Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Monday that $100,000 of the $275,000 privately raised donations to the Illinois DREAM Fund will be used to grant scholarships to undocumented JROTC students throughout the State of Illinois. The Mayor made the announcement during CPS DREAMER Information day at Benito Juarez High School and was joined by the Illinois DREAM Fund Scholarship Committee who also announced that the scholarship deadline has been extended to Friday, March 1, 2013.

“We are pleased to announce that a certain amount the City’s donation to the Illinois DREAM Fund will ensure Chicago and Illinois JROTC undocumented students have access to a higher education and a bright future,” said Mayor Emanuel.

“We are extremely grateful for Mayor Emanuel’s generosity and for the ongoing support of his administration,” said Tanya Cabrera, chairman, Illinois Dream Fund Commission. “We have made strides in furthering access for undocumented immigrants, and the progress we have made would not have been possible without this support. By extending the application deadline, we are extending the opportunity for students in Illinois without legal status to receive financial support.”

With this donation, nearly 100 DREAM youth would be able to complete their first year in City Colleges of Chicago’s College to Career program; ensuring that they have the skills to meet the demand for careers in growing fields. For Information on the Illinois Dream Fund please visit: www.illinoisdreamfund.org.