HomeStar Bank, the HomeStar Education Foundation and the Hispanic Partnership of Kankakee County have partnered to help graduating high school seniors continue their education by establishing the HomeStar-Hispanic Partnership Scholarship Program.

The HomeStar Bank-Hispanic Partnership 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 Hispanic Partnership 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 on merit.

The amount of the HomeStar Bank-Hispanic Partnership scholarship is $2000.00 ($500.00 per year for up to 4 years) per student.

• Any high school senior who resides in Kankakee County or Iroquois County, Illinois and is of Hispanic or Latino heritage is eligible.

• Applicants must have maintained a minimum of a 2.0 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.