The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) honored 53 college-bound scholarship recipients on Friday, who were selected from nearly 300 applicants.
The scholarships were awarded after the scholarship committee reviewed the youths' academic achievement, community involvement and essay. The scholarship includes up to five years of tuition and academic fee waivers, a monthly grant for living expenses and a medical card. The scholarship may be used at Illinois state community colleges and universities.
“This time of year is for graduation ceremonies and celebrations, and our youth in care are no different," DCFS Director George Sheldon said. “I would like to congratulate the scholarship recipients for their accomplishments. I am extremely proud of our recent graduates and current students continuing higher education.”
Students eligible for the scholarships include youth currently in the state's care or who have aged out of foster care, those who have been adopted from foster care and youth who are in subsidized guardianship or the KinGap programs. Foster and former foster youth up to age 21 are eligible for the DCFS scholarships.
“It is a great honor to recognize these scholars for their character, extracurricular activities, and academic achievements,” Office of Education and Transition Services Associate Deputy Director Dr. Tiffany Gholson said. “I encourage all of our youth to plan for their future, develop unique dreams and talents and choose to be lifelong learners. This is not only a proud moment for the recipients and their families, but for the Department of Children and Family Services as well.”
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