Welcome CPS Students and Parents to the Academic Works tool! The application cycle for the 2020-21 school year is OPEN (as of August 3, 2020). To begin your scholarship application process, follow these steps:

1. Sign in using your CPS log in credentials. Ensure accuracy in the spelling of your user email account and ensure the account is checked frequently.

2. Complete your General Application (a series of preliminary questions to outline your accomplishments) to begin reviewing scholarship applications.

3. Your application may be Submitted; however, you must check the “Status” bar on your “My Applications” dashboard to ensure that all required references are “Submitted”. If the Status bar displays no additional submissions then your file is incomplete.

4. Review both “Ours” (embedded applications) and “External” (apply on the scholarship provider website) opportunities by switching your view when you hover your mouse cursor over the “Opportunities” tab.

5. Scholarships are being updated each week, please make sure you consistently visit the site for new deadlines.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Scholarships are NOT guaranteed, they are a gift. Students/families must have a financial plan to pay for college. Chicago Public Schools encourages all academically eligible students to apply for strategic scholarships that are offered through our Academic Works tool to help with college costs. Scholarship applications will require closer review for actual eligibility; thoroughly review/read scholarship criteria for best contact, content and instructions on applying. Additionally, please note the following:

• MOST of the opportunities are for high school senior students (most urgent student group).
• Some of the opportunities are seeking specific applicants related to the following categories: gender, race/ethnicity, financial need and academic merit.
• CPS strategic scholarships are offered by an organization, company, institution, foundation, individual or family that specifically targets and awards CPS high school, Chicago, or Illinois students.

CPS Scholarship Resources:

• Need Help with Academic Works? Check out our Academic Works User Comprehension Guide with a corresponding webinar.
• If you are interested in receiving scholarship alerts and information please CLICK HERE to be added to the 2020-21 CPS Scholarship Manager Email Blast.
• Missed an email? CLICK HERE for an up-to-date list of CPS Scholarship Alerts shared out through the 2020-21 CPS Scholarship Manager Email Blast.
• Review up-to-date scholarship opportunities in the live CPS Scholarship Alert Workbook.
• Add CPS Scholarships to your Google Calendar or bookmarks! Keep up with application open & close dates, CPS Scholarship events, and more! (updated weekly)
• CLICK HERE to review the 2020-21 CPS Scholarships Starter Guide for Students

If you have any questions please contact CPS Scholarship Manager Michele Howard at CollegeScholarships@cps.edu.