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

FORGIVABLE LOAN Program

GYO-IL programs implement a forgivable loan for racially diverse and community-connected individuals to enroll in and persist through an initial teacher licensure program in exchange for teaching in a hard- to-staff school or position.

GYO-IL programs focus on recruiting paraeducators, parent and community leaders, and students with non-traditional backgrounds.

GYO-IL directly operates the Chicago and Lake County program and administers additional regional programs in Carbondale (GYO-Southern); Charleston (GYO-Eastern); Dekalb (GYO-Northern); Macomb (GYO-Western); Peoria (GYO-Peoria), and Springfield (GYO-Central).

Please see the links below for more information on GYO program requirements and application processes.

Diverse Male TeachER Initiative

GYO-IL’s Diverse Male Teacher Initiative (DMTI) is a scholarship program aimed at increasing the number of racially diverse males going into the teaching profession.

DMTI is focused on men enrolling in or already enrolled in community colleges, providing the funds to take the prerequisite courses necessary to enter teacher licensure programs.

While DMTI applications will prioritize attendance in two-year institutions, in some instances, males 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?

If you are accepted into A REGIONAL GYO GRANT program, the program will encourage your success with:

  • A forgivable loan for tuition, books and fees (up to $25,000 for completion of an approved initial teacher licensure program in IL) in exchange for 5 years of teaching in a hard-to-staff public school in the state.

  • Regular 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 and community-connected teaching.

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 racially diverse males in teaching.

Ready to Begin?