2025 Scholarship Application

The Illinois Foundation for Marketing Education is proud to announce that we are now accepting scholarship applications for 2025 for senior DECA members planning a business career/major.

​The IFME scholarship application is a two-step process. Applicants will submit an online application and supporting documentation. Please read the below information in its entirety before starting an application. A link to the application is below.

The Illinois Foundation for Marketing Education will again award scholarships during the annual Illinois DECA Career Development Conference (IL-CDC) to marketing education students planning to pursue studies in higher education next year.

This is a TWO-STEP PROCESS.

ONE: This online application must be completed by the DECA member pursuing this scholarship by midnight on January 10, 2025. Please ensure all information entered is accurate. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. If you have any questions regarding this application, please contact Nick Ioriatti at [email protected] or by phone at 630-715-6312 or you can contact Karen Bear at [email protected].
 
TWO: A Google Drive folder will be shared with you no later than January 15th.  You are required to upload all supporting documents by January 23rd at midnight. Your application is not complete until these documents are received.

Note - A list of the finalists will be released during the first week of February.  Interviews, via video conferencing, will be scheduled during the next two weeks of February.  Scholarship recipients will be announced during ILCDC 2025.

Supporting Documentation to be uploaded to the personalized folder.
(NOTE - some schools will not allow transcripts or reference letters to be viewed by students.  Those items may be emailed to [email protected].)
  • Transcript from most recent completed semester
  • Statement by school administrative official indicating your potential for continued education; official may include principal, dean, or counselor
  • Recommendation letter from your DECA advisor
  • A second letter of recommendation from an employer, teacher, or club sponsor giving reasons for nominating the student for a scholarship

Advisor Considerations
DECA advisors should be able to answer "yes" to all of the following questions:
  • Is the DECA Advisor a member of IFME?
  • Is the student an active member of DECA?
  • Is the student a senior?
  • Will the student have completed coursework in business? This could include courses in marketing, management, merchandising, accounting, business law, etc.
  • Has the student applied to or been accepted into an institution of higher education for continuing his or her education for the fall semester?
  • Is the student planning to pursue a career in business, marketing, management, finance, accounting or business education?
  • Has the student been a leader in high school, community activities or in the business education program or shown evidence of progress which indicates potential leadership?
  • Does the student rank high enough scholastically to indicate a motivation to achieve in higher education?
  • In your judgment, will the student be able to meet the academic challenge of advanced study?
Questions? Please contact:
Nick Ioriatti
[email protected]
630-715-6312
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