Immigrant scholarship program to take applications

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Associated Press

Story Created: Sun Oct 28, 2012 2:06 PM

Story Updated: Sun Oct 28, 2012 2:06 PM

CHICAGO, Ill.— A state fund designed to provide scholarships for immigrant students - including those living in the country illegally - will begin accepting applications soon.
   
The privately-funded Illinois DREAM Fund is a non-profit organization created by the state to provide financial assistance to immigrant students. It's raised $500,000.
   
Officials say all immigrant students can apply, but those who were brought to the country illegally will receive special focus.
   
Applicants must have at least a 2.5 grade-point average. and for those just graduating high school, a minimum ACT sore of 17.
   
Officials say that students attending two-year colleges are eligible to apply for $2,000 scholarships and those attending four-year institutions can apply for $6,000.
   
Illinois DREAM Fund chair Tanya Cabrera expects 5,000 applicants this year.
   
Applications will be accepted starting Thursday.