A scholarship is money given to students to help pay for school. Scholarships are usually based on either merit or need.
Merit-based scholarships are awarded because of your achievements, like good grades or talents.
Need-based scholarships are given because of your financial situation, to help if you can’t afford school.
Some scholarships cover part of the costs, while others, called full rides, pay for almost everything, like tuition, books, and housing.
The group giving the scholarship decides who receives it and how the money should be used.
Chicago Star Scholarship helps Chicago Public Schools graduates attend City Colleges of Chicago tuition-free to earn an associate degree. It covers tuition and fees for up to three years and offers support for transferring to four-year universities.
HWC Chapter Local 1600 Union Scholarships provide financial aid to members and their families to help with college expenses. These scholarships support education and encourage academic success within the union community.
The City Colleges of Chicago Foundation of Scholarship helps students from all backgrounds reach their academic and career goals through scholarships, student support, and innovative programs.
HACU Scholarship Program is a membership organization governed by a Board primarily composed of leaders of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). It speaks as the pre-eminent voice for Hispanic higher education in the United States.
The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education provides need-based scholarships to women in the Chicago area pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees to advance their education and career goals.
Illinois Student Assistance Commission is a scholarship search service courtesy of College Illinois (ISAC).
1. Write a Winning Scholarship Essay
This guide from the University of Florida explains how to write a strong scholarship essay with useful tips and examples.
2. Getting Strong Letters of Recommendation
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities offers practical advice on how to ask for a strong reference letter for your scholarship application, which also includes a helpful email template.
3. Application Organization
Below is a checklist to guide you through the scholarship application process.
The office of Federal Student Aid provides publications, fact sheets, online tools, and other resources to help you prepare and pay for college or career school.
NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators):
NASFAA provides professional development and services for financial aid administrators; advocate for public policies that increase student access and success; serves as a forum on student financial aid issues and commit to diversity throughout all activities.
