Illinois State University announced an agreement with Hope Chicago, opening the door for Chicago Public School (CPS) students and their parents to pursue debt-free higher education.
Hope Chicago is an innovative, two-generation college scholarship program committed to investing $1 billion in postsecondary scholarships for CPS students and their parents. Hope Scholars who are accepted into Illinois State will receive full tuition, fees, room, and board. Hope Parent Scholars have the option to apply and attend the following year, with full tuition, fees, and a stipend for living expenses.
“The agreement with Hope Chicago is an exciting avenue to give students access to the academic innovation happening at Illinois State,” said President Terri Goss Kinzy. “Hope Chicago provides opportunities for students and parents as well as reinforces the University’s strong connections with Chicago.”
Illinois State will provide what Hope Chicago refers to as “wraparound” support for cohorts, which includes academic advisement, tutoring, success planning, career services, and alumni connections. “Everything we do to help a student be successful is part of this program,” said the University’s Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Jana Albrecht.
Hope Chicago is open to students currently in ninth-12th grades in five Chicago high schools: Farragut Career Academy, Juárez Career Academy, Morgan Park High School, Noble Johnson, and Al Raby School of Community and Environment.
“We know the transition for any scholar into a new postsecondary setting is a critical moment in time,” said Hope Chicago’s Chief Program Officer Michele Howard. “That’s why we are so excited to have such a deep relationship in place with our partner universities that ensures a deep bench of support for our first cohort of Hope Scholars enrolling in the fall.”
For more on Hope Chicago, visit hopechicago.org.
