Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in applying for an EJP scholarship. Because the application process is competitive, we ask that you carefully review the instructions, deadlines, and eligibility requirements so that we may give your application full consideration. We appreciate receiving your application and look forward to reading your essay. For questions about EJP scholarships, please contact scholarships@educationjustice.net. For general inquiries, please contact EJP at info@educationjustice.net or 217-300-5150.
About the EJP Scholarship Program
The Education Justice Project (EJP) of the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign has offered courses to incarcerated students at Danville Correctional Center since 2008. In keeping with our commitment to promote higher education, we have a scholarship program. In Fall 2025, we will host the following six scholarships competitions: One $1,000 scholarship to a family member of an EJP student.One $1,000 scholarship to a family member of an IDOC or IDJJ staff person. One $1,000 scholarship to a family member of an incarcerated individual.Two $1,000 scholarships to individuals who have been released from an IDOC adult facility.One $1,000 scholarship to an individual who has been released from an IDJJ juvenile facility.Two $1,000 scholarships to a currently incarcerated individual in IDOC custody. Scholarship funds must be applied towards attendance at an accredited program of higher education or a program that provides certification for further enrichment (e.g., applied to registration costs, books and supplies, fees, or other costs directly associated with participating in a higher education program). This scholarship cannot be used for free educational programs offered at IDOC facilities.
Your final application will consist of the following materials: (Please submit all materials by November 15, 2025.)
1.) The application form completed and signed.2.) A 500-word essay that addresses how incarceration has affected your academic or career goals (does not need to be typed).3.) Verification of enrollment in a higher education program at an accredited academic institution or a program that provides certification for further enrichment.
Eligibility Requirements
Formerly Incarcerated Individual released from an adult IDOC facility To be eligible, you must have been incarcerated in an adult IDOC facility. Please provide IDOC#, and dates of incarceration.Formerly Incarcerated Individual released from a juvenile IDOC facility To be eligible, you must have been incarcerated in a juvenile IDJJ facility. Please provide IDJJ#, and dates of incarceration.Family member of EJP student To qualify, you must be a family member of a current or former EJP student. “Family member” is defined as spouse, grandparent, step grandparent, grandchild, step grandchild, parent or guardian, stepparent, child, stepchild, niece, nephew, or the parent of an incarcerated individual’s child(ren).Family member of IDOC or IDJJ staff To be eligible, you must be a family member of a current employee in an IDOC or IDJJ facility. “Family member” is defined as spouse, grandparent, step grandparent, grandchild, step grandchild, parent or guardian, stepparent, child, stepchild, niece, nephew, or the parent of an incarcerated individual’s child(ren).Family member of an incarcerated individual To be eligible, you must be the family member of someone who is currently incarcerated in an adult IDOC facility. “Family member” is defined as spouse, grandparent, step grandparent, grandchild, step grandchild, parent or guardian, stepparent, child, stepchild, niece, nephew, or the parent of an incarcerated individual’s child(ren).Currently incarcerated individual To be eligible, you must be currently locked up in an IL state facility and able to provide your IDOC #.
Instructions for Applying
Complete and sign this application form. Submit a 500-word essay that addresses how incarceration has affected your academic or career goals. Include a verification of enrollment at an accredited academic institution or a program that provides certification for further enrichment. This scholarship cannot be used for free educational programs offered at IDOC facilities.
Selection Process
Each application will be reviewed by the EJP Scholarship Committee. The committee members will review applications blind. In other words, they will not know whose applications they are reviewing. This is to ensure a fair selection process. The criteria for awarding the scholarship are financial need and the strength of the essay. EJP alumni will receive preference for one of the two scholarships awarded to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Notification
After you submit your application you will receive a confirmation email. EJP anticipates making decisions in late December 2025 and will notify all applicants of their status. Always, feel free to contact the scholarship program at scholarships@educationjustice.net.
What You Are Agreeing to By Signing the Application Form
The information provided in the application is accurate and truthful. If awarded a scholarship you will complete a one-page essay describing how the funds were used before December 31, 2025. You are willing to consider participating in a scholarship award ceremony and are willing to consider EJP using your photograph or excerpts from your essay within its publications, website, or social media account. Acknowledgment that EJP would like to stay connected to its scholarship applicants and appreciates the ability to contact participants annually. If awarded a scholarship, you will contact EJP immediately if you withdraw from your educational program and reimburse EJP an appropriate portion of the award.