The
Dual Degree Program (DDP) Promise,
Honors, and
Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarships are all competitive and awarded annually based on transfer term. Students currently enrolled in the Dual Degree Program at one of our
17 community college partners, are encouraged to apply for all DDP scholarships they are eligible for. Students must apply for a DDP scholarship during their final, graduating term of their associate's degree (term prior to anticipated transfer.) The DDP scholarships are renewable for up to two years (four semesters, excluding summers.) See individual award details below for additional eligibility criteria.
Students are encouraged to see their designated DDP Transfer Specialist for more details and for helpful feedback while compiling one's application materials!Application DeadlinesBased on intended transfer to Governors State University:- Spring 2024: October 5, 2023
- Fall 2024: February 22, 2024
- Spring 2025: October 3, 2024
- Fall 2025: February 20, 2025
Application CriteriaThe following are required for all three DDP scholarships:
· Must be a current participant in the GovState Dual Degree Program (must have enrolled in DDP the semester prior to the current scholarship application term).
· Must have met with DDP Transfer Specialist each semester as required by DDP, and enrolled full-time up through final semester at community college.
· Must complete an associate degree from a DDP partner community college prior to transfer.
· Plan to enroll at GovState in the fall or spring semester immediately following completion of associate degree.
· First time transfer students only (must not have previously attended GovState).
Recipient ResponsibilitiesDuring the duration of the award at GSU, scholarship recipients must:
· Enroll full-time -- a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours – each semester (exception for final semester, so long as all graduation requirements are being met.)
· Every semester, submit a statement that describes your active participation in the GovState community (i.e. DDP activities, student clubs, programs, committees, community service, etc.) and/or your local community (ongoing volunteerism, service projects, etc.).
· The scholarship ends after four (4) semesters (excluding summers) or at the completion of the recipient’s bachelor’s degree program, whichever comes first.
· Failure to meet any of the above obligations may result in termination of the recipient's scholarship.
Application ProceduresAll of the following materials must be submitted by the deadline above:
· Apply for admission to Governors State University.
· Complete and submit the form below, along with a personal statement that is no more than three (3) double spaced, type-written pages describing the following: (a) Your academic/professional experience and goals and how receiving this scholarship will help you achieve those goals, and (b) Your community service, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills and experience.
· Request two DDP Scholarship Recommendation Forms to be completed by community college advisors, counselors, faculty members, staff members, or administrators, who are knowledgeable about your academic potential and professional character. Forms must be submitted (by the recommender) by the deadline above. If more than two Recommendation Forms are submitted, only the first two received will be reviewed.
· Complete the FAFSA online for the respective academic year of transfer, and include GSU's Financial Aid code (009145) in the list of anticipated institutions. FAFSA results must be retrievable by GSU within two weeks after application deadline. *If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA, please see a DDP Transfer Specialist for alternatives such as the Rise Act/Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.Undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition are encouraged to apply!*
· Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Official transcripts can be submitted electronically (apotranscripts@govst.edu), or by mail (Governors State University, Office of Admissions, 1 University Parkway, University Park IL 60484).
Students must include their social security number on GSU’s secure admissions application in order for FAFSA information to be retrieved and Pell eligibility to be verified on time. If one's FAFSA is selected for verification by GSU’s Office of Financial Aid, they will have two weeks to submit all required documentation.
* Illinois Dreamers and undocumented students are eligible to apply for the Promise, Honors and/or Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarships. However, Dreamers and undocumented applicants are NOT advised to complete the FAFSA. Completing an Illinois Residency Affidavit will be required in place of the FAFSA if awarded the Honors or Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarships. In substitution for Federal Pell Grant eligibility, DDP Promise Scholarship applicants must be eligible for the Illinois MAP Grant by completing the ISAC Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.
Questions? Contact DDP at dualdegree@govst.edu or (708) 534-4494
