Chicago Arab American Group Scholarship support Arab American students in law, engineering, and more. Eligibility varies; some require Illinois residency or AAAEA membership. Amount range from $1,000 to $5,000. Deadlines: March 15–October 15, 2025. Apply with transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award Amount | Deadline | Application Process | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arab American Bar Association of Illinois (AABAR) Scholarship | Law students (1-L or 2-L) at an accredited Illinois law school, AABAR membership required. | $2,500 – $5,000 | March 15, 2025 | Submit an application, resume, transcript, 2 recommendation letters, and a 500-word essay. | arabbar.org |
| AAAEA – Illinois Chapter Scholarship | Illinois student members pursuing engineering, architecture, or computer science. | Varies | September 15, 2025 | Submit an application, resume, transcript, 2 recommendation letters, and a 500-word essay. | aaaea.org |
| AAAEA – Capital Area Chapter Scholarship | AAAEA members or their children pursuing engineering, architecture, or IT. Min. 3.0 GPA. | $1,000+ | October 15, 2025 | Submit an application, transcript, faculty recommendation letter, extracurricular details, and an essay. | aaaeadc.org |
| AAAEA – Illinois Chapter High School Scholarship | U.S. high school students planning to major in engineering, architecture, or computer science. | Varies | TBD | Submit an application, academic records, and an essay. | aaaea.org |
If you’re an Arab American student in Chicago, you know how important financial support can be when pursuing higher education. The good news?
There are incredible scholarships designed specifically for you—whether you’re heading into law, engineering, community service, or general studies.
1. Arab American Bar Association of Illinois (AABAR) Scholarship Foundation
This one’s for you if you’re a law student in Illinois and have a passion for the Arab American community.
The AABAR Scholarship is designed to support future lawyers who want to make an impact in legal spaces.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in an accredited Illinois law school (1L or 2L students).
- Have a strong commitment to the Arab American community and diversity in the legal field.
- Membership in AABAR (student membership is free).
Scholarship Amount
Awards range from $2,500 to $5,000, applied directly toward tuition.
Deadline: March 15, 2025.
How to Apply:
Submit an online application.
Include your resume, official transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a 500-word essay on diversity and law.
If selected, attend an interview via Zoom with the scholarship committee.
Winners must attend the AABAR Scholarship Gala on April 26, 2025, at the Marriott Oak Brook Hotel.
More Info & Application: arabbar.org
2. Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects (AAAEA) – Illinois Chapter Scholarship
Let’s say you’re planning to build bridges, design skyscrapers, or innovate in computer science, the AAAEA
Who’s Eligible?
- Must be an Illinois resident OR attend an Illinois college/university.
- You must be majoring in engineering, architecture, or computer science.
- You should be a student member of AAAEA ($10 annual membership fee).
- Bonus points if you’ve volunteered with AAAEA or attended events.
Scholarship Amount
AAAEA awards more than $20,000 in scholarships every year, though the number of winners and exact amounts vary.
Deadline: September 15, 2024
Application Process
- Complete the online application.
- Submit your transcript, resume, and two letters of recommendation.
- Write a 500-word essay about your contributions to the Arab American community.
- Finalists may be asked to do an interview.
Website: aaaea.org
3. NAAP Arab-American Scholarship
The Network of Arab-American Professionals (NAAP) believes in empowering students who want to give back.
This scholarship is ideal if you’ve demonstrated leadership, activism, or service within the Arab American community.
Eligiblity:
- Must be of Arab descent and a U.S. resident.
- Open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students.
- GPA of 3.2 or higher is required.
- You should have a track record of community service or leadership.
How Much is the Award?
It varies by year, depending on available funding.
Deadline: October 1, 2024
How to Apply
- Fill out the online application.
- Submit your transcript, resume, and a 750-word essay on how you’ve impacted the Arab American community.
- Provide one letter of recommendation.
More Info & Application: naaponline.org
4. University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) – Arab American Cultural Center Scholarships
If you’re studying at UIC, this is an amazing opportunity for Arab American students to receive extra funding.
Who Can Apply?
- Must be an Arab American student enrolled at UIC.
- Strong commitment to community service or cultural advocacy.
- Academic merit and financial need may be considered.
Award Amount: Varies by year and available funding.
Deadline: Check the UIC Scholarship Portal for updates.
How to Apply:
- Fill out the UIC online scholarship application.
- Submit a personal statement explaining your involvement in Arab American cultural initiatives.
- Provide a transcript and one letter of recommendation.
More Info: scholarships.uic.edu
5. Arab America Scholarship Database
If you want to expand your search, the Arab America Scholarship Database compiles dozens of scholarship opportunities for Arab American students nationwide. Whether you’re majoring in business, healthcare, or social sciences, this is a goldmine of financial aid options.
Explore More Scholarships: arabamerica.com
These scholarships exist to support Arab American students like you. Don’t assume you won’t win—you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
With tuition costs rising, even a $2,500 scholarship can make a big difference. So, go for it. Start applying, tell your story, and secure the funding you deserve.
