January 12, 2013

Mayor Emanuel Announces $100,000 in Scholarship Funds Will Go To Undocumented JROTC Students; Illinois Dream Fund Scholarship Deadline Extended

Students Attending the CPS Dreamers Information Day Receive Scholarship Information

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Emanuel announced today that $100,000 of the $275,000 privately raised donations to the Illinois DREAM Fund will be used to grant scholarships to undocumented JROTC students throughout the State of Illinois.  The Mayor made the announcement during CPS DREAMER Information day at Benito Juarez High School and was joined by the Illinois DREAM Fund Scholarship Committee who also announced that the scholarship deadline has been extended to Friday, March 1, 2013. 

“We are pleased to announce that a certain amount the City’s donation to the Illinois DREAM Fund will ensure Chicago and Illinois JROTC undocumented  students have access to a higher education and a bright future,” said Mayor Emanuel. These students have shown a commitment to serving their schools, and communities, and are eager to serve in the military, but can’t because of their immigration status. We are proud to host a CPS Dreamer Information Day where they can receive information that will give them access to financial resources.”

“We are extremely grateful for Mayor Emanuel’s generosity and for the ongoing support of his administration,” said Tanya Cabrera, Chairman, Illinois Dream Fund Commission. “We have made strides in furthering access for undocumented immigrants, and the progress we have made would not have been possible without this support.  By extending the application deadline, we are extending the opportunity for students in Illinois without legal status to receive financial support.”

In August of 2012, Mayor Emanuel announced that $275,000 in private donations had been raised for the Illinois DREAM Fund. With this donation, nearly 100 DREAM youth would be able to complete their first year in City Colleges of Chicago’s College to Career program; ensuring that they have the skills to meet the demand for careers in growing fields.

The Illinois Dream Fund is a non-profit organization utilizing private dollars to award scholarships to undocumented immigrants throughout Illinois. The Illinois Dream Fund Scholarship seeks to create access to financial resources to further the growth and development for the immigrant leaders of tomorrow. With the generous offerings of private donors and in-kind donations, the Illinois Dream Fund Scholarship will provide scholarships to undocumented immigrant students throughout Illinois, who are incoming freshmen or current undergraduates that possess at least a 2.5 GPA (on a 4 point scale). For Information on the Illinois Dream Fund please visit: www.illinoisdreamfund.org

 

 

 

 

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