Operation Recognition

In January 2002, a law was established to authorize Illinois school districts to award honorary high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans of World War II and the Korean Conflict, as specified in Public Act 92-446.

In July 2009, the law was revised to further authorize school districts to award honorary high school diplomas to honorably discharged Vietnam veterans, as specified by Public Act 96-0088.

Chicago Public Schools encourages all qualifying veterans to apply for a high school diploma through the Operation Recognition program.

Diplomas may also be posthumously awarded upon application by next of kin.

Eligibility

To receive a diploma through the CPS Operation Recognition program, a veteran must have:

• Left high school before graduating in order to serve in the armed forces of the United States;
• Resided in the City of Chicago at the time that they left high school;
• Served in the armed forces of the United States during World War II, the Korean Conflict or the Vietnam Conflict;
• Was honorably discharged; and
• Has not received a high school diploma.

Application Process

To apply, download the CPS Operation Recognition application. Once completed, submit the application along with a copy of your Honorable Discharge to:

Please note: To obtain a copy of your Honorable Discharge, contact your local VA office.