The O'Brien-Vrba Scholarship Trust is intended to assist assist rural Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan high school graduates who plan to continue their education in college. Applicants must currently live or have resided in an approved rural county during high school. Applicants who attended high school in DeKalb, IL shall be considered to have fulfilled the rural residency requirement. Applicants must be actively involved in school activities and community service. They must have a family Adjusted Gross Income of $150,000 or less. Applicants of the Catholic Faith, those who attend Catholic institutions, and/or who participate in activities through the Newman Center at their college are given additional consideration. Awards may be renewed for up to two additional years or until a graduate degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from a teacher, advisor, or member of the clergy attesting to the applicant's performance and character; and from a person responsible for coordinating community service attesting to the applicant's involvement. Additional weight is given for leadership roles. If the community activity included a leadership role, applicants must have their reference indicate so in the letter. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.