901, YWCA Elgin has invested in young leaders through education, mentorship, and advocacy. The Youth Leadership Award & Scholarship is one way we honor students who are creating a more just and equitable community for all.

Thank you for being part of our 125th Anniversary year by sharing your story, your leadership, and your dreams for the future.

Resources

The following resources are available to help you prepare your scholarship essays.

  1. NEW! One-on-One Help - The YWCA Elgin offers one-on-one help with your scholarship and award application. Eilis Corcoran, Youth Services Librarian at Skokie Public Library, will review up to two drafts of your scholarship application and provide feedback. To utilize this service, please email Eilis at eilis.m.corcoran@gmail.com. The deadline for this service is February 27, 2026, by 5:00 pm.

  2. Tutor.com - 24-hour Writing Assistance; Gail Borden Public Library card is required.

  3. Grammarly.com - free AI-powered grammar and writing assistance

  4. BrainfuseNow.com - 24-hour Writing Assistance; Streamwood/Poplar Creek Library card is required.

  5. CollegeEssayGuy.com - Free Videos, Webinars, Guides, Podcasts, and Examples on Essay Writing.

  6. The University of California Guide to Personal Insight Questions - This guide helps break down essay questions to make students think about what’s being asked of them.