The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is now accepting applications for its 2025 Scholarship Program until March 31, 2025. A minimum of 53 scholarships will be awarded to eligible youth, including unique awards for children of veterans and those pursuing degrees in social work. Recipients can receive tuition waivers and a monthly grant to cover additional expenses at any Illinois public university or community college.
“It is my priority as governor to ensure that all Illinois students, including youth in DCFS care, have the resources they need to pursue higher education,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “After awarding a recordbreaking 334 DCFS scholarships to young leaders last year, I am thrilled to share that we are once again opening applications for 2025. I highly encourage all current and former youth in care to apply.”
“Transitioning from high school to college can be a stressful time for any young person, and even more so for the youth in our care who have already worked so hard to overcome obstacles in their young lives,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. “These scholarships will give our youth some peace of mind knowing that they won’t have to worry about how to pay for school so they can concentrate on their education and pursuing their dreams.”
Applications are available online at https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/ILDCFS2025. Students are encouraged to submit their applications in advance of the March 31st deadline.
Students or caregivers may call the DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services at 217-557-2689 or email [email protected] with questions about the application process or for more information.
