Each fall DMSF distributes its applications to over 750 elementary schools and community organizations.  We typically receive over 1,000 applications from 8th grade students who are hoping to become Murphy Scholars.  Approximately 25% of the applicants are selected to be interviewed.  Volunteers help interview the applicants and select the 100 students who will be awarded a scholarship. Our scholarship recipients represent the cultural diversity of Chicago.  Approximately 42% of DMSF Scholars are African American and 43% are Hispanic.  More than 60% of DMSF Scholars come from single parent homes.  The average annual income for a DMSF household with five family members is $26,000.