Chicago Housing Authority Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Chicago Housing Authority

Important dates
- Application opens: January 30, 2026 (for the 2026–2027 school year).
- Award decisions: Applicants will be notified by July.

Quick overview
CHA encourages residents who are preparing for or continuing an undergraduate education to apply. Awardees receive $2,000 to be used for tuition, books, or supplies.

Who should apply
If you are a high school senior or an undergraduate student (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior) and you live in CHA housing, this scholarship is for you. It’s aimed at students pursuing an undergraduate credential (Certificate, Associate’s, or Bachelor’s). Graduate-level studies (Master’s, Doctorate) are not eligible.

Eligibility checklist (you must meet every item)
- Be a high school senior or a college undergraduate (freshman–senior).
- Be pursuing an undergraduate credential (Certificate, Associate’s, or Bachelor’s). Graduate programs are not eligible.
- Plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States in fall 2026 (non-profit or for-profit institutions are acceptable).
- Be a current CHA resident and be listed on a CHA lease (Public Housing Program or Housing Choice Voucher Program).
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to apply (2.5 is recommended).
- Have a household income at or below HUD’s low-income limit (80% AMI) for Cook County, Illinois; CHA will verify income.
- No exceptions will be made.

What we look for (selection criteria)
- Academic achievements and records
- Community involvement
- Quality of the application essay

How to prepare (teacher’s advice)
- Gather proof of residency and household income ahead of time—CHA will verify these.
- Request transcripts early so your academic record is ready.
- Draft an essay that tells a clear story about your goals, accomplishments, and community involvement; revise it until it’s concise and honest.
- Keep in mind the 2.0 GPA minimum; aim for 2.5 or higher if you can.

Additional resource
If you plan to attend a City Colleges of Chicago campus, check the PiE program to see whether you qualify for free tuition at all CCC campuses.

If you’d like, I can help you turn this checklist into a timeline or a required-documents list to keep by your desk.