FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630-407-6022
February 11, 2009

County Announces 2009 Scholarship Grant Program 

WHEATON, IL – DuPage County announced on Wednesday that the Department of Community Services has received a Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) to fund scholarships for disadvantaged students.  The grant was secured from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.  

Over 20 years ago, the Community Services Block Grant was established to provide financial assistance to low-income individuals with high academic potential.  Scholarships can be used for formal education or occupational training.  Special consideration will be given to students interested in high technology fields or other occupations.  

The scholarship, administered by the Department of Community Services, is a federally funded program through the State of Illinois.  There are no corporate or private dollars involved through this program.  The funding supplements the cost of tuition, books, supplies and other school-related items for a semester or a quarter helping to offset the student’s need.

Applicants are required to provide proof of DuPage County residency, supply gross household income for the past 90 days and provide information on members living in the household. Income for the household must be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level.  Applications are currently being accepted and must include a 500 word essay or personal statement, official school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a Financial Aid Audit and proof of enrollment in an Illinois accredited institution.

Support documents and applications must be received by May 15, 2009 by 4:30 p.m.  Applications are available at the Jack Knuepfer Administration building, Department of Community Services, 421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton.  They can also be found on the County’s website, www.dupageco.org. 

Further information can be obtained by contacting the DuPage County Department of Community Services at 630-407-6500, or by calling the toll free number at 800-942-9412.  TTY access is available at 630-407-6502.