The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has awarded scholarships to 347 current and former youth in care. The announcement came during DCFS’s annual scholarship luncheon in Chicago, where students were honored for their resilience and academic promise.
Recipients receive up to five years of tuition waivers at Illinois public colleges or trade schools, along with monthly grants, book allowances, and Medicaid coverage.
Governor JB Pritzker praised the students’ grit, while DCFS Director Heidi Mueller called the scholarships an investment in their futures.
The program also honors late caseworkers Pamela Knight and Deidre Silas.
