More than a Scholarship
Designed by Murphy Alumna Gabriela Pedroza ’08, whose dedication as a volunteer, Affinity Group leader, and advocate continues to support Scholars and families.
509
OUR IMPACT
2,432 3.4
Murphy Scholars currently in school
Average cumulative core GPA
Murphy Alumni
$41.1K 89 Median income of a Murphy Scholar family
Partner high schools
87%
Graduate or are on track to graduate college within 6 years
Murphy Scholars come from 74 of the 77 Chicago neighborhoods, in addition to representing Cicero, Berwyn, Waukegan and North Chicago.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) is to unlock educational opportunities for talented Chicago-area students facing financial need. DMSF partners with Scholars, families, and schools through high school and beyond by providing scholarships, academic programs, and personal support so that each Scholar can reach their potential.
OUR VISION
We envision a world in which every student has access to a high-quality education and the support they need to succeed in life, regardless of financial means.
We currently have 24 Lake County Murphy Scholars.
WHO WE SERVE 2%
6%
Bi-racial and Multiracial
41%
Black/ African-American
4%
White
Other
47%
Hispanic or Latinx
MEET JAVARIS PRATT Brother Rice High School Class of 2005
Javaris, Murphy Alum from the Brother Rice Class of 2005, attributes DMSF for providing access to programming that helped him grow in many ways. As a Scholar, he took part in Summer Bridge and the Murphy Caddie Program. These summer experiences shaped his academic, social, and professional growth, opening doors that once felt out of reach. Reflecting on his journey, he shares: “DMSF really helped me to understand what having access meant. It wasn’t just about going to Brother Rice. It was about having the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive. That access changed the trajectory of my life and gave me the tools to succeed.”
After earning his B.A. in Speech Communication with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Javaris served in the Peace Corps in Lesotho, Africa. Today, he is an Illinois State Patrol Sergeant and an active champion of DMSF. Whether donating golf clubs for young Alumni, volunteering to help train Murphy Caddies, or attending DMSF’s fundraising events to pay it forward, Javaris continues to embody the spirit of giving back.
More than a Scholarship, it’s
Building a Bridge. Starting Strong. Persisting through Challenges. Every summer, 130-150 new Murphy Scholars participate in Summer Bridge, which includes nearly 40 hours of academic preparation, developing their writing, math, communication, and organizational skills, to ensure they’re ready for the rigor and expectations of college preparatory high schools.
To read Javaris’s story, scan the QR code:
PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE PERSISTENCE
Summer Opportunities Camps, internships, travel abroad and pre-college programs at top institutions ignite passions, expand horizons, and strengthen college applications.
Murphy Scholars receive more than tuition assistance—they gain the guidance and support to truly thrive. Our programs empower them to overcome challenges, build confidence, and grow into well-rounded individuals pursuing their dreams.
Freshman Summer Bridge Two weeks that turn the bridge to high school into a launchpad - boosting skills, confidence, and connections with peers and DMSF staff.
College Counseling
Step-by-step guidance through applications, financial aid, and campus visits ensures Scholars find the right college fit.
Mentoring
Experienced adults, often Murphy Alumni, guide Scholars, offering advice, accountability, and encouragement every step of the way.
Murphy Alumni Network
Lifelong connections for career growth, networking, and mentorship, keeping Alumni tied to the DMSF community and a ‘Murphy Scholar for life.’
Tutoring
One-on-one academic support that keeps Scholars ahead, tackling tough subjects and preparing for exams.
Affinity Groups
Murphy Caddie Program
Safe spaces to connect, belong, and thrive with peers and Alumni helping Scholars navigate high school together.
Leadership Programming
Training and service projects that sharpen teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while making a real community impact.
Scholars earn money, practice networking, and gain exposure to college opportunities, earning eligibility for the Evans Scholarship, a full tuition and housing scholarship.
MEET ABIGAIL CHAHEINE
Abigail describes DMSF as more than a scholarship: “DMSF has opened so many doors… it’s taught me to not only be a leader, but to be understanding of others.” With every program and connection, she is growing into a confident and empathetic leader ready to make a lasting impact. Abigail is applying to be an Evans Scholar this academic year and looks forward to pursuing a career in law, either as an immigration lawyer or a litigator.
Trinity High School Class of 2026
Abigail, a Murphy Scholar from Cicero and a student at Trinity High School, comes from a family of Scholars - her brother and sister are also part of the DMSF community. From the beginning, she immersed herself in programs that built confidence, leadership, and community engagement. Her Summer Bridge experience was transformative, helping her overcome shyness and step into leadership roles. Now, as an Arthur’s Aspiring Leader, a leadership program funded by DMSF’s partnership with the Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation, Abigail organizes service projects to support Chicago’s homeless population and continues developing her leadership skills. Through the Murphy Caddie Program, she gained independence during the summers, strengthened her communication, and built lifelong friendships with fellow Scholars.
To read Abigail’s story, scan the QR code:
More than a Scholarship, it’s
115+ Murphy Caddies. Dozens of Loops. Countless Life Lessons. Each year, more than 115 Murphy Caddies take to the greens not just to carry clubs, but to carry forward lessons in leadership, professionalism, and independence. Because of our impactful Caddie Program, Scholars are eligible to apply for the Evans Scholarship. To date 390+ Scholars have earned the Evans Scholarship.
INVEST IN FUTURES
“The biggest takeaway for me was learning not to shrink in spaces where I didn’t feel I belonged. DMSF taught me to walk in with confidence and earn respect.”
Your generosity to DMSF allows Scholars to receive more than scholarships to college-prep high schools. It opens access to essential academic and professional programming providing Scholars the resources they need to shape a brighter future.
Make an impact today:
Javaris Pratt
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$10,000 supports five Scholars to participate in annual
college trips designed for our students to spend time on college campuses while learning what different schools
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“DMSF taught me that we’re all growing together as leaders. It gave me the confidence to be my best self, to know it’s okay to struggle, and to keep pushing myself to do hard things.”
Abigail Chaheine
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have to offer.
$5,000 sponsors meals and day-of enrichment activities
during the Summer Bridge Program, the transition program for first-year Murphy Scholars before high school.
$2,500 covers the cost of one Murphy Scholar to participate
in the residential Murphy Caddie Program, staying in the dorms and learning valuable skills over the summer.
$1,000 covers the cost of year-long academic tutoring,
ensuring one Scholar has the resources they need to thrive in their studies.
$500 sponsors engagement activities for the Mentor
Program as well as Affinity Group projects, covering supplies, meals, and even transportation.
$250 funds test preparation for Scholars as they prepare
for college.
Please join us in providing more than a scholarship to deserving
Scholars and their families.