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TO: The Rules, Administration, and Procedures Committee
FROM: Alderman Javier Bañuelos, Ward 7
DATE: March 12, 2026
SUBJECT:
2026 Ward 7 Scholarship Program
BACKGROUND:
2026 Ward 7 Workforce & Healthcare Legacy Scholarship Program is established to support residents of Ward 7 in Aurora, Illinois who are pursuing careers in healthcare professions or licensed skilled trades. This initiative promotes workforce development, economic mobility, and long-term community investment.
Each applicant is only eligible to receive one scholarship award for their entire lifetime.
DISCUSSION:
Total Annual Funding: at least $5,000
Number of Awards: at least Five (5)
Award Amount: $1,000 per recipient (one-time award)
Minimum of two (2) awards reserved for healthcare pathways
Minimum of two (2) awards reserved for skilled trades pathways
One (1) flexible award based on highest composite score
To apply for the Ward 7 Workforce & Healthcare Legacy Scholarship, applicants must submit the following items:
• Proof of Ward 7 residency
• Proof of enrollment or apprenticeship acceptance
• Resume or work history
• One letter of recommendation
• Completed W-9 form for the applicant
• Completed W-9 form from the school/apprenticeship program
• Personal Statement (500-750 Words)
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
1. Be a current resident of Ward 7, Aurora, Illinois.
2. Be accepted into or enrolled in an accredited college, trade school, certification program, or state-recognized apprenticeship.
3. Demonstrate good academic or program standing.
4. Submit all required documentation.
5. Per Ordinance 2-65(d)(4)(f) recipient may not be a family member of the Ward 7 Alderman.
Applications will be accepted by mail or in person until 5:00 p.m. on the deadline specified by the Ward 7 Alderman. Scholarships will be awarded to the winner's school/apprenticeship program on their behalf on a date determined by the Ward 7 Alderman.
All business donations for the scholarship(s) will be deposited into the Ward 7 50-50 account number 317-1350-419.50-50. Scholarship(s) will be paid out of this account.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This scholarship program will impact the lives of Ward 7 Residents who are seeking healthcare and/or apprenticeship program aimed at bettering the lives of others by helping lessen the financial burden of additional education.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
To approve the 2026 Ward 7 Scholarship Program.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RULES, ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the 2026 Ward 7 Scholarship Program.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, in the exercise of said home rule authority has empowered its Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee to from time-to-time adopt rules and policies governing the operations of the Office of the Aldermen; and
WHEREAS, a resolution authorizing the Ward 7 Alderman to receive, review, and award requests anonymously for scholarships; and
WHEREAS, scholarship donations will be funded by Ward 7 Ward Funds and/or by business donations and shall be made out to the "City of Aurora" and deposited into the Ward 7 50-50 account (317-1350-419.50-50) set forth by the City of Aurora Finance Department; and
WHEREAS, the Ward 7 Scholarship award funds shall be dispersed directly to the scholarship recipients school/program on behalf of the scholarship recipient; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Rules, Administration, and Procedures Committee acting pursuant to its final action authority conferred by Sec. 2-123(f)(1)(e) of the Code of Ordinances hereby authorize the Ward 7 Scholarship Program.