Scholarships for North Chicago Graduates

Scholarships for North Chicago graduates pay for more than tuition

Inaugural Warhawk Lancer Scholars receive support for successful first year at CLC

Like many high school students, North Chicago Community High School graduate Cynric Lance Miaco knew college was the next step but didn’t know how he was going to afford it.

Miaco was among the first graduates of NCCHS Class of 2020 selected for the Warhawk Lancer Scholars last year. His education at College of Lake County is paid for and he received a stipend to help pay for additional course materials and living expenses. Funded by generous donors of the North Chicago Public Education Fund, these scholarships made the dream of free college a reality for six outstanding young people.

“With this scholarship, I was able to be a full-time student without having to work,” said Miaco. “This allows me to focus more on my studies and not think much about finances.” He is studying nursing to get a transfer degree and attend Loyola University.

Announced in January 2020, North Chicago School District 187 Superintendent John Price embraced the initiative to remove cost as the barrier to a higher education. This innovative partnership with CLC is a last dollar scholarship, paying for any remaining balance after a student’s financial aid is applied to their bill. It includes tuition, fees and course materials. “We know that our students, many who are first-generation college students, need more than free tuition and a laptop, so these scholars also receive additional stipends to pay for transportation and other living expenses, allowing them to focus more of their attention on coursework,” said Price. “Combined with College of Lake County’s academic and career coaching, our students have a greater chance at confronting barriers to success and achieving their goals.”

This program enables each graduate to write their own story of success by providing the support necessary for each student to be successful in college. As students complete their first year at CLC, the college looks forward to welcoming more Warhawk Lancer Scholars.

Lancer Summer Start Program

Starting this summer, new students can begin working on their College Success Seminar and pre-credit requirements for math and English before the fall semester begins – for free. Tuition, fees and course materials are covered 100 percent so students can earn college credits sooner, progressing to degree completion more quickly.