FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 4, 2009

Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022

Caroline Roth
630/407-6033

STIMULUS FUNDS PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS

DU PAGE COUNTY -- The DuPage County Department of Community Services has received Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)/ARRA - Stimulus Funds to provide additional scholarships for disadvantaged students. This grant has been secured from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The scholarship, administered by the Department of Community Services, is a federally funded program through the State of Illinois. 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. This 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 needs.

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. Household income must be at or below 200 percent 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 October 30, 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.    

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