Chicago Scholars names Milton Rodriguez Vice President of Development

Milton Rodriguez joins the Chicago Scholars Foundation with over 15 years of experience in resource development and nonprofit management. Transitioning from High Jump, where he served as the Director of Development, Rodriguez has a proven record of accomplishments defined by developing impactful funding relationships, yielding increased investment, and driving organizational growth and capacity development.

Rodriguez’s 15 years of experience include leadership positions at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, Little Village Chamber of Commerce, The Resurrection Project, Mujeres Latinas En Accion, and the National Museum of Mexican Art. Currently, Rodriguez holds a seat on the University Of Michigan Club Of Greater Chicago Board Of Directors, the Latino Giving Circle, and the J-Def Peace Project. He earned his BA and MSW from the University of Michigan, an MBA from Roosevelt University, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

“The true impact of Chicago Scholars on the City of Chicago will continue to play out in generations to come. By creating opportunities for Scholars to succeed and thrive, Chicago Scholars is nurturing Chicago’s future generations of leaders across all industries and sectors, changing the narrative that has too often been predetermined for our young people”, said Milton Rodriguez.

A native of Chicago and graduate of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Rodriguez brings firsthand experience and knowledge of the challenges faced by many Chicago Scholars participants and their families, and strives to increase the educational opportunities available for Chicago’s youth.

“I am so excited by what Mr. Rodriguez brings to the table. As a first generation student, he personally relates to and embodies the stories of our Scholars. With his deep connection to our mission and his professional expertise, I believe he will play a critical role in taking Chicago Scholars to the next level”, said President & CEO Dominique Jordan Turner.

Chicago Scholars recently welcomed 425 of the city’s most talented students into the new Scholar Class of 2020. These students will have the opportunity to work in a cohort with peers and mentors as they learn to navigate their road to success to and through college, and beyond. The Class of 2020 is the largest class of Scholars selected in the history of the organization. Over the next 4 years, Chicago Scholars is preparing to accept 1000 students each year, guiding a critical mass of Chicago’s youth into their leadership pipeline.

About | Chicago Scholars Foundation

Founded in 1996 as a scholarship-granting organization, Chicago Scholars has evolved into a one-of-a-kind, 7 year mentoring and support program beginning in a student’s junior year of high school. Its mission is to provide talented, academically ambitious and underserved students from every high school and neighborhood in Chicago with access and success through college and beyond. Our academically ambitious scholars are not only investing in their own career growth and success, but also ensuring that Chicago remains competitive in the global economy.