DEWD serves natural, adopted, or stepchildren of workers displaced by the reduced operation or closure of an eligible fossil-fuel plant or coal mine in Illinois. The job loss must have occurred on or after September 15, 2016, and the worker must meet the state’s residency and employment rules. It is not a general grant for anyone laid off in the energy sector.
Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, enrolled or accepted for at least three credits at an Illinois public university or community college, and show unmet financial need. The page also requires coordination with FAFSA. Gather proof of relationship, employment and displacement dates, worksite, and enrollment before applying so the file is complete.
The program may cover tuition and mandatory fees according to need and appropriated funding; there is no flat amount guaranteed to every student. ISAC publishes term-specific dates, and 2026–27 priority deadlines for the full year may have passed, while later-term consideration depends on current dates and remaining funds. Check the live calendar before applying.
The page separates this award from other programs and publishes eligibility updates that may change by year. Applicants must document family relationship and the worker’s qualifying displacement, along with unmet need. If a facility or employer changed names, ask ISAC what records it accepts to establish the site and exact dates.
Before applying, confirm that the school and program participate, check cycle requirements and dates, keep a copy and submission receipt, and ask how the award coordinates with FAFSA and other benefits. Do not budget funds that have not been awarded.
When comparing options, identify whether the benefit is a scholarship, grant, tuition exemption, or loan: not all aid must be repaid or applies to the same charges. Ask the college for a written estimate after FAFSA and other awards, check renewal and academic-progress rules, and do not accept a loan thinking it is a scholarship.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
DEWD Scholarship Program — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
DEWD Application — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Cycles, funding, and eligibility can change; confirm the cycle for your academic year with the administrator and your school financial-aid office.
Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship (DEWD)
DEWD serves natural, adopted, or stepchildren of workers displaced by the reduced operation or closure of an eligible fossil-fuel plant or coal mine in Illinois. The job loss must have occurred on or after September 15, 2016, and the worker must meet the state’s residency and employment rules. It is not a general grant for anyone laid off in the energy sector.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship (DEWD) ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.