HomeStar Bank is a locally owned community bank serving the financial needs of our community since 1946.  During that time we have supported the education and development of the youth of our community. In keeping with this tradition of community, HomeStar Bank established the HomeStar Education Foundation in 2001.

In 2004, the HomeStar Education Foundation partnered with the Kankakee County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to help graduating high school seniors continue their education by creating the HomeStar-NAACP Scholarship Program. The HomeStar-NAACP Scholarship Program awards scholarships based on positive leadership and character exhibited in school and community activities and financial need. A scholarship selection committee of HomeStar employees and members of the Kankakee County Branch of the NAACP administers the application process and selects the scholarship recipients. The name of each scholarship applicant is concealed from the scholarship selection committee to ensure that the recipients are selected entirely based merit.

The amount of the HomeStar-NAACP scholarship is $2000 ($500 per year for up to 4 years) per student. The committee awards up to 4 scholarships per year.

• Any high school senior who resides in Kankakee County, Illinois and is a member of the Kankakee County Branch of the NAACP is eligible for the HomeStar-NAACP scholarship. Scholarship recipients must remain members of the Kankakee County Branch of the NAACP to receive scheduled scholarship payments.

• Applicants must have maintained a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (based on 4.0) through the seventh semester of high school.

• Proof of enrollment in an educational program is required for release of scholarship payment after the award is announced.

Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of the following:

1. Positive leadership and character exhibited in both academic and extracurricular school activities.

2. Positive leadership and character exhibited in community and/or religious activities.

3. The positive impact the applicant has had on others.

4. Financial need.