McCaskey Scholarship Application

The Ray and Judy McCaskey Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship to Wartburg College, the place where Ray and Judy not only pursued their college education but also met and began their lifelong partnership. Guided by their belief that “To whom much is given, much is required,” the McCaskeys created this scholarship to expand access to higher education for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a private liberal arts institution. Their goal is to open the doors of Wartburg College — a small, private liberal arts school known for its strong sense of connection, supportive community, and rigorous, high-quality academic experience — to deserving students.

Since establishing the scholarship in 2011, the McCaskeys have supported 40 scholars, with 31 graduates to date. The scholarship prioritizes high school seniors from Chicago, honoring Ray’s roots in the city and Judy’s 60-year connection to the community she proudly calls home.

Dedicated supporters of The Chicago Lighthouse, the McCaskeys deeply believe in the power of its mission and in the organization’s work to support youth with disabilities as they pursue and achieve their post-secondary education dreams. This year, in partnership with The Chicago Lighthouse, Ray and Judy McCaskey are looking to identify one student who not only reflects the target, scholarship demographic but also has a visual impairment.

Please confirm you are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant and have applied through the FAFSA site.

Please complete an application to Wartburg College before completing the McCaskey Scholarship Application.

For questions or assistance with the Wartburg College application, please contact
Spencer Burck, Asst. Director of Admissions | spencer.burck@wartburg.edu

 

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.







  • Personal Information



























  • Please check the best box that applies to the category that you are applying under:




  • Education Information







  • Please indicate when you expect to graduate.



  • Please describe any scholarships, academic honors, awards or accommodations you have received. Cite date and explain recognition for each. If you don’t have any awards or honors, respond: N/A.
  • Please note: Your submitted transcript must reflect a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better to be considered.

  • Supporting Documents

    All supporting documents should be uploaded at the time of the application submission.

  • Essay

  • In a 750–1,000-word essay, please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your academic journey, leadership development, and future goals.

    In your response, please address:

    • How you have navigated barriers related to access, equity, or opportunity.
    • The role your family, school, or community has played in supporting your success.
    • A specific example of leadership, advocacy, or service you have demonstrated.
    • How receiving a full scholarship to Wartburg College would impact your educational path and your ability to give back to your community.
  • Max. file size: 100 MB.

  • Eye Report

  • Please upload your most recent eye report to confirm level of visual acuity
    Max. file size: 100 MB.

  • Letter of Recommendation

  • Applicants are required to submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, school leader, employer, mentor, community leader, or other adult who knows them well and can speak to their character and potential.
    Applicants, please provide this prompt to your recommender:
    McCaskey Scholarship Letter of Recommendation Guidance
    Thank you for supporting this applicant’s scholarship application. Your perspective is an important part of our review process.
    In your letter, please describe:

    • Who the applicant is as a person
    • Their character, values, integrity, and work ethic
    • How they show up in school, work, or community settings
    • Personal qualities that distinguish them from their peers
    • Leadership skills and potential
    • Examples of formal or informal leadership
    • How they influence, support, or inspire others
    • Their initiative, responsibility, and ability to problem-solve
    • Potential for success and impact
    • Their academic, professional, or personal drive
    • Resilience in the face of challenges
    • The positive impact they are likely to have in college, career, or community

    Letters should be:

    • Written on official letterhead (if applicable)
    • Signed and dated
    • Approximately 1–2 pages in length
  • Max. file size: 100 MB.











 

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