Education

Educational Talent Search

A counseling, tutoring, and mentoring program for youth ages 11-27 no longer in a formal education system due to misdemeanors or minor felonies. Talent Search identifies needs and monitors education through a culturally enriching process.

Scholarship Program

Charles D. Hughes, Jr. Graduate Scholarship:
The Charles D. Hughes, Jr. Graduate Scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding graduate student residing in Cook County. The scholarship was founded by our Board of Directors to honor Charles D. Hughes, Jr., who served CEDA as the President and Chief Executive Officer for over 28 years. Mr. Hughes was a pioneer in the field of community action, and this program continues his legacy of commitment to helping poor people. Scholarship winners are chosen on the basis of academic merit, level of commitment to educational goals and quality of the completed application packet.

Eligibility: Students must demonstrate financial need, and be studying an area of social work, community development or social public policy. Applicants must be college graduates or college seniors at the time of application, and they must be enrolled or planning to enroll an accredited graduate school. To apply, contact your local Community Development Area office in the spring.

CSBG Educational Scholarships:
CSBG Educational Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors or high school graduates living in suburban Cook County and planning on attending an accredited Illinois college, university or vocational school. Scholarship winners are chosen on the basis of academic merit, level of commitment to educational goals and quality of the completed application packet.

Eligibility: All applicants must demonstrate financial need, and provide proof of income, school transcripts and three letters of recommendation. In the spring, students can apply through CEDA’s Community Development Area Centers.