Open to DCFS youth as well as youth who were formerly in the care of DCFS who are at least 16 years old, but not yet 21 on the scholarship application deadline date of March 31 of the current year
The Department must have court-ordered legal guardianship for the applicant or the Department must have had legal guardianship for the applicant prior to the adoption being finalized, or the applicant must be in the Subsidized Guardianship Program
Successfully compete for a full-term DCFS college scholarship
Maintain at least a “C” average each semester
Maintain full-time status (12 hours Fall & Spring, 6 hours or an approved internship in Summer).
Enrollment will be verified through the National Student Clearinghouse.
Submit your class schedule at the start of each semester and your grades at the end of the semester (no schedule and grades, no payment!)
Report change of address promptly to Business Office
Benefits:
An award in the amount of $471 provided each month for up to four (4) years. Direct deposit is strongly recommended.
Medical card provided to Illinois students until the earlier of four years or age 23
Tuition waiver available to any Illinois state funded community college or university
Reimbursement of the cost of books not covered by financial aid
Education advisors and OETS staff will render assistance as needed
Benefits available for four (4) years, or the date on which the participant receives a bachelor’s degree
This program is a chance of a lifetime!
Important Plans To Consider:
Arranging transportation to the school location
Planning for housing when school is closed for breaks and holidays
Devising a backup plan for education finances if your stipend is lost or stolen
Seeking tutorial assistance through the school, and meeting with your Education Advisor and OETS staff if your grades are low, if you are having problems in a particular course, or if you must withdraw from any classes
Youth who withdraw from classes must notify the OETS business office
Apply for financial aid annually.
What the Youth In Scholarship Program DOES NOT Cover:
Orientation fees
Computers or Internet services
Room/board costs
Repayment of student loans
Phone bills
Dorm room damages
Tuition to private, out-of-state or vocational training programs
Laboratory fees
Transportation to and from school
Study enhancement programs
Supplies
Study abroad
Library fines
Important Dates
Please mail the following documents to the Office of Education and Transition Services by the following dates:
