The WSC Scholars Program is an extraordinary opportunity being offered to help student-athletes prepare for and succeed in college. 56 eligible college bound scholars will be selected to participate in a Kaplan ACT tutoring program in spring 2010 and a Chicago Scholar mentoring program that encourages academic and personal success beginning second semester of their junior year and continuing throughout senior year. WSC scholars will also be eligible to compete for one of 16 renewable college scholarships worth up to $10,000 annually ($40,000 total).

Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?

All scholarship applicants must meet the following requirements

Be a high school junior
Live in Chicago and attend a Chicago public, private, or parochial school or homeschooled in Chicago
Maintain a "C" average or higher (minimum GPA 2.0, unweighted
Participate in a single Olympic/Paralympic sport for a minimum of 2 seasons in the last three years.
Demonstrate Olympic values
Be willing to fulfill the WSC Scholar duties outlined below

How much is the scholarship worth?

Sixteen college scholarships worth up to $10,000 per year to help cover the costs of tuition, room and board will be awarded. Total scholarships may not exceed $40,000 per student. Fifty six students will participate in the Kaplan ACT tutoring program and the Chicago Scholars mentoring programs which have been assigned a value of approximately $2500 although the value of this unique programming is not merely financial.

Is this a one-time or renewable scholarship?

The World Sport Chicago Scholarship is a renewable 4-year scholarship to help you pay for college and may be renewed as long as you are in good standing with your college and WSC. (See below for more details).

What is the deadline?

Complete applications including two recommendations and a high school transcript must be received by November 30, 2009.

Who sponsors the scholarship?

The scholarship is offered by World Sport Chicago (WSC) which promotes Olympic and Paralympic sports to the youth of Chicago. World Sport Chicago is the living legacy of Chicago's 2016 Olympic and Paralympic bid, dedicated to supporting the athletic and academic dreams of Chicago's youth. The WSC Scholars Program was created to help student-athletes prepare for and succeed in college.

How many applicants will receive scholarships?

Up to 56 applicants will participate in the Kaplan ACT tutoring and Chicago Scholars mentoring program. Up to 16 of the tutoring/mentoring Scholars will compete to receive annual scholarships of up to $10,000.

Does it matter which college I attend?

Scholarships must be applied to an accredited 4-year institution.

Will financial need be considered?

All students who meet the eligibility requirements may apply, regardless of family income although preference may be given to students demonstrating high financial need.

ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS

Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?

Must be a high school junior from any public, private or parochial Chicago high school
Must live in the city of Chicago
Students must be in good standing academically to apply (minimum GPA 2.0).
Must have played at least two seasons in the last three years of a single sport
Must demonstrate Olympic values
Be willing to fulfill the WSC Scholar Duties

What is the selection process?

The World Sport Chicago Scholarship is a competitive program involving a two-part process. First, all applications will be evaluated by a panel of WSC and community leaders. Based on the review, up to 56 students who demonstrate a commitment to academics, athletics and Olympic values and who represent a diverse range of Olympic/Paralympic sports will be selected to become World Sport Chicago Scholars and participate in the Kaplan ACT tutoring and Chicago Scholars mentoring program beginning spring of junior year and continuing through high school.
Those students who are identified as possible scholarship award candidates will be invited to a personal interview with WSC and community leaders. Based on the interview, up to 16 students will be awarded college scholarships.

Is this scholarship intended only for highly-competitive athletes?

No, you don't have to be a highly-competitive athlete to apply for this scholarship! WSC is looking for students who play sports as a means for personal growth.
I don't participate in sports at my high school, but I am active through another organization.

Am I eligible to apply?

Yes! We are looking for students who meet the above criteria whether they participate through their local high school, sports club or other organization.

What are the WSC Scholar Duties?

WSC is looking for students who want to get involved with their community and help promote Olympic values! The service component of the program may involve giving presentations to younger students, sharing your story as a student-athlete, spreading the message of the Olympic values or emphasizing the value of higher education. Scholars may also be asked to appear at various WSC functions and events or to participate in publicity and marketing campaigns to promote the scholarship.

Is this a one-time service requirement?

No. WSC Scholars are required to fulfill the service requirement at least twice each year that they are awarded the Kaplan ACT tutoring and Chicago Scholars mentoring program or scholarship.

Will I lose the scholarship if I cannot participate in a particular event or function?

No. WSC understands that you have a variety of commitments and obligations. They will work with you to find the right opportunities for you to complete your service requirement.

QUESTIONS ABOUT OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC SPORTS

What is the difference between Paralympic sports and Olympic sports?

Paralympic sports are available only to athletes with physical disabilities, whereas anyone can participate in an Olympic sport.

How do I know if my sport qualifies?

Click here for a complete list of Olympic/Paralympic Sports.

There are more than 28 official Olympic sports; why are only 28 sports eligible?

Only 28 Summer Olympic sports are eligible because they represent the sports that are currently available in Chicago youth sports programs! Because one of the goals of the scholarship is to motivate Chicago's youth to become and stay involved in Olympic and Paralympic sports, it is important that there is a means for them to participate locally and to receive proper guidance and instruction so they can grow as athletes and individuals.

I play football. Does that sport qualify?

Unfortunately, American football is not an Olympic sport and does not qualify as an eligible sport for the WSC Scholarship.

Why is it required that I play the same sport for two seasons in the last three years?

We are looking for students who exhibit a commitment to their sport.

In the sport description of the application, what does "levels of participation" mean?

The level of participation indicates the channel through which you participate. Intramural, Junior Varsity and Varsity participation indicates participation through your school. Club participation indicates participation via a local club or organization, while independent participation indicates participation outside of an established club or organization.

DEADLINES AND SELECTION PROCESS

When is the application due?

You must complete the online application, obtain a recommendation from your coach and from another adult who knows you well and prepare 3 short essays. You must also ask your counselor to send an unofficial transcript. It is your responsibility to make sure that all materials are received by November 30, 2009.

Can I complete part of the online application and save the rest for later?

Applications cannot be saved online. We recommend that you first collect the necessary information prior to filling out the online application. Don't forget to print the application for your personal records prior to submission!

Will I have to wait until next spring to find out if I am awarded the scholarship?

It depends. Students who are not selected for the Kaplan ACT tutoring and Chicago Scholars mentoring program will be notified in December that their application has not been forwarded to the next round.
Students who are invited to accept the tutoring and mentoring program award will become eligible to interview for the college scholarship. Scholarship recipients will be selected in late spring. All remaining students will be notified in May whether they have won the WSC Scholarship.

ACCEPTABLE SCHOLARSHIP USES

If I am awarded a scholarship, how may I use it?

Scholarships may only be used for tuition, room and board expenses at a four-year accredited institution. Payment will be made directly to the university, provided the student is in good standing.

May I accept other scholarships in addition to the WSC Scholarship?

Yes, we encourage students to apply for scholarships from other organizations. Students may accept scholarships from other sources in addition to a World Sport Chicago Scholarship. However, if the total amount of scholarships or financial aid from all sources a student receives exceeds that of his/her tuition, room and board, World Sport Chicago will award less than the maximum amount of $10,000 per year.

What if all my tuition, room and board expenses are covered? May I use the scholarship for books, fees and/or transportation to college?

No, this scholarship may only be used to pay for tuition, room and board.

Will accepting the scholarship or tutoring/mentoring award jeopardize my future NCAA student-athlete eligibility?

If you are considering playing in NCAA collegiate athletics, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance. Generally speaking, a student-athlete may accept the Kaplan ACT tutoring and Chicago Scholars mentorship award, but will have to consult with his/her institution to determine if he/she can accept the scholarship. More information can be found here.

What must I do to stay in good standing and renew my scholarship?

College students must:

Fulfill the WSC Scholar Duties
Maintain a "C" average or higher
Exhibit a continued demonstration of Olympic values
Participate in an extracurricular activity
Be considered a full-time student by their institution
Make timely responses to WSC requests for renewal information

If I fail to meet the renewal eligibility requirements and my scholarship is withdrawn, will my scholarship be reinstated once I am in compliance?

Yes, provided you comply with all of the eligibility requirements and have a personal conversation with WSC representatives.

COLLEGE ACCESS & MENTORING PROGRAM

What is the Chicago Scholars mentoring program?

WSC is committed to helping young people succeed and live out the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship. WSC Scholars will participate in various fun activities and events throughout second semester of junior year and during their senior year of high school to help them prepare for college and make smooth transitions to good-fit colleges.

Can you tell me more about the Chicago Scholars college access program?

Yes! WSC has teamed up with the Chicago Scholars Foundation to provide college access programming consisting of college admissions workshops, financial aid sessions, help with FASFA, and making smooth transitions to the college campus.
In addition, WSC Scholars may participate in the Chicago Scholars Foundation Annual Onsite Admissions Program which brings 50 national colleges and universities to Chicago in October to meet face-to-face with scholars.

CHICAGO SCHOLARS FOUNDATION

Are WSC Scholars and Chicago Scholars Foundation the same organization?

No, they are independent organizations, each with their own mission. By working together, students get the best of both worlds! For more information on the college access program offered by Chicago Scholars click here.

What is the Chicago Scholars Foundation?

The Chicago Scholars Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1996 to celebrate the success of Chicago's college bound students and to promote graduation from college. The Foundation provides administration support to other scholarship organizations as well as offers comprehensive best practice programs for college admissions and graduation success, such as workshops on writing the college essay, financial aid and making smooth transitions to college. Once in college, the Foundation supports its students with additional programming. 95% of its scholars graduate from college - a rate almost twice the national average!

Why are WSC and Chicago Scholars Foundation working together?

It's simple! By working together, each organization can focus on its core mission and uses its resources to help even more scholars.