Hillside Public Library Scholarship

Hillside Public Library is excited to announce our annual scholarship opportunity for students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and a love of reading. Apply for a chance to win one of the two $750.00 scholarships for your education!

Please download and fill out this application.

Application must be accompanied by:

• Transcripts from academic institution attending.
• Proof of Hillside residency of at least one year or longer.
• Photocopies of proof of citizenship, voter registration and Hillside Public Library card.
• List of offices, leadership positions and/or any extracurricular activities at current school.

• Please submit one personal reference (one page maximum).
• An essay, on a separate sheet of paper. The essay must be double spaced and typed in 12 point Arial font. Please answer ONE of the following questions:
• How have libraries influenced your academic journey, and how would a scholarship from the Hillside Public Library help you further your education?
• What role do you believe libraries should play in promoting diversity and inclusion within the community?
• Describe a specific experience where the library or its resources positively impacted your education or personal development.
• If you could create a new service or program for the Hillside Public Library, what would it be and why?

Student Applicant Qualifications

• Applicant must be a citizen of the United States, registered to vote, a Hillside resident of one year or longer, and a current Hillside Public Library card holder with no outstanding amounts owed to the library.

• Applicant can be a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student currently attending an accredited college or university in the United States.

• Applicant must currently have accumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a scholastic scale of 4.0.

Awards shall be determined by proof of eligibility and worthiness through the presentation of documents showing academic record, leadership, service and participation in academic or community activities. An essay of 250 words or less is also required.

Completed application including the required essay and pertinent documentation should be mailed or delivered to the Hillside Public Library, marked to the “Attention of the Hillside Scholarship Committee.” Due date is the Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Recipients will be notified by Monday, June 16, 2025, and the awards will be presented on Saturday, June 21, 2025.