Application Process

If you are ready to start your journey toward becoming a teacher, Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO-IL) is here to provide the guidance and support you need to reach your goal.

GYO-IL currently operates two types of programs for prospective teacher candidates: the Forgivable Loan Program and the Diverse Male Teacher Initiative.

Program descriptions follow and application links are available at the bottom of this page.

GYO staff member Luis stands with a small group of GYO graduates

FORGIVEABLE LOAN Program

GYO-IL provides a forgivable loan for racially diverse and community-connected individuals to enroll in and persist through an initial teacher licensure program.

GYO-IL focuses on recruiting and supporting underrepresented individuals in the teaching profession, including paraprofessionals, parents and community members.

GYO-IL directly operates the Chicago and Lake County consortium (including the application process) and oversees GYO-IL consortia in Peoria, Carbondale, and Charleston.

Diverse Male TeachER Initiative

GYO-IL’s Diverse Male Teacher Initiative (DMTI) is a scholarship program aimed at increasing the number of men of color across Illinois going into the teaching field.

The Initiative is focused on men enrolling in or already enrolled in community colleges, with funding to take the prerequisite courses necessary to enter teacher licensure programs.

DMTI applications will prioritize attendance in two-year institutions; in some special cases, men applying to or enrolled in four-year universities will be considered for admission.

GYO-IL directly operates the statewide DMTI program.

How Does GYO-IL Support You?

Grow Your Own venn diagram with four circles: financial support, academic support, and social support with a GYO circle connecting them all.

If you are accepted into GYO-IL’s FORGIVEABLE LOAN program, the program will encourage your success with:

  • A forgivable loan for tuition, books and fees (up to $25,000) in exchange for 5 years of teaching in a hard-to-staff public school

  • One-on-one meetings with a coordinator who helps you stay on track and navigate your college or university  

  • Tutoring and other academic assistance to help you succeed in the classroom and pass required exams 

  • Professional development in culturally sustaining pedagogy 

  • Solidarity with racially diverse teacher candidates who are traveling the same path as you

If you are accepted into GYO-IL’s DMTI program, the program will encourage your success with:

  • Up to $10,000 in scholarship money for tuition and living expenses for the year

  • Ongoing one-on-one advising support from GYO-IL staff

  • Tutoring and other academic assistance to help you succeed in the classroom

  • Regular monthly networking and fellowship opportunities

  • Professional mentorship from men of color

Ready to Begin?