CPS scholarship fair offers help to high school students

Chicago Public Schools will offer students a chance to find college financial assistance at a first-ever scholarship fair this week.

Yolanda Knight, assistant director of the CPS office of post-secondary education, told the Chicago Defender that the two-day event is targeting juniors and seniors.

"And we scheduled the fair in the evening on both nights so that parents can attend workshops and talk to representatives from those colleges," she said.

The workshops will offer tips on writing scholarship essays and how to complete financial aid applications from educational institutions as well as from the state and federal government.

"They'll also be able to learn about budgeting and money management," Knight said.

She said that at least 65 schools, organizations and businesses would be represented at the fair. They include the University of Illinois at Chicago, the United Negro College Fund and the Illinois Restaurant Association.

Knight said there would also be inkind donations raffled off at the event.

"Borders (bookstore), Microsoft and Office Depot are making donations for students," she said. "Southwest Airlines is offering free tickets so students can visit colleges across the country."

The CPS Scholarship Fair will be held at Near North High School, 1450 N. Larrabee St., on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Only seniors will be allowed to attend between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Article copyright REAL TIMES Inc.