College Scholarships

Every June, CCH awards $4,000 scholarships, renewable through college, to at least five graduating seniors who experienced homelessness while in high school.

Any of the following students are eligible to apply:

1. A high school senior who will graduate from a Chicago or suburban high school during the 2025-26 school year, by June 2026, OR
2. A youth leader who is active with CCH or former youth client of the CCH Law Project, regardless of immigration status, no older than age 24 as of April 10, 2026.

Every applicant must have:

• Experienced homelessness, living in a shelter, on the street, or doubled-up in someone else’s home. This must be verified on a document signed by the applicant’s homeless school liaison or service/shelter provider.
• Been admitted to or enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year public or private college or university for the 2026-27 school year as of April 10, 2026. Scholarships will not be awarded to attend for-profit schools.
• A cumulative weighted high school or college GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Filed a completed FAFSA (standard college financial aid form) application by April 10, 2026, unless student applying cannot apply for FAFSA because of immigration status. FAFSA can be accessed online.

The application must be fully completed and submitted by April 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. The essays should be written in the student’s own words, without the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Do not write essay answers that are longer than the listed word limits.

All of the following materials must be sent via web, email, or mail by April 10, 2026 at 5 p.m.:

1. A copy of the student’s 4-year high school transcript and/or a college transcript.
2. Completed background information section and answers to all essay questions.
3. Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals with direct knowledge of the
   applicant’s abilities, accomplishments, and potential.
   1. One recommendation must be from a teacher, or other school personnel. The other recommendation does not need to be connected to school, as long as it is not a relative or friend. Recommendations must be signed, and on school/organization letterhead.
4. Using our certification form, the applicant’s homeless or formerly homeless status must be verified by a homeless school liaison or service/shelter provider.
5. Documentation of any other scholarships/financial aid received to date (if applicable).

Applications for the 2026-27 school year are now open! Click here to find the web version of the application.

PDF versions of application materials:

1. Scholarship Application Form 2026
2. Background Info & Essays Form 2026
3. McKinney Vento Certification 2026

All materials must be submitted to Sue Um (sue@chicagohomeless.org) by the application deadline. Please contact Sue Um if you have any questions.