As seniors at New Trier High School wrap up their college applications, many are considering the financial assistance opportunities offered at New Trier. This includes a range of need and merit-based scholarships, with applications due in mid to late January, provided by the New Trier Trust Fund.

The New Trier Trust Fund was established in 1949 and serves to provide financial aid scholarships and merit awards to graduating seniors. 

“Some scholarships focus on specific interests or qualities, such as social studies, leadership and service, environmental studies, athletics, resilience, citizenship, or involvement in student clubs,” Associate Principal for Academics and Administrative Services Dr. Daniel Weidner said. 

For almost 80 years, the New Trier Trust Fund has been sustained mainly through community donations and endowments.

“Funding comes from a wide range of donors, including those offering one‑time annual gifts as well as those establishing endowed scholarships that provide support in perpetuity,” Weidner said. “The fund and distribution of scholarships is managed by New Trier’s administration in consultation with the New Trier Scholarship Committee, composed of staff and Post‑High School Counselors, ensuring a thoughtful and sustainable process that helps students pursue their post‑secondary goals.”

Need-based scholarships specifically range from $1,000 to $7,500. To be considered for a scholarship, students must complete an online application, provide financial records such as their parent or guardian’s Federal Income Tax Return, and attend an in-person interview. The New Trier Scholarship Committee mainly evaluates a student’s financial situation and, for some scholarships, interests or participation in certain activities. 

The first of two merit scholarships, worth $12,500, is named in honor of Helen Morrow, who was a social studies teacher at New Trier for over 40 years. 

“[Morrow] was beloved by her students and remembered as someone who was thoughtful, engaging, [and] interesting in class,” Social Studies Department Chair Michael Christensen said. “The scholarship actually came from a community member who was a friend of hers and went to New Trier and appreciated her enthusiasm for social studies.”

Each year, there are around 50 to 60 applicants for the Helen Morrow Scholarship. Christensen said that those who stand out demonstrate great passion for the social studies discipline, both in and outside of class. 

With a similar process to the need-based scholarships, students applying for the Helen Morrow Scholarship submit an online form with three essay questions and participate in an interview. Additionally, the social studies department talks with every social studies teacher the student has had from freshman to senior year. 

“[The scholarship] is not confined to kids in all 4-level classes who are getting straight As—it can impact any kid in any class,” Christensen said. “It’s one of the bright spots in my year.”

The Jan Borja Memorial Scholarship, a second merit-based opportunity, awards $3,000 to selected students. 

Jan Borja was at New Trier for 40 years before her retirement in 2011. She worked as an adviser, adviser chair, department chair, teacher, and principal of the Northfield Campus when it reopened as the freshman campus in 2001.  

For this scholarship, applicants must demonstrate that they have lived up to New Trier’s motto: “To commit minds to inquiry, hearts to compassion, and lives to the service of humanity.” For example, a student may have committed “hearts to compassion” by making a positive impact on communities within New Trier or “lives to the service of humanity” by giving back to others and demonstrating servant leadership.

Last year, 84 students were selected for New Trier scholarships. While the exact number may vary year to year, a similar outcome is expected for the class of 2026. 

“These scholarships make a powerful impact on New Trier students by both recognizing excellence and expanding access to post‑secondary opportunities,” Weidner said. “They both celebrate students’ achievements as well as easing financial barriers, helping ensure that cost does not limit a student’s ability to pursue higher education.”