Illinois Institute of Technology to Offer Scholarships to Children and Grandchildren of Members of the Chicago Police and Fire Departments

Chicago, IL — December 12, 2009 —

Mayor Richard M. Daley and leaders of Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) announced today that IIT will offer scholarships to qualifying children and grandchildren of members of the Chicago Police and Fire Departments. The school is also providing Illinois veterans the opportunity to attend IIT tuition-free under the Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program.

“This partnership is a perfect example of the higher education community reaching out to work with our residents”, Mayor Daley said at a news conference at IIT’s Engineering Building, 10 West 32nd St. “Together, we can work to prepare them to succeed in today’s increasingly technologically oriented society”.

Under the Chicago Police and Fire Department Scholarship Program eligible students are guaranteed a four-year scholarship in the annual amount of $15,000 provided he or she makes satisfactory academic progress.

In the case where parents or grandparents have lost their lives in service to the City of Chicago, IIT will provide additional financial assistance to children or grandchildren beyond the $15,000 scholarship. This may include additional financial support up to full tuition after federal and state grants and loans have been applied for and where the family's adjusted gross income is less than $40,000.

"This new scholarship program will provide the families of our city's dedicated police and fire professionals increased opportunities to pursue a world-class education at IIT,” said IIT President John Anderson. "We consider it a privilege to be able to give something back to those who risk their lives each day to protect the citizens of Chicago."

The Veterans Yellow Ribbon Undergraduate and Graduate Program allows returning veterans who are eligible for full GI Bill benefits free tuition to IIT. There are currently 13 veterans participating in this program: 11 undergraduate students, 1 graduate, and 1 Stuart School of Business student.

“These men and women pulled themselves away from their families and laid their lives on the line to serve their country—it’s important to let them know how much we appreciate their sacrifice,” said Daley. “This program is going to make a big difference in the lives of our returning veterans.”

“Participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program allows IIT to give back to those who have sacrificed to serve their country,” said Anderson. “The program provides veterans with the opportunity to receive an outstanding education at IIT that will enrich their futures and enhance the learning experience of all of our students.”

Recipients of the CPD/CFD scholarship must complete a certification form and have it authorized by the designated official from the Chicago Police or Fire Department.

To be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program, veterans and dependents must be certified through the Department of Veteran Affairs. To be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program, veterans must have served a minimum of 36 months of active duty after September 10, 2001, or have been honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001. Dependents must be eligible for Transfer of Entitlement based on a veteran’s service.

Students who would like to receive need-based assistance in addition to the scholarship should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Recipients who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for additional assistance in the form of grants, loans, and/or part-time employment.

For more information about the scholarships, please contact Jill Sfuentes at 312.567.6961, or visit www.iit.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-aid/scholarships

Founded in 1890, IIT is a Ph.D.-granting university with more than 7,300 students in engineering, sciences, architecture, psychology, design, humanities, business and law. IIT's interprofessional, technology-focused curriculum is designed to advance knowledge through research and scholarship, to cultivate invention improving the human condition, and to prepare students from throughout the world for a life of professional achievement, service to society, and individual fulfillment. Visit www.iit.edu.