This report contains project synopses and evaluations supporting recommendations for funding 25 continuing and 7 new projects in public and nonpublic colleges and universities included in the $1.5 million appropriated for fiscal year 1997 for the Illinois Cooperative Work Study Program. Selection criteria included: strengthening cooperation among higher education, business, industry, and government; promoting school/college relationships; encouraging social and community service activities; maximizing use of matching contributions; creating new opportunities for public/private sector partnerships; and integrating components of student financial aid to reduce reliance on student loans. Institutions receiving grants were: Belleville Area College; Bradley University; City Colleges of Chicago; Concordia University; Danville Area Community College; DeVry Institute of Technology-Chicago; DeVry Institute of Technology-DuPage; Eastern Illinois University; Elmhurst College; Greenville College; John A. Logan College; Kaskaskia College; Knox College; Lewis University; Northwestern University; Quincy University; Rend Lake College; Rockford College; Rosary College; St. Augustine College; Saint Xavier University; School of the Art Institute of Chicago; Shimer College; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; University of Illinois at Springfield; College of DuPage; Northern Illinois University; Richland Community College; Spoon River College; Harry S Truman College of the City Colleges of Chicago; University of Illinois at Chicago; Western Illinois University. (CH)