2010-2011 general assembly scholarships

Thank you for your interest in the General Assembly Scholarship program for the 2009-2010 academic year. Continuing your education is the best investment in your future you will ever make.

Each year, I offer 8 one-year scholarships that are made available from the State Board of Education for students residing in the 58th District (click here to confirm your residency). The scholarship is a full tuition waiver for the entire school year, including summer classes; it does not include room, board or fees. Scholarships are available to students attending an Illinois state university:

• Chicago State University, Chicago
• Eastern Illinois University, Charleston
• Governor’s State University, University Park
• Illinois State University, Normal
• Northeastern Illinois University, Springfield
• Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
• Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and Edwardsville
• University of Illinois, Chicago Circle
• University of Illinois, Chicago Medical Center
• University of Illinois, Springfield
• University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• Western Illinois University, Macomb

All applications will be reviewed by my Legislative Scholarship Committee, which is comprised of teachers, school board members and community leaders. This group of volunteers makes its decision independently and makes the awards based on the following criteria:

• academic achievement
• relative financial need
• community service and/or extracurricular activities
• essay on educational goals and the need for the scholarship
  

How to apply:

1. Print out and complete one General Assembly Scholarship Application.

2. You are strongly encouraged to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of this application. You may file online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

3. Please complete and attach the ACT Financial Need Estimator worksheet, found on the ACT's website (click here).

4. Required materials:
All of the following documents must be received by 4 pm on Friday, April 9, 2010 for the application to be complete:

• Completed scholarship application including essay
• Official High School transcripts and, if in college, all college transcripts, sent directly to the District Office
• Letter of acceptance from the college you will be attending (high school students and incoming graduate students)
• Three letters of recommendation (teachers, counselors, employers, etc.) sent by mail directly from the writer to the District Office in original sealed envelope. Please be sure to make your requests early!
• Copy of 2009 1040 tax returns for your parents, and you if applicable, p 1-2 only. Note that this means the return needs to be completed earlier than the IRS filing deadline.
• Copy of ACT Financial Need Estimator summary
• Copy of your voter ID card (if 18 and eligible to vote)

5. Return all materials to:

Scholarship Committee
Office of State Representative Karen May
427 Sheridan Road
Highwood, IL 60040

I wish you every success as you reach this new milestone in your life and begin your college years.

Sincerely,