AIM Center for Independent Living Educational Scholarship

About this scholarship

The AIM Center for Independent Living Educational Scholarship pays up to $500 toward college or trade-school costs for a person with a documented disability living in the Illinois counties served by AIM-CIL. One award is available for fall enrollment and one for spring enrollment. Funds may cover tuition, books, or registration, application, and laboratory fees and are paid directly to the school rather than reimbursed to the student. Applicants must reside in DuPage, Kane, or Kendall County and pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university or attend a recognized vocational or trade school. Only one person per household may receive the scholarship, and applicants may not be related to an AIM-CIL employee or board member. The fillable application requests identity, contact information, disability, school, and semester details. Proof of disability may be an IEP or Section 504 plan, a Social Security letter, or a note from a doctor. Candidates also submit a one-page essay about independent living and their future educational goals. Completed packets may be emailed to the address on the official program page or mailed to the Downers Grove office. Annual deadlines are June 15 for fall and November 15 for spring; the next deadline is November 15, 2026.

Eligibility

• Reside in DuPage County, Kane County, or Kendall County, Illinois
• Have a documented disability
• Pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university or attend a recognized vocational or trade school
• Provide disability documentation such as an IEP, Section 504 plan, Social Security letter, or doctor’s note
• Submit a one-page essay on independent living and future educational goals
• Be the only applicant or recipient from the household
• Not be related to an AIM-CIL employee or board member
• Email or mail the complete packet by November 15, 2026 for spring enrollment