The CSBG Scholarship Program helps low-income Chicagoans finance their journeys through higher education. Students enrolled in an Illinois college, university or vocational training program may qualify, and individuals from all ages and backgrounds are welcome to apply. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, uniforms, and other necessities. Displaced and under employed workers, high school graduates (or equivalent), and those aspiring to higher education and employment are encouraged to apply.

Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 for income-eligible residents.

Applications are now open for the 2022 fall semester/quarter. Applications are due on Friday, August 26.

Click Here to Apply for the CSBG Scholarship

Download 2022 CSBG Scholarship Application Affidavit

CSBG recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UQ3qdqzs-A8

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be City of Chicago resident.
• Must be enrolled as a full-time student in an Illinois Educational Institution for the Fall of 2022.
• Need to have an e-mail address to apply. If you do not have an e-mail address, you will need to create one before applying.
• Must provide an official educational institution transcript to validate your full-time fall enrollment for 2022.
• Must demonstrate academic achievement, career potential and educational motivation.
• Must meet income eligibility requirements (see table below) 

Webinars to provide guidance through the application will be held on August 8^th and 15^th

For questions or more details about the CSBG Scholarship, please contact: DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org

Scholarship applications are available during the spring months of each year and awarded for the following fall semester.

• Download CSBG Scholarship Application Flyer
  
  

FINANCIAL AWARDS CAN BE APPLIED TOWARD THE 2022 FALL SEMESTER/QUARTER:

• Tuition Cost
• Purchase of Uniforms
• Purchase of Books
• School, Lab, or Class Fees
• Other Costs Directly Related to Education/Training

APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WITH THEIR APPLICATION:

• Official Transcripts
• Acceptance Letter for Newly Enrolled Students
• Proof of All Family/Household Member's Income for July of 2022 (July 1, 2022-July 31, 2022)
• Current Financial Aid Awards or a Written Statement Why You are not Eligible for Financial Aid
• Proof of Chicago Residency – Legible Copy of Illinois Driver's License of Illinois State ID
• Copies of Illinois Driver's License of Illinois State ID for All Family/Household Members
• Copies of Social Security Cards for All Family/Household Members
• Minimum 300-Word Personal Essay
• Letter of Recommendation on Letterhead and Signed

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER YOU APPLY

Your application will be reviewed and scored in the following areas:

• Completion of Online Application
• Grade Point Average (GPA) or Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) Test Scores
• Essay
• Submittal of All Required Documents

ESSAY TOPICS

• What traits do you possess that will enhance your education or future career? 
• Pick an experience from your own life and explain how it has influenced your development. 
• How have you contributed to your community?
• Tell us about a time where you stepped up as a leader.  
• What are your academic/professional goals? 

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

• Official transcripts must be submitted or postdated by August 26, 2022
• Send official electronic transcripts to: DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org 

 

SEND MAILED OR DELIVERED OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS TO : 

Chicago Department of Family & Support Services
2022 CSBG Scholarship Program
Attn: Da Lina Bailey
1615 W. Chicago Avenue – 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60622

WHEN WILL I BE NOTIFIED 

Acceptance and denial letters will be emailed by October 2022.