MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND SUPPORT SERVICES ANNOUNCE COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR CHICAGO RESIDENTS


 MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND SUPPORT SERVICES ANNOUNCE COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR CHICAGO RESIDENTS

CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) Commissioner Brandie Knazze have announced that $230,000 in Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) scholarships are now available for Chicago residents seeking to continue their education. Residents have until midnight Friday, Aug. 26, to apply.

The announcement coincides with the launch of a new online
application portal. Built to simplify the application process a nd
provide even greater access to students, individuals can now
apply online at www.chicago.gov/fss/scholarship.

“Our city is rife with opportunities for residents to reach
their greatest potential, and we are committed to opening path -
ways to those opportunities,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Finances
are often a critical barrier to secondary education, and these
scholarships will break down that barrier for our recipients. I ’m
pleased to give families a chance to focus on their educational
and career growth and accomplishments with this funding.”

The CSBG Scholarship Program offers financial aid ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for income-eligible residents of the
City of Chicago who demonstrate academic achievement, career
potential, and educational motivation. Income requirements
can be found on the aforementioned website. Displaced and
under-employed workers, high school graduates (or equivalent),
and those aspiring to higher education and employment are
encouraged to apply.


“DFSS is here to support students on their path to success,
and we look forward to lessening the financial burden of secondary education,” DFSS Commissioner Brandie Knazze said.
“This year, our scholarships will support at least 70 students as
they continue to learn and grow.”


The project is supported by funds provided under the Com -
munity Services Block Grant Program administered by the Illi -
nois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity . This
is the second year in which the City has provided $230,000
in funds to support students, a marked increase from previous
allotments of $100,000.


Recipients can use their awards to attend post-secondary
education at any accredited institution of higher education or
vocational training in the State of Illinois for the 2022-2023
academic year. Funds can be applied toward tuition, uniforms,
study-related fees, and books. Scholarship awards must be used
for the 2022 fall semester/quarter.


Analysis of last year ’s recipients show attendance at both city and state institutions, including:
Chicago State University
Bradley University
DePaul University
Harold Washington College
Kennedy King College
Wilbur Wright College
Lutheran School of Theology
Moody Bible Institute
North Park University
Northern Illinois University
Pacific College of Health and Science
Resurrection University
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana

“In 2021, I was unemployed due to my employer going out
of business. However, my daughter received $4,500 from the
CSBG Scholarship,” said Louversia Gilbert, parent of a 2021
recipient. “That support prevented me from having to choose
her tuition over our household needs.”


Candidates must submit a complete scholarship application
with all required documents and provide proof of residency
and income eligibility, which can be found on the scholarship’ s
website. There is no age requirement. Applicants are also
required to write an essay in response to one of five different
prompt questions, primarily underscoring their needs and goals.

Recipients will be notified of their status by Friday , Sept.
30, and will receive funds for their education by October .
For more information on CSBG Scholarships, please email:
dfsscsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org.

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