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Meet the Scholar: Arianna Alexander, Class of 2019

University of Pennsylvania
Kenwood Academy

Arianna Alexander is well on her way to making all of her college access and success dreams come true.  Awarded over $3 million in scholarships, accepted into 6 out of 8 Ivy League schools, a Gates Millennium Scholar, and Valedictorian of Kenwood’s high school Class of 2015. Arianna realized her own potential as a high-achieving student was due to her determination to go to college.

“Going to college was my ultimate dream and the day I became a Chicago Scholar I knew that dream would come true. They helped my family and me with all the necessary resources and information to navigate the college process. Starting the college process early really helped me stay focused and on track and now I made it with a full ride to UPenn!”

From growing up in the Hyde Park/Kenwood neighborhood and now attending the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania I came a long way.  Because of Chicago Scholars I received a strong support network that I know I can always rely on even with I am away at school. Chicago Scholars is truly a community with no boundaries.”

“My advice to the next talented class of Scholars would be to appreciate the network and the endless advice for applying to college and remember that going to college is crucial.”

As we send off yet another talented group of scholars who are preparing to launch their journey into college and beyond. We are welcoming the class of 2020, 425 scholars who represent almost every high school and every neighborhood in Chicago. This movement within the college access and success cycle continues to shape and strengthen Chicago as the city of education.