Matthew W. Heiden
    2025 Public Safety Scholarship Application
     

                          
           The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, March 7, 2025.

     
    Matthew W. Heiden
    2025 Public Safety Scholarship
     
    The Village of Westmont is an Illinois Municipal Corporation. Together with the Westmont Chamber of Commerce Educational Foundation (WCCEF), a shared mission to provide recognition and scholarships to area students and residents with interest in careers in Public Safety and Public Works has been created. 

    the Matthew W. Heiden Public Safety Scholarship is maintained in honor of Matthew Heiden, who lost his life in a workplace accident serving the community in the Westmont Public Works Department.
     
    The WCCEF administers the scholarship for the Village of Westmont and uses a formal criteria and selection process to award this scholarship.  The criteria for this scholarship will include:
    + Local Students, (in order of preference):
        Local high school seniors,
        Local residents,
        Local public employees (Westmont, Park District, School
        District, Township, County, etc.) pursuing an education or
        training in public safety, public works, or construction safety
    ​    careers.

    + Scholarship awards up to $2000 per each satisfied applicant, and up to $6000 annually. (Three awards possible).

    + Student will be attending an accredited curriculum at university, college, or trade school within six months of graduation.

    + Enrollment fees (100%) in any Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Certification or Credential, funds remaining.

    + Registration costs (100%) for any American Public Works Association (APWA), American Water Works Association, or OSHA conferences or training. opportunities in Illinois can be considered, funds remaining

    + Financial need is not a criterion.  

    The WCCEF will select finalists to interview before making final award decisions. Scholarship applications and supporting documents must be returned by the published deadline each year. 

    Matthew W. Heiden
    2025 Public Safety Scholarship Application
    All of the following documents must be included with the application form.

    • Completed application
    • Two letters of recommendation (one from an educator and the other from the community)
    • Complete transcript of your 4 years showing your cumulative grade point average
    • 300-500 word essay ​
    Upload a PDF file of your school transcripts or send a copy of your transcripts to:
    Westmont Chamber of Commerce Educational Foundation
    Attn: Scholarship Transcripts
    One South Cass Avenue, Suite 101
    Westmont, IL 60559
    Max file size: 20MB
    Upload your resume.
    Max file size: 20MB
    Provide two letters of recommendation, one from an educator and the other from the community (religious organization, volunteer group, place of employment).
    Max file size: 20MB
    Max file size: 20MB
    Attach a file containing an essay of 300 to 500 words, that speaks to the following: 
    • Your interests and accomplishments
    • Your future plans and life goals
    • Your reasons for pursuing your chosen career path
    • How these goals may benefit your community in the future
    • Why you would like to be selected for the Matthew W. Heiden Scholarship

    Max file size: 20MB
    Typing your name below indicates that you certify that all the information provided in the application is accurate and complete.
Westmont Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
One South Cass Avenue, Suite 101
Westmont, IL 60559
Phone:630-960-5553      Fax: 630-960-5554        Email: [email protected]