PATHWAYS- The Right Choice at the Right Time
Educational Resources
Community College Payment Program
The Community College Payment Program allows youth under DCFS guardianship enrolling in an Illinois community college the opportunity to have their in-district tuition, fees, and books paid by DCFS if they are not paid by financial aid grants. Payment requests can be submitted for vocational training programs that are part of the community college curriculum. Requests for out-of-district and prior years’ tuition will not be approved.
Education and Training Vouchers
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program assists youth with post-secondary education related expenses not covered by financial aid grants.
Youth in College/Vocational Training Program (available to all youth who meet requirements)
The Youth in College/Vocational Training Program assists youth in an accredited vocational school, 4 year college or community college.
DCFS Scholarship Program (limited, competitive award based on merits of application)
The DCFS Scholarship Program assists youth in an accredited vocational school, 4 year college or community college.
The Community College Payment Program allows youth under DCFS guardianship enrolling in an Illinois community college the opportunity to have their in-district tuition, fees, and books paid by DCFS if they are not paid by financial aid grants. Payment requests can be submitted for vocational training programs that are part of the community college curriculum. Requests for out-of-district and prior years’ tuition will not be approved.
- You must apply for financial aid through FAFSA and complete the required community college payment program application for each semester
- Payment will include in-district community college tuition, fees and books not covered by financial aid grants for a maximum of four (4) semesters
- You must provide copies of class schedules and grades to your CSW
- Direct questions regarding this program to your CSW or the Office of Education and Transition Services at (312) 814-5959
Education and Training Vouchers
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program assists youth with post-secondary education related expenses not covered by financial aid grants.
- You must apply for financial aid through FAFSA and submit a completed Education and Training Voucher application with supporting documentation each term/semester
- Pays up to $5000 annually of education related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, uniforms, equipment and/or transportation
- School/program must be accredited by the US Department of Education
- If enrolled in a post-secondary program before age 21 and making satisfactory progress (passing grades) toward completion of the program, funding is available until age 23
- Direct questions regarding this program to your CSW or the Office of Education and Transition Services at (312) 814-5959
Youth in College/Vocational Training Program (available to all youth who meet requirements)
The Youth in College/Vocational Training Program assists youth in an accredited vocational school, 4 year college or community college.
- The program is available to youth who are enrolled in school prior to their emancipation from Pathways
- You must apply for financial aid through FAFSA each year and complete the required Youth in College application prior to emancipation
- You must maintain full time status (12 hours Fall and Spring, 6 hours Summer or an approved Summer Internship) and a C average each semester
- You must submit your class schedule and grades at the start and end of each semester
- You will receive a monthly grant of $471 to cover living expenses
- Benefits are available until the earlier of four (4) years or the semester of the 23rd birthday
- Direct questions regarding this program to your CSW or the Office of Education and Transition Services at (312) 814-5959
DCFS Scholarship Program (limited, competitive award based on merits of application)
The DCFS Scholarship Program assists youth in an accredited vocational school, 4 year college or community college.
- The program is available to youth who are enrolled in school prior to their emancipation from Pathways
- You must apply for financial aid through FAFSA each year and complete the required Youth in College application by March 31 of the year of emancipation
- You must maintain full time status (12 hours Fall and Spring, 6 hours Summer or an approved Summer Internship) and a C average each semester
- You must submit your class schedule and grades at the start and end of each semester
- You will receive a monthly grant of $471 to cover living expenses
- You will receive a medical card until the earlier of four (4) years or age 23
- Benefits are available until the earlier of four (4) years or the date on which you receive a bachelor’s degree
- Direct questions regarding this program to your CSW or the Office of Education and Transition Services at (312) 814-5959
*** Youth in College (YIC)
YIC is also considered a "placement". Youth can not be in an ILO program and Youth in College at the same time. ILO youth can apply for YIC prior to emancipation and can be placed in YIC at the time of emancipation.
