Application for the Sarah Bush Lincoln Scholarship (2026)

The Sarah Bush Lincoln Scholarship provides an exceptional opportunity for local students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Eastern Illinois University (EIU). This last-dollar scholarship covers remaining tuition, fees, and room and board after other scholarships and financial aid have been applied, helping recipients focus on their education and preparation for a career in nursing.

Applicants must attend high school in, or reside in, one of the following Illinois counties: Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Moultrie, or Shelby.

Scholarship recipients who successfully complete the required nursing prerequisite courses and meet all program progression requirements will be admitted to EIU’s Traditional Prelicensure BSN Program.

As part of the application, you are required to submit a letter of recommendation. One reference is required, up to 3 may be submitted. The reference can be a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, employer, or any one that can attest to your suitability to pursue and be successful in nursing.

Instructions for Submitting Letters of Recommendation:
1. Share the recommendation link with your chosen recommenders:

https://www.eiu.edu/schoolofnursing/machform/view.php?id=37221

2. Your recommender will complete the secure online form.
3. You will not be able to view the contents of the letter, but you may confirm whether it has been received by emailing Dr. Richard Clapp at rmclapp2@eiu.edu.

Direct Entry Consideration: By submitting an application for the Sarah Bush Lincoln Scholarship, you will also be automatically considered for the Direct Entry Option for Incoming Freshmen to EIU’s Traditional Prelicensure BSN Program, provided you meet the established Direct Entry eligibility requirements. You DO NOT need to submit a separate Direct Entry application. Scholarship applicants who meet the Direct Entry eligibility criteria will be considered for both opportunities through this application.

Name Name First Last
EIU E-Number
(Please note: You must be accepted to EIU and have an assigned E-Number before submitting an application for the Sarah Bush Lincoln Scholarship.)
EIU Email Address
(All scholarship-related communications will be sent to your EIU email address. Please check your EIU email regularly throughout the application and selection process.)
Personal Email Address
(Please provide an email address that you monitor regularly)
Personal Phone Number Personal Phone Number - ### - ### ####
To be considered, applicants must:

- Be admitted to EIU as a full-time incoming freshman
- Declare a major in Pre-Nursing
- Have a high school GPA of 3.30 or higher (on a 4.00 scale)
- Attend high school in, or reside in, one of the following Illinois counties: Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Moultrie, or Shelby

Please select the option that best describes your situation.

To be considered, applicants must: - Be admitted to EIU as a full-time incoming freshman - Declare a major in Pre-Nursing - Have a high school GPA of 3.30 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) - Attend high school in, or reside in, one of the following Illinois counties: Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Moultrie, or Shelby Please select the option that best describes your situation. I meet the eligibility requirements I do not meet the eligibility requirements
County of Eligibility

To be eligible for the Sarah Bush Lincoln Scholarship, you must attend high school in or reside in one of the following Illinois counties: Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Moultrie, or Shelby.

Please select the county that qualifies you for this scholarship.
High School Attended
Self-Reported High School GPA

Please enter your current cumulative high school GPA on a 4.00 scale. The GPA reported on this application will be verified against your final official high school transcript to ensure accuracy.
Please list the courses you are enrolled in for your senior year.
Healthcare Education, Training, or Certification

Are you currently enrolled in, or have you previously completed, a dual-credit Health Occupations course, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course, or other healthcare-related education or occupational training (e.g., Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, EMT)?

If yes, please identify the course, training, or program, and list any state-issued certification or license you currently hold.
Extracurricular Engagement and Service

Please list any extracurricular activities, community or volunteer service, athletics, clubs or organizations, and leadership roles in which you have participated.
Honors, Awards, and Recognitions

Please list any honors, awards, or special recognitions you have received, including those related to academics, athletics, leadership, community service, or other achievements.
Employment History

Please list any current or previous employment, including the employer’s name and the approximate length of time you worked there.
Application Essay

As part of your application, we invite you to share more about your interest in nursing, your goals, and your motivation for pursuing your nursing education at Eastern Illinois University.

Prompt: Please describe why you have chosen to pursue a career in nursing. Additionally, explain why you believe Eastern Illinois University is the right place for you to begin your journey into the nursing profession.

Your response should be 250–500 words and should reflect your own experiences, perspectives, and authentic voice. We encourage you to be thoughtful, reflective, and specific. This is your opportunity to help the selection committee better understand your interest in nursing, your future goals, and what you would bring to the EIU nursing community.

Use of Artificial Intelligence: Your essay must be your own original work. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT or similar platforms, to generate, write, rewrite, or substantially edit your essay is not permitted. Applicants may use standard spelling and grammar-checking tools; however, the ideas, content, organization, and writing must be the applicant’s own.
Applicant Certification

Completion and submission of this application confirms my interest in being considered for the Sarah Bush Lincoln Scholarship at Eastern Illinois University.

I certify that the information provided in this application is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false or misleading information may result in disqualification from scholarship consideration or withdrawal of a scholarship award.

By entering my full name below, I acknowledge that it serves as my electronic signature and confirms my agreement with the statements above.

Please enter your full legal name below as your electronic signature.
Date Application Completed Date Application Completed / MM / DD YYYY
Email Address for Application Confirmation

A confirmation email will be sent to this address after your application has been successfully received.