• Empower Illinois •
2023-2024 Application Resources
What you need to know to apply.
As a reminder, families can make a reservation for a 2023-2024 Empower Illinois tax credit scholarship on January 18, 2023! Like years past, the reservation form will open on our website at 6:30 pm before submission at 7 pm.
The application is a two-part process:
Visit EmpowerIllinois.org to access the reservation form and begin your application. •
Similar to last year, the reservation will open at 6:30 pm, half an hour before the submission time, to allow families 30 minutes to enter their information. On page one, families will enter their information. On page two, families will review and confirm their information. •
Once you complete the form and click submit on page two, you will receive your timestamp. Your timestamp matters and may impact your chances of receiving a scholarship. •
You will be notified by email when the complete application is available on January 20. You can complete this step whenever you are able, but Empower Illinois encourages you to submit your application before January 27 to increase your chances at receiving a scholarship.
Before April 1, some applicants receive priority.
Per Illinois law, priority will be given to students who meet any of the following categories:
Are members of a household whose total annual income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level ($49,025 for a family of 4 in 2021); OR
Reside within a focus district (for a list of focus districts, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/programs/InvestInKids/Schools/Documents/FocusDistricts.pdf); OR
Received a scholarship from a scholarship granting organization during the previous school year (Category 0); OR
Are siblings of students currently receiving a scholarship.
For part two of the application, choose your most recent household and income documents. Use documents from the same year throughout your application.
Questions from families about the reservation or application process can be directed to our Scholars Helpline (800-616-7606, scholars@empowerillinois.org).
English
Spanish
Facebook Live Events
Our team is excited to host two Facebook Live events again this January to answer questions in real-time about the reservation and application processes.
We hope you can join us on either January 12 at 5:30pm or January 17 at 12pm.
The same information will be covered in both sessions, and will be available for later viewing on our Facebook page.
January 18: Reservation Night 2023
Families can make a reservation for a 2023-2024 tax credit scholarship on Wednesday, January 18. Like in previous years, families can visitempowerillinois.org at 6:30 pm to access the reservation form before submission at 7 pm.
Extended Helpline Hours
To better serve our families during application season, we are extending our helpline hours from 9am to 6pm throughout the month of January.
Review Us on Facebook or Google
We are so grateful for our school partners, and hope you enjoy working with us as much as we enjoy working with you! Help more families, donors, and schools get to know us by leaving a review on Facebook or Google. Thank you! Watch the video on our website for more information about how to apply.
Para ver el video de la aplicación en español, haga clic aquí.
If you have questions about submitting your application, please call the scholarship hotline at (855) 318-1222.
Application Checklist
Are you ready to apply? Here’s what you’ll need.
Proof of income, such as the first two pages of your 1040.
Proof of Illinois residency, such as a copy of a residential lease in the parent/guardian's name.
Documentation of the student’s age (ONLY IF student is entering kindergarten or first grade), such as a copy of the student’s birth certificate.
You do not need to submit an enrollment or acceptance letter from the private school you wish to attend but it will be required before any scholarships funds are distributed.
