STEM Scholarship Application

Please note this application form is for students who have not yet completed a semester at college/university.

Applications are due April 1, 2026, for students entering college in the Fall of 2026.

Applicants must reside in the city of Chicago and currently attend a Chicago Public, or Charter school. Beginning in Fall of 2026, must be enrolled in full time at a four-year degree program at a U.S. accredited not-for-profit, private or public college/university and elect a STEM major.

Applicants must demonstrate financial need (annual household income less than $75,000).
Scholarship recipients must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.

Questions about the application can be sent to scholarship@casl.org.

Your Information

First Name

Last Name

Street Address

Zip Code

Phone Number

What is your annual household income

Number of people in your household

Are you or any of your relatives a current or former CASL client? If so, please share more about your or their experience with CASL.

Education

Current High School

Expected Graduation Date

Cumulative High School GPA (Weighted)

Top colleges/universities you are considering for attendance in Fall 2026

Expected Major

Application Essay

Candidates must write a personal essay (300 word minimum) on one of the topics listed below:

- Discuss an issue of personal, local, national or international concern and its importance to you.

- Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you. Describe that person and describe that influence.

- Describe the environment that you grew up in and how it helped shape you into the kind of person you are today.

- Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or creative work (music, politics, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you and explain that influence.

- Provide information that you feel will give a more complete and accurate picture of yourself (i.e. background, personal philosophy, traits, goals, etc.) Describe the influence of these factors.

Upload your application essay

Reference Letters

Provide 2 letters of recommendation from individuals who can personally attest to your achievement and potential in terms of: (1) leadership, character, and service and (2) academic excellence.

Upload your reference letters

Submission & Next Steps

Finalists will be identified in late April and will be required to submit a video essay. Award decisions will be made in early May.

By checking below I confirm that all information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I confirm that I have reviewed and meet the eligibility requirements. I understand that I may be asked for documents supporting my answers as part of the application process.

I agree

Contact Information