Galesburg Reporter

In a March 7 Facebook post, state Rep. Travis Weaver (R-Edwards) shared information on a scholarship program for current or former youths in Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) care.

"Applications for the DCFS 2023 Scholarship Program are open now for current and former youth in care," he said in the post. Apply by March 31, 2023.

In his post, Weaver shared a link to a Facebook post from the DCFS explaining the scholarship.

“Current and former youth in care, apply NOW for the Illinois DCFS 2023 Scholarship Program!” the post said. “53 scholarships will be awarded, including four to children of veterans. Recipients receive tuition and academic fee waivers to be used at participating Illinois community colleges and universities, a monthly grant to offset other expenses and a medical card. The application deadline is March 31, 2023.”

DCFS awards more than 50 scholarships every year, according to a memo to 2023 applicants. In addition to tuition and other benefits, the department may also pay for textbooks and supplies the student does not have the resources to cover.

The application package requires several things: a completed and signed Scholarship Application (CFS 438, Rev 1/2023) including a typed personal essay; the applicant's high school transcript or GED Test Score Report; college transcript (if attending college); and three reference letters from nonrelatives. Applications can be found here.

Weaver is the state representative for Illinois' 93rd House District, his website biography said. He was born and raised in Peoria County and still lives there, in Edwards. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Marketing from the University of Alabama, then received his Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University. Weaver was employed by Caterpillar in finance and strategy roles and worked to build a small business at the same time.