IPCSA EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION 

The Illinois Probation and Court Services Association is a professional organization that among other things is designed to “Promote initiatives that improve the delivery of probation, pretrial, juvenile detention, and court services.” The Executive Board will award one (1) scholarship for up to $500 to a member, who is furthering their education (beyond Bachelor’s level) in a related field or a member who needs assistance in paying off student debt related to obtaining a bachelor/masters degree.

Scholarship Criteria

• The application period runs from April 1 through June 30th
• Scholarship money can be used towards tuition, fees and/or books for a class during the application year or previous student loan debt
• Scholarship awarded to a current “full member” of the Association
• Applicant must be currently employed in probation, pretrial, or detention in Illinois
• Applicant must have worked for probation, pretrial or detention in Illinois for two (2) years prior to the application.
• Applicant who is pursuing a higher degree in a related field must be enrolled in an accredited college or university
• The degree must be from an accredited college or university and the degree must be in a related field for applicants using scholarship for debt relief.

Scholarship Process and Selection
The Executive Board will take applications from April 1st to June 30th of each year through the link found below.  Applications must be completed in full and contain all of the required uploads (resume; unofficial transcript; and proof of student load debt (if applicable).

A small committee of three (3) Executive Board members will review all applications and make a recommendation to the full board, wo will vote on the the scholarship winner no later than July 30th.  Decisions will be based on the above listed criteria, an agreement to the scholarship conditions, contents of the application, and demonstrated commitment to the applicant’s department, the Association and the profession. The board will have final approval of scholarship selection decisions and will not discriminate against applicant’s disability, race, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual identity.  The committee of the Executive Board will make notification to all applicants no later than August 31st.

Payment and Verification

A direct payment in the form of a check will be made to the selected candidate with an announcement being made during the fall conference.

Furthering Education

The scholarship awardee will be required to submit registration verification along with copies of receipts for books for upcoming education.

Debt Assistance

For those individuals using the award to repay previous school related costs, verification of debt and an unofficial transcript must be provided.  Awardee must provide documentation the scholarship has been applied in accordance to the criteria.

In addition, awardee will be required to furnish the Executive Board with a letter from their Director/Supervisor verifying recipient is not receiving competing funds.

Questions regarding this scholarship may be directed to:  melissa.spooner@cookcountyil.gov

Apply Here!