Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Required Documentation

Please reference the list below of all the required documentation needed to successfully complete your application. A checklist of required documentation is attached to the Gateways Scholarship Supplement Application. Any missing documentation will delay the application process and could lead to ineligibility to participate in the program. Upon review of your application, additional documentation may be required.

New Applicants

• All Applicants
  • Original completed and signed* Participant Application. (If on file, submit Information Update Form.)
  • Original completed and signed* Gateways Scholarship Supplement Application.
  • Copy of current IDCFS License (See ISBE Preschool for All below).
  • Copy of transcripts or any certificate of degree or credential earned.
• Center Staff Applicants
  • Income Verification Form (four weeks of most recent pay stubs).
  • Signed W-9 (IRS Form).
  • Signed W-2 (IRS Form) from previous tax year.
• Family/Group Child Care Home Applicants
  • Most recent Schedule C (IRS Form).
  • Form 8829 (IRS Form) from previous tax year.
    OR
  • Updated parent handbook.
  • Signed W-9 (IRS Form).
  • Verification of children currently being served (e.g., parent receipts, completed IDHS child care assistance billing certificates/program verification, etc.).
• ISBE Preschool for All
  
  • Letter signed by school superintendent or director, verifying program is ISBE Preschool for All.

Renewal Applicants

• All Applicants
  • Original completed and signed* Information Update Form.
  • Original completed and signed* Gateways Scholarship Supplement Application.
  • If license on file has expired, inlcude copy of current IDCFS License.
  • Official Transcripts.
• Center Staff Applicants
  • Income Verification Form (four weeks of most recent pay stubs).
  • W-2 (IRS Forms) from previous tax year.
• Family/Group Child Care Home Applicants
  • Schedule C (IRS Form).
  • Form 8829 (IRS Form) from previous year.
    OR
  • Updated parent handbook.
  • Verification of children currently being served (e.g., parent receipts, completed IDHS child care assistance billing certificates/program verification, etc.).

* Signatures on Participant and Supplement Applications must be in blue or black ink.

Bachelor's Degree Scholarship Applicants

• Documentation of Admission to Participating University (copy of acceptance letter or documentation of being accepted into your major from your college advisor).
• Transcript Evaluation completed by College or University (must have 55 transferrable hours to apply).
• Copy of study plan or outline of coursework needed for degree completion.

Master's Degree Scholarship Applicants

• Documentation of Admission to Participating University (copy of acceptance letter or documentation of being accepted into your major from your college advisor).
• Copy of study plan or outline of coursework needed for degree completion.
• Copy of transcripts verifying bachelor's degree.

For questions and additional information about the Gateways Scholarship Program, please call toll-free: (866) 697-8278 or contact us here.