State Senator Christine Johnson (R-Shabbona) is reminding the families of Illinois veterans about the legislative grant program that awards tuition waivers to children of those who have served in the U.S. military.
Up to six, four-year scholarships to the University of Illinois will be awarded in each county to children of veterans, one per conflict including: World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, the Southwest Asia Conflict, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“As our veterans can tell you, freedom is never free. The least we can do is establish scholarships like this so their children’s education can be,” said Sen. Johnson.
Scholarships may be used for undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies at any University of Illinois campus in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, Springfield and the Health Sciences Center.
To be eligible, applicants must meet both the academic requirements for the school and program to which they are applying, along with the waiver criteria.
Students that have lost a veteran parent will be given first priority, followed by those with a disabled veteran parent and then the children of living, non-disabled veterans. If two or more candidates meet the criterion, the applicant with the highest composite ACT score will be selected.
“Our veterans answered their call to duty by serving our country with bravery and selflessness. In doing so, they were taken from the care of their families. Now, in return, it is our duty to take care of those left behind,” said Sen. Johnson.
Applications for the tuition waivers will be available December 1, 2011 and must be turned in by March 1, 2012 for priority consideration. The selections will be announced by April 1, 2012. More information can be found here.
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story