Education
Scholarships, free college programs, library resources, and financial aid for students.
4 programs available
Chicago Public Library Free Resources
Free access to thousands of books, digital resources, computer labs, Wi-Fi, LinkedIn Learning courses, Ancestry.com, and more with a Chicago library card.
Who Qualifies
Free library card for all Chicago residents. Some digital resources available to anyone in Illinois.
Chicago Star Scholarship
Covers tuition and book costs at any of the seven City Colleges of Chicago for eligible Chicago Public Schools graduates. A pathway to a debt-free associate degree.
Who Qualifies
Must be a CPS graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet other academic requirements. Must enroll in City Colleges within one year of graduating.
Chicago Youth Works
Chicago Youth Works (formerly One Summer Chicago) is the City of Chicago's youth employment initiative providing paid work experiences, internships, and career exploration for residents aged 14–24. The program offers three tracks: Chicago Youth Service Corps (year-round, ages 16–24), Chicagobility (ages 14–15), and the Summer Youth Employment Program (ages 16–24). In 2026, the program connected over 31,000 young Chicagoans to employment opportunities.
Who Qualifies
Chicago residents ages 14–24. Valid ID, Social Security Number for payroll, and bank account for direct deposit required. Applications typically open in March each year.
Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant
A need-based grant from the State of Illinois that helps undergraduates pay for tuition and mandatory fees at approved Illinois colleges. Does not need to be repaid.
Who Qualifies
Must be an Illinois resident attending an approved college, demonstrate financial need via FAFSA, and be enrolled at least 3 credit hours.