Chicago Scholars Program Overview

College Access, Success and Leadership Program College Access

LAUNCH

Scholars enroll the summer prior to their senior year of high school to help them navigate the college application process, enroll in a best match-fit college, and begin building leadership skills.

Scholars interview with our college partners at our annual Onsite Admissions Forum, where they receive admission offers and merit scholarships.

Educational Support

Social Support

Logistical Support

• College access workshops • Individual college counseling

• Mentorship • Cohort peer connection

• Application, financial aid, scholarship and offer support

College Success

LIFT

Scholars receive experiential learning, supportive relationships, and leadership development opportunities that empower them to practice self-advocacy and utilize their networks in college. Our annual College Transition Retreat connects Scholars with peers from their college or region and matches freshman Scholars with a peer mentor to help them through a critical first year on campus.

Educational Support

Social Support

Logistical Support

• College transition staff support • Access to academic resources

• Mentorship • On-campus connections

• Financial support, travel assistance, and internships

College to Careers

LEAD

Leadership development training intensifies to help Scholars successfully transition into the workforce. Our annual First Look Career Conference and Fair connects Scholars with top companies and graduate schools. They attend various leadership and professional development workshops and cultivate current and future internship and employment opportunities.

Educational Support

Social Support

Logistical Support

• Leadership development • Career workshops

• Career mentorship • Career path planning

• Access to jobs and internships • Mock interviews and resume support

EDUCATION + MENTORSHIP + LEADERSHIP = TRANSFORMATION

Our Mission We uniquely select, train and mentor academically ambitious students from under-resourced communities to complete college and become the next generation of leaders who will transform their neighborhoods and our city.

1.10.17

The Chicago Scholars Vision

Meet Our Scholars

A vibrant Chicago powered by diverse leaders from every neighborhood.

Target Population: Selection Criteria Chicago based students who attend public, private, charter and parochial high schools across the city Financially under-resourced students based on the HUD Standard definition of low-income status, which takes both total family income and number of dependents into account First-generation students who are first in their families to complete college in the United States, including firstgeneration immigrants

Dejah Powell, Class of 2018 Cornell University

Academically ambitious, motivated and committed students as evidenced by strong academic performance and perseverance, including GPA and standardized test Students with leadership potential as demonstrated by a growth mindset, reflected in student essays and interviews.

Students with a growth mindset embrace challenges, persist despite obstacles, see effort as a path to mastery, learn from criticism, and are inspired by others’ success.

Daniel Collazo, Class of 2020 Loyola University

By the Numbers

84%

of the Class of 2021 are first generation college students

96%

of Scholars persist into their second year of college

88%

of our Scholars earn their college degrees within 6 years

96%

$52+ Million

of the Class of 2020 enrolled at a fouryear college

in merit aid was awarded to Scholars at Onsite 2016

Chicago Scholars are in or have completed our program

74

136

313

Chicago community areas are represented by the Class of 2021

Chicago high schools are represented by the Class of 2021

2,444

colleges/universities are represented by current Scholars

Torrence Sorrell, Class of 2015 University of Illinois

Michael Chen, Class of 2020 Columbia College Chicago

Chicago Scholars | 247 S State St, Ste 700, Chicago IL 60604 | 312-784-3300 | chicagoscholars.org