Naperville mother Dakaria Robinson received up to $10,000 from DuPage County to help pay for nursing school.

Robinson, who is studying nursing at Rasmussen University, is one of five county residents awarded a 2026 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship. The county announced the winners Monday, Sept. 28, distributing a combined $35,000 in scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 each.

The awards matter. For Robinson and the other recipients, the money covers tuition, books, supplies and other school expenses at a time when many are balancing families and coursework.

Robinson said in the county's announcement that the scholarship brought her closer to her career goals and to preparing for a future where she can make an impact in her field.

The CSBG Scholarship, funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, targets low-income DuPage County residents with strong academic records. Applicants must carry at least a 2.5 GPA, be enrolled at an accredited Illinois institution, and have household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, according to the county's program page. The program gives preference to applicants from racial or ethnic minorities.

Applicants submitted a 500-word essay, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a financial aid award letter and proof of enrollment.

The four other 2026 recipients span the western suburbs. Flor Luna, a West Chicago mother, is studying accounting at College of DuPage. Zakay Cuevas, a 2026 West Chicago high school graduate, is pursuing computer science at the Illinois Institute of Technology. A Downers Grove resident named Kayden is attending Illinois State University, and a Hanover Park mother named Monique is studying nursing at Elgin Community College, according to NCTV17.

"Receiving the CSBG Scholarship helped make my college education both possible and affordable," Cuevas said in the announcement. "It is no longer an unattainable goal but a realistic next step towards my future."

Paula Deacon-Garcia, vice chair of the DuPage County Human Services Committee, served on the selection committee. She said the recipients showed commitment to their education regardless of the challenges they face.

Past recipients have included a Warrenville veteran studying aviation at Lewis University and a Glendale Heights mother pursuing nursing at College of DuPage. The county has not announced a timeline for the 2027 scholarship cycle. Residents can check for updates at dupagecounty.gov/scholarship or call the Department of Community Services at 630-407-6500.