DuPage County has received a grant to fund scholarships for disadvantaged students.

The grant was secured from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Scholarships can be used for formal education or occupational training. Special consideration will be given to students interested in high-technology fields or other occupations.

The scholarship, administered by the county’s Department of Community Services, is a federally funded program through the state. There are no corporate or private dollars involved through this program. The funding supplements the cost of tuition, books, supplies and other school-related items for a semester or a quarter helping to offset the student’s need.

Applicants are required to provide proof of DuPage County residency, supply gross household income for the past 90 days and provide information on members living in the household. Applications are being accepted and must include a 500-word essay or personal statement, official school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a Financial Aid Audit and proof of enrollment in an Illinois accredited institution.

Support documents and applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 16. Applications are available at the Jack Knuepfer Administration building, Department of Community Services, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton. They can also be found on the county’s Web site, www.dupageco.org.

More information can be obtained by calling (800) 942-9412 or the DuPage County Department of Community Services at (630) 407-6500.