CPS Dream Fund Scholarship
Scholarship Overview:
In 2011, CPS Scholarship Manager Marcia Boyd envisioned a talent and need-based, last-dollar scholarship for academically talented undocumented Chicago Public Schools students. The goal of the scholarship is to assist talented Undocumented Students and DREAMers in their quest to pursue a post-secondary education. A significant number of Chicago Public Schools students are undocumented and due to state and federal financial aid policies, these students are ineligible to receive any Federal or state financial aid. Funding for this scholarship is made possible through tax-deductible contributions to the CPS Dream Fund. The scholarship awards will be sent directly to the colleges or universities that the awardees attend in the fall of each academic year.
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST LOG-IN & APPLY VIA ACADEMIC WORKS ONLY
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Do you attend a CPS Charter School? Click Here to Access the Charter Student Application & Instructions
Scholarship Qualifications:
- Chicago Public Schools Senior (class of 2021)
- Undocumented Student/Dreamer (Cannot be a U.S. Citizen)
- Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA): 2.5 or higher (weighted)
- Currently enrolled and attending a Chicago Public High School
- Plan to attend a regionally accredited two or four-year institution of higher education in fall of 2021
- If eligible for the 2021-2022 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, it is highly recommended to complete the Illinois Financial Aid form for Undocumented Illinois students and submit proof of completing the application to Dream Fund Scholarship Committee.
Open to Undocumented/DREAMers: Yes, only CPS Undocumented and DREAMers students are eligible to apply.
An Undocumented/DREAMer is a non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident high school student who qualifies for in-state college tuition under Illinois’ HB-60 State Legislation and who will benefit from the Illinois DREAM Act, a provision that supports children of immigrants in Illinois signed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn in 2011.
Contact Information: Please email dreamers@cps.edu
NOTE: we will NOT process any applications from students born in the United States.
- Award
- $1,000 - $2,500
- Deadline
- 06/01/2021
- Supplemental Questions
- I understand that US Citizens and permanent residents are not eligible to apply for the CPS Dream Fund Scholarship.
- Official Transcript Required
- Please list your city, state, and country of birth.
- Please provide a recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, college and career coach, community-based organization, and/or faith-based organization.
- Name and Email Address
- Please provide a recommendation from a community service or service learning contact.
- Name and Email Address
- Are you a member of a DREAMer Club at your school? (This is not a requirement)
- Please upload a copy of a college letter of acceptance for the college you plan to attend
- Please upload your college Financial Aid Award Letter
- If eligible, please upload a copy of your Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid confirmation page (not required but highly recommended).
- Please provide the following parental/guardian information:
- 01. Father's Name
- 02. Mother's Name
- 03. Father's Occupation
- 04. Mother's Occupation
- 05. Father's Highest Level of Education
- 06. Mother's Highest Level of Education
- 07. Home Address
- 08. City, State, Zip
- 09. Mother's Country of Birth
- 10. Father's Country of Birth
- REQUIRED for DREAMer* Students ONLY: Proof of Household Income- Any of the following documents may be uploaded: Parent(s) IRS form 1040 or 1040 EZ, 2020 W-2 Forms, Student 2020 Income Tax Return, signed and dated (if applicable), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Award Letter, Woman Infants and Children (WIC) Award Letter, SSI Award Letter, Statement from CPS Homeless Liaison, or a letter from your employer indicating your parent/guardian annual earnings.
- Essay 1: Please describe any challenges you have faced as a result of your family's immigration status and how those challenges have helped you become a better student.
- Essay 2: Describe your plans for college and cost of attendance at your top college choice. Include the following information: the name of the college/university; whether you have visited the campus; your academic major; how you plan to finance your education (e.g., tuition, room & board, textbooks, transportation, etc.; how you plan to identify and utilize campus resources to help you navigate the financial and academic barriers you may face.
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