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CPS Teachers' Kids Offered Full-Tuition Scholarships To U. of C.

By Sam Cholke | March 17, 2017 11:59am
 The University of Chicago is offering full-tuition scholarships to the children of CPS teachers and staff.
The University of Chicago is offering full-tuition scholarships to the children of CPS teachers and staff.
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HYDE PARK — The University of Chicago announced Friday it will offer full-tuition scholarships to the children of Chicago Public Schools teachers and staff.

The initiative expands an existing scholarship program that offers scholarships to children of Chicago police officers and firefighters that’s part of the larger UChicago Promise initiative to get more high school students enrolled in college with fewer worries about how they will pay for it.

“This new initiative will help the families of Chicago educators in our own backyard, building on our efforts to enhance preparation and expand opportunities for all Chicago high school students,” said John Boyer, dean of the College, in the announcement. “Teachers, police officers and firefighters help make this city work for everyone, and this is an important way to honor their service.”

Currently, 36 students have been offered scholarships to attend U. of C. through the police and firefighter program.

This initiative broadly expands the scholarship program to more than 30,000 CPS employees and there is no limits on the number of students who are eligible, according to the university.

“I applaud the University of Chicago for recognizing Chicago’s dedicated teachers, firefighters and police officers by helping their children achieve their dreams of a higher education,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Chicago’s students continue to break high school graduation and college enrollment records, and UChicago Promise scholarships put a world-class education in reach for more Chicago students and families.”

The children of CPS employees, such as school nurses, speech pathologists and school counselors also will be eligible for the scholarship.

“This scholarship recognizes the contribution and sacrifice of our faculty who educate, inspire and help mentor Chicago's youth,” said Janice Jackson, CPS chief education officer. “UChicago Promise and the University of Chicago have been essential partners in helping cultivate the next generation of Chicago’s leaders, and we’re thrilled our students and their families have this critical opportunity.”

For their child to be eligible, CPS employees must be full-time employees.

More information is available on the UChicago Promise website.