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 Programs

Charles David Hughes Scholarship

The CEDA Board of Directors’ Charles David Hughes Scholarship recognizes outstanding graduate students with an interest in careers that make a significant contribution to society and not-for-profit organizations.

Charles David Hughes Scholars will be awarded a one-time $1,000 scholarship that may be used to pursue a graduate degree in public service related studies program at an accredited college or university of their choice. The CDH scholarship may be used to supplement benefits from the college or university a student plans to attend and fellowships from other foundations or organizations. Students may use the scholarship to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other college-related expenses.

Scholarship winner(s) will be selected based on the application, essay and letters of recommendation.

Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the Charles David Hughes Scholarship, each applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Be a resident of Cook County, Illinois
• Be accepted in an accredited graduate program
• Demonstrate academic achievement (Minimum 3.0 GPA )
• Exhibit leadership ability through civic involvement and participate in community service activities
• Complete application packet:
  • Applicant Form
  • Current Transcript
  • One 500 Word Essay on “Why Community Service is Important”
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Scholarship will be awarded only to student who fully meet the scholarship requirements

Application Deadline:
The CEDA Board of Directors’ Charles David Hughes Scholarship Program deadline is June 30, 2011.

• Applications and supporting materials must be in one packet and set directly to CEDA at the address listed below.
• All application materials must be “Received by June 30, 2011”
• Incomplete emailed applications will not be considered
• Each applicant will be notified of the outcome:
  • Non-winners will be sent a letter of appreciation from CEDA
  • Winners will be announced in writing and will also be posted on the CEDA website
  • Awards will be distributed with confirmation of enrollment in an accredited graduate program.

Download Application Packet [PDF 468 KB]

CSBG Scholarship Program

CEDA through our Community Service Block Grant program offers scholarships to income and program eligible individuals. Scholarships are available to income-eligible residents of suburban Cook County who are already enrolled or planning to attend an accredited institution of higher education or occupational training in Illinois.

This year’s scholarship program offers financial aid up to $1,000 until funds are exhausted to low-income students who demonstrate academic achievement, career potential and educational motivation.  High school seniors and graduates (or equivalent) aspiring to higher education are invited to apply.

Please note that aspiring students must meet established income guideline based upon 3 months of 2011 income and reside within our service area located in suburban Cook County. 

Candidates must submit a CEDA CSBG scholarship application. The DEADLINE for application submissions for the 2011-2012 academic year has passed. Applications will be accepted again next Spring [May 2012].

Vocational Scholarships

Vocational Scholarships for occupational training are available to income-eligible residents of suburban Cook County who are already enrolled or planning to attend accredited Suburban Cook County Community Colleges or certified vocational training schools in Illinois for the 2011-2012 academic year. (*Awardees must use funds by March 2012.)

The CEDA/CSBG vocational scholarship program offers financial aid up to $1,500 to income-eligible students who demonstrate academic achievement, career potential and educational motivation. Displaced and under employed workers, high school graduates (or equivalent) aspiring to higher education and employment are invited to apply.

Candidates must submit a CEDA/CSBG vocational scholarship application, references and proof of income eligibility (see chart). Candidates must apply in person and complete an intake at any of the application sites. Additional documentation may be required.

Download Flyer [PDF 215KB]