Palumbo Family Foundation Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Palumbo Family Foundation

Introduction
The Palumbo Family Foundation is committed to supporting students from lower-income households in the Chicagoland region by awarding scholarships that make continued education possible. These awards help deserving students — who might otherwise be unable to pursue postsecondary training or college — move closer to their academic and career goals.

Who is eligible to apply
- High school seniors, students holding a GED, undergraduates enrolled in two- or four-year colleges, and students attending vocational or trade schools may apply, provided they meet the requirements listed below.

Basic eligibility criteria
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Household adjusted gross income (AGI) of $65,500 or less (see documentation requirements below).
- Residence in one of the following Illinois counties for at least six months prior to the application date: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, or Will.
- United States citizenship.
- Intend to begin coursework (full- or part-time) at an accredited two-year college, four-year college/university, or vocational/technical school during the fall 2025 term up through February 1, 2026.

Important: Read all requirements before applying. If you do not satisfy any of these eligibility items, you are ineligible. The Foundation does not grant exceptions.

Application materials and file format
The application package is divided into three sections. Each section must be saved and submitted as a PDF with the exact file naming described below. All three parts are required for the application to be considered. The Foundation is not responsible for files submitted with incorrect names or in improper formats.

1) Activities summary (file name example: LastName FirstName Activities — e.g., Doe John Activities)
- List extracurriculars, community service, and volunteer work. Type your name on the document.

2) Essay (file name example: LastName FirstName Essay — e.g., Doe John Essay)
- This essay is a central component of your application and should explain why you should be chosen for a Palumbo Family Foundation scholarship.
- Guidelines: maximum two pages, minimum 1.5 line spacing, use spell-check, and place your name at the top of the essay. Presentation matters.
- Suggested topics (use as prompts, not requirements): academic goals; reasons for choosing your field of study; career plans and how your education will support them; influential people or experiences; community service you are most proud of and why.

3) Additional documents
- Include any required application forms or other materials as directed by the Foundation (see Finalist documentation below for the specific items that finalists must supply).

Rules and required documentation for finalists
If you are notified that you are a finalist, you will be asked to submit specific documents. These must be postmarked by the stated deadline or emailed to info@palumbofoundation.org as instructed. The required items include:

- Proof of permanent residence in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, or Will counties (residency of at least six months). If you are named a finalist, you must provide documentation of your address.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship. Acceptable photocopies include: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, U.S. naturalization certificate, or Consular Report/Certificate of Birth Abroad.
- A complete official or unofficial transcript demonstrating a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
- A 2020 Federal Form 1040 showing an adjusted gross annual income of $65,500 or less on which the applicant is claimed as a federal tax exemption. NOTE: This 1040 is the only acceptable form of income verification; an IRS Tax Account Transcript or other tax documents will NOT be accepted. If a 1040 cannot be provided, the applicant is ineligible. No exceptions will be made. (If you were below the filing threshold in 2020, a 1040 can still be filed for verification purposes.)
- At least two references from people such as teachers, coaches, leaders of religious organizations, or supervisors of community service programs. Reference letters may be emailed by the referee to info@palumbofoundation.org. College application references are not acceptable. References must be addressed to the Palumbo Family Foundation and must be dated after you were notified as a finalist.

Other finalist conditions
- If selected as a finalist, you will be asked to grant permission for the Foundation to use your name and photograph in Palumbo Family Foundation promotional materials (including website posts, annual newsletters, and fundraising programs).
- Finalists who meet all requirements will be scheduled for an interview. Interviews are conducted on designated Saturdays in May and June (exact dates determined by the Foundation’s Board). Attendance will be required if you are a finalist.

Notification and disbursement timeline
- Scholarship award notifications, including any award amounts, will be mailed no later than July 1.
- Scholarship funds will be sent to the recipient’s institution on the student’s behalf by August 31 or by the institution’s payment due date.

Contact
- Email for finalist documentation and other questions: info@palumbofoundation.org

Thank you for your interest in the Palumbo Family Foundation scholarship program. Please be sure you meet all eligibility rules before submitting an application; the Foundation cannot waive any requirement.