A scholarship for DREAMers in the Chicago Public Schools

A scholarship for DREAMers in the Chicago Public Schools

In 2011, the CPS Scholarship Coordinator envisioned a talent and needbased, last-dollar scholarship to assist academically talented undocumented CPS students in their quest to pursue a postsecondary education. Between 12-18% of Chicago Public Schools students are undocumented. Due to state and federal financial aid policies, these students are unable are ineligible to receive state or federal financial aid. Through the Children s First Fund, CPS staff and others will be able to make tax-deductible contributions to the CPS Dream Fund. The scholarship funds will be paid directly to the college or university that the awardees will attend in the fall of 2014.

Checklist CPS Dream Fund Scholarship application Official CPS high school transcript ACT scores Two essays Proof of household income Letter of recommendation from (current) teacher Community service or volunteer service letter of recommendation Financial aid award letter from college you plan to attend in fall 2014 List any scholarships you have been awarded with the amount List any scholarships that you have applied for and are awaiting the status (include scholarship name and award amount) Please note: Your initial application must first be submitted to the scholarship committee at your Chicago Public Schools high school. Each CPS school must develop a scholarship review committee to process applications and forward two finalists to the CPS Scholarship Coordinator. Questions? Contact: Luis Narvaez, College & Career Specialist for Special Populations (se habla Español) Email: lnarvaez2@cps.edu Marcia Boyd, Scholarship Coordinator Email: CollegeScholarships@cps.edu Deadline: June 1, 2014

Requirements Eligibility Requirements: 1. Student must be a DREAMer* recommended by a principal, counselor or college/ career coach 2. Minimum GPA: 3.0 (weighted) 3. Minimum ACT: 17 4. Chicago Public School senior (12th grade) 5. Attended a Chicago public high school for three (3) years * A DREAMer is defined as a non-u.s. citizen or permanent resident high school student who qualifies for in-state college tuition under the 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 Governor Pat Quinn in 2011. Required Documentation: 1. Completed CPS Dream Fund Scholarship Application 2. Official High School Transcript 3. Teacher Recommendation Letter 4. Community or Service Learning Recommendation Letter 5. College Letter of Acceptance 6. College Financial Aid Award Letter 7. List the name and amount of any scholarships you have been awarded or are a finalist to receive 8. Essay 9. Proof of household income Any of the following documents listed below may be submitted: Parent(s) IRS Form 1040 or 1040 EZ Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Award Letter Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Award Letter Statement from CPS District Homeless Liaison Student 2013 Income Tax Return, signed and dated (if applicable) Deadline: June 1, 2014

Student Information Page Last Name: First Name: Middle Initial: Birth date: Home Address: City, State and Zip code: E-mail Address: Cell Phone Number: Gender: Country of Birth: High School Name: Student Information High School Information Graduation Date: Cumulative GPA: Composite ACT: Class Rank: CPS ID Number: Number of Years Attending A CPS High School:

Parent or Guardian Information Page Father s Name: Mother s Name Occupation: Father s Highest Level of Education: Mother s Highest Level of Education: Home Address: City, State, Zip Mother s Country of Birth: Father s Country of Birth: Parental Information Number of Children in Household: Number of Person s in College for fall 2014: Financial Information Please indicate which document(s) you will attach to this application to verify your household income. IRS 1040 IRS 1040 EZ TANF Award Letter WIC Award Letter CPS Homeless Liaison Letter Verifying Homeless Student Status

Activities, Honors and Awards Activities: Extracurricular, Athletic, Service Learning or Volunteerism Activity Name Office Held Participation Dates Hours Per Week Honors and Awards Honor or Award Date Received

CPS Dream Fund Essay Questions You must answer essay question #1, and then select one of the other essay questions listed below for a total of two essays. Each essay should be 500 words minimum, typed and double-spaced. Requirements for essay #1 Describe your plans for college and the cost of attendance of your top college choice. Include the following information: The date you applied to the college where you plan to enroll in the fall How you plan to finance your education (e.g. tuition, room + board, textbooks, transportation, etc. Include the names of any other scholarships you ve applied for or plan to apply for, college savings plan, etc.) The name of the academic major you plan to pursue How you plan to identify and utilize campus resources to help you navigate the financial and academic barriers you may face. (It is recommended that you conduct thorough research on the college before answering this question). Requirements for essay #2 (Select only one essay topic below) 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. Describe your most meaningful volunteer or community service experience.

Certification Page Application Certification I certify that all information provided by me and my parents is true and accurate. Additionally, I certify that I plan to enroll in a regionally accredited postsecondary institution in the upcoming fall of 2014. Intention to mislead or falsify content will result in scholarship disqualification. Student signature Date High School Certification I certify that the educational information for the applicant listed above is correct to the best of my knowledge. High school official s signature Date Official s name (print or type): Title: Deadline: Sunday, June 1, 2014