State Senator Mike Frerichs (D-Gifford) has announced the opportunity for college bound students in his district to apply for eight General Assembly scholarships available from his office.

The General Assembly Scholarship will provide a waiver for one year of tuition costs at state-supported universities which include Chicago State, Eastern Illinois, Governors State, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Northeastern Illinois, Southern Illinois, University of Illinois and Western Illinois.

"With overall college costs rising across the state, it is harder for families to afford to send their children to our universities without some form of assistance," said Senator Frerichs. "Scholarships such as this help provide additional means for our citizens to attend college. I am proud to announce that my office will offer eight one year tuition waivers to state colleges for residents of the 52nd District."

Decreasing the cost of education, increasing state support for higher education institutions, and making textbooks more affordable for students are Sen. Frerichs’ main goals in his first term.

Frerichs added, "Offering this scholarship to eight exceptional students who have proven themselves through their academic abilities, service to their community, and admirable professional goals is a great honor and I look forward to receiving many applications in the coming months."

Applications can be found online on Sen. Frerichs' website at www.mikefrerichs.com and have a deadline of April 30th. A bi-partisan committee of community leaders including former educators, elected officials, University employees, and parents of college students from the 52nd district will review all applications in a blind process before making their final decisions in May.

I sincerely hope that students who are planning on attending college in our great state will take full advantage of this opportunity to apply for the General Assembly Scholarships," Frerichs concluded.

If interested in applying for the General Assembly Scholarship, send a completed application to: