ROCKFORD — Two Rockford students won $150,000 scholarships as part of the State of Illinois’ ‘All In for the Win’ vaccine sweepstakes

The students, who have chosen to remain anonymous, were among 19 winners announced Thursday, Aug. 26. Each $150,000 prize is the equivalent of a full ride that covers tuition and room and board at any two- or four-year college or university.

Scholarships will be provided as a Bright Start 529 College Savings scholarship and may be used at any educational institution that participates in the U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) system. Eligible schools include public and private colleges, vocational and technical schools, schools in all states and some schools abroad.

In addition to tuition and room and board, winnings may be used for books, supplies, equipment, computers, software and internet expenses necessary for education.

Two winners from Bloomington and Rolling Meadows each took home grand prizes of $1 million in cash.

The ‘All In for the Win’ sweepstakes was a promotion to encourage eligible Illinoisans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It included a total of $10 million in cash and scholarships.