Sponsorship Program
for Talented Students in Arts, Sciences, and Math
The Garwin Family Foundation (GFF) is officially accepting applications for its prestigious summer academic program sponsorships. Designed for high-achieving high school students in Southern Illinois, the program funds rigorous summer enrichment at elite Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Arts (STEAM) campuses nationwide.
The GFF sponsorship empowers self-directed students to build academic proficiency and self-confidence within a global community of scholars. By providing access to world-class institutions, the foundation helps students develop the interdisciplinary thinking and independent living skills necessary for success in the modern world.
The GFF sponsorship application is now open for 2027 for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors attending its partner schools of Carbondale, Carterville, and Herrin public high schools. Additionally, with the support of their guidance counselor, students in the same grade levels who do not attend a partner school but reside in Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, White, or Williamson and attend a public high school may also apply.
Because the GFF prizes independence, students must complete all inquiries and applications themselves.
Once accepted to the GFF program and a summer academic program, the GFF provides a sponsorship to cover program tuition, housing, and fees. Traditionally, families are asked to cover the cost of the summer program application fees, travel to and from the program, and personal expenses.
The application includes a two-step application process, recommendation letters and assessments from the students’ teachers and guidance counselors, and interviews.
NOTE: Acceptance by an enrichment program in no way obligates the GFF to sponsor the student applicant. As resources are finite, student sponsorship decisions are made at the GFF’s sole discretion.
Application Form Part 1 for the 2027 GFF Sponsorship Program due:
5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Join us on Zoom for a Virtual Information Session:
Thursday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m.
