Every 10 years the government reports the number of people who live in the United States by conducting a count called the Census. This count is required by the U.S. Constitution. Every residence will receive a short questionnaire in the mail with 10 questions that take about 10 minutes to complete. Completing this questionnaire is easy, fast and safe. And if you return your questionnaire by April 1, a Census worker will not have to come to your house.
Chicago Public Schools encourages every household to complete and mail the questionnaire by April 1. The responses to your completed questionnaires will help our children receive the education and services that every child in our City deserves and needs.
Learn more about the Census
Census data is used to determine the number of representatives your state receives in the U.S. Congress, as well as your community’s representation in the state legislature. Government agencies use Census data to make funding decisions for more than $400 billion each year, including:
- Title 1 allocations for public schools
- College grants and loan programs
- Public transportation
- Road and community improvements
- Public health services and hospitals
- Neighborhood improvements
- Senior services
Why are some people reluctant to be counted? The U.S. Census Bureau said the following issues are the most common deterrents to Census participation:
- Privacy
- Confidentiality
- Immigration and citizenship concerns
Census information is confidential. It is never shared with other government agencies, including the IRS, any immigration office or law enforcement agency. Sharing Census data is a federal offense.
You can also view this information in 
Spanish and Polish.
Resources
Learn more about the 2010 Census
by calling the Chicago Regional Census Center at (312) 454-2700, the Chicago Regional Partnership Group at (312) 454-2770, or by visiting the websites below:
This information was provided by the Chicago Board of Education. For questions about CPS and the Census, please call
773-553-1600.
Photo details
This photo was provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, Public Information Office. Pictured: Sesame Street characters teach students about the 2010 Census at an elementary school in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
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