FORGIVABLE LOAN PROGRAM

If you are interested in becoming a teacher and want to see if you qualify for a loan through the Illinois Grow Your Own State Forgivable Loan Program, explore the opportunities at one of the participating Consortia sites listed on this page.

Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO-IL) oversees the distribution of forgivable loans through seven Consortia (collaborations among universities, community colleges, community-based organizations and school districts) across Illinois. Each Consortia site provides funding (forgivable loans) to racially diverse and community-connected individuals pursuing an initial teaching license.

GYO-IL Consortia Sites

GYO-Chicago/Lake County
GYO-Central
GYO-Eastern
GYO-Northern
GYO-Peoria
GYO-Southern
GYO-Western

How the GYO-IL Forgivable Loan Program Works

The Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO-IL) forgivable loan is a financial support program for individuals pursuing teacher licensure in Illinois. Key features include:

Covers education-related costs such as tuition, books, fees, and other program expenses up to $25,000.

Loan forgiveness if recipients:

  • Complete their teacher licensure program.

  • Earn their teaching license.

  • Teach in a high-need school or subject area within Illinois for five years.

Review the requirements at each consortia site to see if you qualify for the program.

For more information about GYO-IL’s Forgivable Loan Program, contact Grow Your Own Illinois:
Roey Ahram
Email address