Chicago Scholars Program

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, 2010 and decisions are made in May.  The selection process entails a review of the applications and selection of the 100 most impressive candidates. From there, the 100 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.

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, all entering Scholars participate in a college exposure retreat to Lake Forest College where 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  summer internship opportunities, participate in Career Exploration activities, and receive a merit financial scholarship of $1,250 to ease the financial burden of tuition.   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 retain 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.

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.