DuPage County is offering college and occupational training scholarships for low-income individuals with high academic potential.

The Community Services Block Grant scholarship may be used for tuition, books, supplies, and other school-related items. This scholarship is funded and designed in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Applicants are required to provide proof of DuPage County residency, gross household income for the past 30 days, and information about members living in the household. Income for the household must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Applicants must also include a 500-word original essay or personal statement, official school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a Financial Aid Audit (financial aid award letter), and proof of enrollment in an accredited Illinois institution.

The scholarship awards will vary based on financial need, minimum award will be $500, and special consideration is given to students interested in high-demand fields. Past winners have included:

• A first-generation college student from Addison majoring in Education at Aurora University
• A Glen Ellyn resident studying STEM at College of DuPage
• A Lombard mom returning to school to study Radiography at College of DuPage

Applications are available at the DuPage County Department of Community Services Office, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, or online at https://www.dupagecounty.gov/scholarship. Completed applications and support documents must be received by 4:30 p.m. May 2.

For more information, contact the DuPage County Department of Community Services at (630) 407-6500, or call the toll-free number at (800) 942-9412.