Program Overview

The Chicago Scholars Program is designed to assist marginalized high school students overcome the barriers to their collegiate access and success. Going beyond traditional monetary solutions, the Chicago Scholars Program offers five years of best practice programming to get students into college, graduate in four years, and smoothly transition into good-fit careers or graduate study. 

Selection Process

Scholars are selected during students' junior year of high school. Applications are due no later than January 31, 2012 and decisions are made in May. The selection process entails a review of the applications and selection of the most impressive candidates. From there, the candidates undergo an intensive interview process from which the Chicago Scholars Foundation ultimately determines whom to officially induct into the program.  To determine eligibility, please read the "FAQ - Am I Eligible?" section.

Phases of Programming for Admitted Students

Phase 1:

Scholars' Senior Year of High School

Selected students officially enter the Chicago Scholars Program the summer prior to their senior year of high school.  In July, they begin the "Launch the Future Plan". This plan provides monthly college access workshops, a personal College Consultant Mentor for each student, and numerous social networking opportunities that develop Scholars' soft-skills. Upon completion, nearly all of our students are admitted to a college of their choice at the Onsite Admissions Forum, a live college admissions event that enables our Scholars to advocate on behalf of their university applications  Read more about the Launch the Future Plan, here.

Phase 2:

Scholars' Freshman and Sophmore Years of College

The initial two years of college are crucial for our Scholars. During this time, Scholars are paired with a Peer Mentor who helps them navigate the college terrain, have exclusive access to paid summer internship opportunities, and participate in Career Exploration activities. Students are required to maintain a close connection with The Chicago Scholars Foundation by submitting transcripts, completing surveys, and volunteering at workshops and events when available.

Phase 3:

Scholars' Junior and Senior Years of College

The final two years of the Chicago Scholars Program provides our students with much of the same programming offered during Phase 2.  With that said, Phase 3 intensifies the career planning and preparation processes.  After students declare their major and obtain a Junior status, we connect them with a Career Mentor to begin more concrete career research and obtain industry-specific information, expertise, and contact points.  Furthermore, we continue to offer our Scholars exclusive summer internships, Career Exploration workshops, and networking opportunties to help them determine and pursue a profession of their choosing.

Phase 4:

Transition: Career & / Graduate School

The final stage of our 5 Year Program is just the beginning for our graduating scholars. As our scholars enter the end of their college school year and the onset of becoming a scholar alumni, they will have made their decision of either following their specified career path or choosing to attend Graduate School. With our programs, workshops, internships, and academic support from mentors and the Chicago Scholars Team, you will be able to confidently and successfully decide your future.

• The Chicago Scholars Fellowship Program 

One of our offered transition programs for our graduating scholars is the Chicago Scholars Fellowship Program. This opportunity provides recent graduates with a one year internship within the foundation as a public relations manager and coordinator.  This program will provide you with experience and professional skill set evaluation before entering a career in the corporate world.      

• Chicago Scholars Alumni Network

We are constantly seeking updates from our Chicago Scholars Alumni.  Whether you were a former participant in the College Bound, Scholarship Chicago or Chicago Scholars program, we would love to hear from you!  Please click here for more details.