City Colleges of Chicago Star Scholarship: Empowering Students to Soar Spotlight on Star Scholars Innovative Ideas for New Applications Useful Tables

The City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Star Scholarship is a transformative program that provides exceptional financial support to high-achieving students from underrepresented communities. Established in 2013, the scholarship has made a profound impact on the lives of thousands of students, enabling them to pursue their educational dreams and reach their full potential.

Scholarship Overview

The CCC Star Scholarship offers several key benefits:

• Full tuition and fees coverage: Recipients receive full tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years at any of the seven CCC campuses.
• Stipend for living expenses: Students also receive a stipend of $2,000 per academic year for living expenses, such as housing, transportation, and meals.
• Books and supplies: The scholarship covers the cost of books, supplies, and equipment necessary for coursework.
• Academic and personal support: Recipients benefit from personalized academic and personal support services, including tutoring, mentoring, and counseling.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the CCC Star Scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:

• Be a resident of Illinois.
• Have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Be enrolled full-time in a CCC associate or bachelor’s degree program.
• Demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Be a first-generation college student or come from a family with an income below 200% of the federal poverty level.
• Show evidence of leadership, community service, and academic excellence.

Application Process

The CCC Star Scholarship application process is highly competitive. Interested students must submit the following materials:

• Official high school transcript.
• FAFSA application.
• Personal statement.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Proof of residency and citizenship or permanent residency.

Impact of the Scholarship

The CCC Star Scholarship has had a remarkable impact on the lives of its recipients. A recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that:

• 85% of Star Scholars graduate within four years, significantly higher than the national average of 59% for low-income college students.
• 90% of Star Scholars are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
• Star Scholars earn an average of $5,000 more per year than non-scholarship recipients.

How to Apply

The CCC Star Scholarship application deadline is typically in February or March. To apply, follow these steps:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Gather the required materials.
3. Submit the online application.
4. Attend a scholarship interview (if invited).

Additional Information

For more information about the CCC Star Scholarship, visit the CCC website.

Meet some of the exceptional students who have been awarded the CCC Star Scholarship:

• Sarah: A first-generation college student from a single-parent household, Sarah is pursuing a nursing degree. The scholarship has allowed her to focus on her studies and graduate debt-free.
• Mario: A refugee from a war-torn country, Mario is studying engineering. The scholarship has provided him with a safe and supportive environment to rebuild his life.
• Kim: An aspiring social worker, Kim is dedicated to serving underprivileged communities. The scholarship has empowered her to pursue her passion and make a difference.

To enhance the impact of the CCC Star Scholarship, consider the following innovative ideas:

• Expanding eligibility criteria: Consider expanding eligibility to include students with other underrepresented identities, such as LGBTQ+ students, disabled students, and veterans.
• Increasing the scholarship amount: Increase the scholarship amount to cover additional expenses, such as childcare or transportation.
• Providing additional support services: Offer additional support services, such as mental health counseling, job placement assistance, and financial literacy classes.

Table 1: CCC Star Scholarship Benefits

Table 2: CCC Star Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Table 3: Impact of the CCC Star Scholarship

Table 4: Innovative Ideas for New Applications