Scholarships opportunities available

IFT members have two opportunities in 2018 to help students pursue their higher education dreams. IFT Robert G. Porter Scholarship Beginning this year, the Illinois Federation of Teachers has increased the amount of the Porter scholarship. The union will now provide two $10,000 awards ($2,500 per year for four years; the previous award was $1,500 per year for a total of $6,000) to current high school seniors with at least a cumulative "B" grade average. Applicants must be the child of a currently employed, active member in good standing of the IFT, of a member of an IFT retirees chapter, or of a deceased member who was in good standing with the IFT at the time of death. Successful applicants must plan to attend full-time at an Illinois public university and maintain at least a "C" cumulative grade average. The award is unrestricted as to race, religion, or political affiliation. (Please note, the AFT also offers a separate Robert G. Porter Scholarship.) More information and an application for the Porter Scholarship are available here.

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IFT Carl J. Megel Special Education Scholarship In 2018, the IFT will award two $1,000 Megel scholarships to deserving high school seniors who are enrolled in a special education school, class, or program for students with disabilities. Applicants must be high school seniors who will graduate in 2018. IFT members who work directly with (or previously worked with) an eligible student must provide a letter of sponsorship for the applicant. Children of IFT members may also apply. Additional information and an application for the Megel Scholarship are available here. The deadline for both IFT scholarships is March 2, 2018. Late applications will not be accepted. Winners will be notified in the spring of 2018.