SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has begun accepting applications for the 2020 DCFS Scholarship Program, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced today.

“All kids deserve the opportunity to pursue their college dreams without having to worry about expenses, including those who are or have been in DCFS care,” said Fine. “This program could give a boost to the students who need this help the most.”

The DCFS Scholarship Program is open to youth who have an open DCFS case, whose cases were closed through adoption or guardianship or who aged out of care at 18 or older. Youth who are at least 16 years old and not yet 21 on March 31 may apply.

Through the program, 53 academic scholarships will be awarded to current and former youth in care for the upcoming school year. Four of these awards are reserved for the children of veterans.

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on their academic record, community and extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and a written statement. The scholarship covers up to five consecutive years of tuition and academic fee waivers to be used at participating Illinois state community colleges and universities, a monthly grant of $537 to offset other expenses and a medical card.

“An education can open up so many new doors,” said Fine. “I hope to see lots of students take advantage of this important program.”

Applications are available at any DCFS regional office and on the DCFS website. Students or caregivers may call the DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services at 217-557-2689 or 312-814-5959 with questions about the application process or for more information.