GEAR UP Scholarship
About the GEAR UP Scholarship
Because of your participation in GEAR UP, you are eligible to apply for money to help you pay for college. The scholarship must be paid directly to your college to pay for tuition, fees, and living expenses. Scholarships will be “last dollar” awards to cover the gap between financial aid and cost of attending. The goal of this program is to reduce student loan debt. Awards will range up to $5,000, depending on need.
Partner High Schools
Money for college available to 2020 and 2021 graduates from the following GEAR UP Partner High Schools:
Amundsen, Bogan, Clark, Curie, Farragut, Foreman, Goode, Harlan, Hubbard, Julian, Kelly, Morgan Park, Roosevelt, Senn and Solorio.
Eligibility
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Must have unmet cost of college financial need (cannot be used for transportation or living expenses)
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Member of Class of 2020 or Class of 2021 from a GEAR UP Partner High School
2021 graduates
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Minimum High School 2.5 GPA at time of application
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Enrolled for 2021-22 school year at an IHE (Institution of Higher Learning)
2020 graduates
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Participated in Chicago GEAR UP activities during freshman year of college
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Enrolled for 2021-22 school year at an IHE (Institution of Higher Learning)
Application Process
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Fill out application form
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Applicants will be contacted by email to send the following required materials:
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A 250 to 500 word essay describing your participation in GEAR UP and the impact your participation in GEAR UP activities has had on your educational ambitions and performance.
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HS Transcript- Proof of attendance at a GEAR UP school during eligible time period.
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Postsecondary acceptance letter- Proof of enrollment in Fall 2021-22.
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Documentation of financial need- All official documentation related to cost and aid from the postsecondary institution and private scholarships/grants is required.
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Social Security or Tax ID Number documentation- Federal guidelines require that students must be documented citizens of the USA to be considered an eligible applicant.
Deadline
Application deadline was July 12, 2021. Scholarship winners will be notified by August 1, 2021. If funds remain available, applications received after July 12, 2021 will be considered.
Award Amount
Awards will range from $500-$5,000 depending on need.
Ready to Apply!
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Resources
Registration is
Now Closed
Download the GEAR UP Scholarship Flyer
Download the Information
for Applicant and Counselors
Sheet
Download the GEAR UP
School List