Application deadline: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Apply Here: City of Chicago :: CSBG Scholarship Program
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Proof of identification and Chicago residency — a legible copy of an Illinois Driver’s License or Illinois State ID.
- If an adult member of your household does not have identification, complete the 2026 CSBG Scholarship No Identification or Income Affidavit.
- Proof of all family or household income for the last 30 days.
- If an adult member of your household does not have income, complete the 2026 CSBG Scholarship No Identification or Income Affidavit.
- Academic transcripts — unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Proof of enrollment, such as:
- Acceptance letter for 2026 high school graduates
- Enrollment certificate or letter issued by the Registrar’s office
- Fall 2026 class schedule
- Tuition bill or statement for Fall 2026
- Fall 2026 Financial Aid Award or a written statement explaining why you are not eligible for financial aid.
- Essay Requirement
- Submit an essay of up to 500 words responding to one of the following prompts:
- Describe your future and educational goals. Explain what you want to study, why you chose this field, and how your career could support programs or services that help the community.
- Write about a problem in your community that you would like to help solve. Explain how your education and future career could make a difference and what steps you plan to take to achieve that goal.
- Describe a service or organization that inspires you. How do your future career goals connect to this type of work, and how could you contribute to helping others through your chosen field?
- Completion of the Financial Education Program, see below
Financial Education Program
As part of the application process, applicants must complete at least one playlist in the Financial Education Program before the application deadline.
Completion of a playlist is part of the application evaluation process and will be verified through participation records. A certificate of completion is not required.
How to Complete the Financial Education Program
- Log in to your account at mychimyfuture.org/sign-in.
- If you do not have an account, create one at mychimyfuture.org/sign-up.
- If you are unsure whether you already have an account, try using Google Sign In with the email address you use most often.
- Enter the claim code GMAJN in your profile.
- You will then have access to the Financial Literacy playlist.
Application Review Criteria
- Completion of online application
- Grade Point Average (GPA) or Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) test scores
- Submitted essay
- Submission of all required documents
- Completion of at least one Financial Education Program playlist
Need Help?
If you have questions during the application process, email DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org.
