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Let’s Go.

Chicago Scholars is Chicago’s homegrown talent hub — our city’s premier program for getting students from high school to college and career.

Impact

50%

Chicago Scholars Alumni earn more than their household income when they were in high school

84%

Of Chicago Scholars graduate with $40,000 or less in student loan debt, compared to 55% of Black students and 81% of Latinx students

74%

Of Chicago Scholars Alumni completed at least one internship before they graduated

6,000+

Chicago Scholars Alumni since the first class of Scholars in 1996

80%

Of Chicago Scholars Alumni return to Illinois after they finish college.

550

Scholars admitted to the Class of 2029, representing more than 60 neighborhoods

Get Involved

Invest in our Work

We can’t build a brighter future for Chicago without the financial investment of our community. Join the thousands of Chicagoans who said yes to tomorrow’s leaders!

Become a Mentor

Mentors provide guidance during Scholars’ first two years in the program — and often become lifelong friends. Learn more about the application process here.

Volunteer

Chicago Scholars holds several huge events every year, but we couldn’t pull them off without our volunteers. Learn how you can help out on these life-changing days here.

Join Our Team

Want to join the Dream Team? Our staff come from a wide variety of backgrounds and fields of study. Find our open full- and part-time positions here.

Chicago Scholars

in Action


Our Scholars and Alumni are our strongest advocates. Learn more about our programming from the people who know it best.