Who Should Apply?

To apply for a DMSF scholarship, a student must be preparing to enter high school in the Fall of 2012. Applicants that demonstrate academic potential, strong character and financial need are the best candidates for a DMSF scholarship.
Applicants must live in Chicago or surrounding communities such as Cicero, Berwyn, Maywood and Bellwood.

Academic Potential

An applicant demonstrates academic potential through the grades he or she has received in the 6th and 7th grades, as well as through test scores.  No one factor is determinative.
Applicants’ report cards should contain mostly A’s and B’s in core subjects.  Applicants’ test scores should display the ability to work at grade level or better.
DMSF also considers information it receives from applicants’ teachers.

Character

An applicant can demonstrate strong character through the school and community activities in which he or she has been involved.  An applicant’s character is also judged based on the content of the essays that the applicant is required to write.

Financial need

Each applicant’s family is required to provide significant financial disclosure to DMSF, including information about the income of the applicant’s parents/guardians (including non-custodial parents), as well as about the assets of applicant’s parents/guardians.  DMSF is only able to provide financial assistance to those families who also qualify for financial assistance from our partnership schools.