Illinois' Next Generation Scholarship will allow undocumented students to receive $5000 for their studies

The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation (ILLCF) recently opened its Next Generation Scholarship program for undocumented migrants, a demographic that tends to receive little-to-no financial aid throughout their college careers thanks to their immigration status.

Students that are selected— regardless of their immigration status— will receive up to $5,000 towards their education, participate in a weekend Leadership Development Seminar, and receive recognition at the Caucus' annual gala in November.

The scholarship program is open for Latinos in the state of Illinois, including undocumented migrants and Dreamers— undocumented migrants who arrived in the U.S. as children and are recipients of the widely contested DACA program.

Here's what else you should know about the ILLCF's Next Generation Scholarship.

What are the requirements for the Next Generation Scholarship?

• Be Latino
• Never have received the ILLCF scholarship.
• Be a student currently enrolled part-time or full-time in a college or university.

What degrees must a student be working towards to qualify for the scholarship?

Besides being enrolled part-time or full-time at a college or university, students must be working towards one of the following:

• Certificate program, vocational, technical, or trade school.
• Undergraduate or associate degree.
• Graduate degree (master's or Ph.D.)

When is the deadline to apply for the Next Generation Scholarship?

Students can submit applications online through the ILLCF website. All applicants will need to provide a letter of recommendation and submit any additional requirements related to their specific application. All applications must be completed in one sitting.

The application will close on July 3, 2024 at 11:59 pm CST.