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Cubs Charities renews support our Cubs Scholars program

We are so grateful for the ongoing support from Cubs Charities and are thrilled to be awarded a grant again this year.  Vice President of Development Milton Rodriguez, Vice President of Programs Dr. Toinette McClellan Gunn, and Director of College Access Jaime Garcia attended the annual Cubs Charities Grant Luncheon today.

The grant supports the Cubs Scholars program, through which five Chicago Scholars are awarded a four-year college scholarship as well as mentorship from the Cubs organization.

It’s National Nurses Day: Meet Ulyana, future nurse!

MEET ULYANA SMEREK (’19)

In honor of National Nurses Day, we caught up with one of our amazing Scholars, Ulyana Smerek (’19), who is currently studying Nursing at Loyola University Chicago.  She hails from the Jefferson Park neighborhood and graduated from Taft High School.  Check out the interview to see what her experience as a nursing major is like and how she chose to become a nurse.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO NURSING?

My mom is a home care nurse and I grew up watching her work and listen to her tell us about both the most rewarding and challenging days she’s had. I’ve always liked working with people so when it came down to applying to colleges senior year, I would envision my future 10 years from then and I could only see myself as a nurse.

WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT TERM PLANS ONCE YOU GRADUATE FROM YOUR UNDERGRAD?

As of right now, I am really interested in being a labor and delivery nurse, so I hope to get a job at one of the hospitals in Chicago. I would also work on getting my Masters degree!

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BECOMING A NURSE? 

I look forward to becoming an advocate for every single person I care for and hope that I positively impact even a small portion of the patient’s life. I am also excited to see the vast majority of opportunities out there for nurses!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A NURSING MAJOR SO FAR? 

Becoming friends with all of my classmates – we’ve gotten quite close after performing countless head to toe physical assessments on each other before competencies!

 

We’re so proud of Ulyana’s accomplishments so far and can’t wait to see her succeed as a nurse in Chicago! Ulyana’s determination to give back to her community as a nurse and make an impact in people’s lives is one of the qualities that makes her a true Chicago Scholar.  We’re rooting for you, Ulyana!

Dominique Jordan Turner featured in GivingTuesday’s #WomenWhoGive series

We are pleased to share that President and CEO Dominique Jordan Turner was featured today in GivingTuesday’s #WomenWhoGive series.  Dominique was selected for her leadership in the city of Chicago, through her work with Chicago Scholars and her leadership on the board of the Chicago Public Library and as a co-founder of Black Girls Lead.

When asked about what inspires her to give, Dominique says, “We can’t wait for superman, the President, corporations, or the 1%. Each one of us as an individual has the ability to change the world, but we have to be committed to doing our part.

The city of Chicago is in crisis mode. People are suffering, and we can’t wait for the next hero. We don’t have the luxury to wait for policy to change, legislation to pass, or jobs to come. We all have an obligation to give what we can for the greater good of our community.”

Dominique walks the walk.  She left her corporate job to serve in the Peace Corp several years ago and hasn’t looked back since.  Now, despite her busy schedule as our President and CEO, she carves out time on her schedule every month to take Chicago Scholars to lunch and to mentor young emerging leaders in the city.

She says, “It is one of my core beliefs that to whom much is given, much is required. It’s a belief that has always been instilled in me. The only reason why I am able to operate in this space and in this capacity is because people have poured into me and I feel that it is my duty to pay it forward.”

Read the full interview here.

Former Secretary of Education, The Honorable Arne Duncan, visits Chicago Scholars

The Chicago Scholars Dream Team was honored to welcome former Secretary of Education, The Honorable Arne Duncan, to our office today to learn more about our work at Chicago Scholars and what we are doing to support Chicago’s next generation of leaders.  Mr. Duncan met with our Dominique Jordan Turner, our President and CEO, the staff, and two of our Scholars: Nia Hill (Class of 2020) and Jimmy Ramirez (Class of 2018).

Mr. Duncan later tweeted about his visit:

We were excited to be able to host such a special guest!

Welcome, Class of 2022!

MEET THE NEW CLASS OF 2022

We officially welcomed more than 620 new Scholars into the Class of 2022 at the New Scholar Orientation this weekend (June 3 – 4).  In addition to attending workshops at the all-day orientation, Scholars met their counselors, mentors and the students in their small group cohorts who they will be working with all year.

ABOUT THE CLASS OF 2022

The Class of 2022 is our largest class ever, and just as academically-driven, ambitious, and diverse as our other classes. The Class of 2022 represent 106 unique Chicago high schools and 72 community areas.  Their average unweighted GPA is 3.69 and their average weighted GPA is 4.31.

 

 

95% of Class of 2022 Scholars attend a Chicago Public School

87% of Class of 2022 Scholars are first-generation college students

45% Hispanic/Latino
33% Black/African American
9% Asian
7% Multi-racial/other
6% White

New Student Orientation in Pictures

Check out our Facebook page later this week for many more photos!

We made the front page

If you picked up your copy of the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, you may have seen some familiar faces! Chicago Scholars was featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune’s Community Giving Report.

We’re grateful for the support of Chicago Tribune Community Giving and Chicago Tribune Charities, a McCormick Foundation Fund. Their giving is “dedicated to impactful programs that help low-income youths graduate from high school and thrive in college.”  We are honored to be counted among the excellent organizations that receive their support.

Kevin Coval to come to All Scholar Retreat

We’re are thrilled to announce that Kevin Coval will be making a special guest appearance at the All Scholar Retreat next Friday to lead two sessions with Scholars about utilizing their voices and telling their own unique stories to impact change.

Afterwards, he will be signing copies of his most recent book, A People’s History of Chicago, which was published in April on Haymarket Books.  We will also be raffling off copies of his book (Chance the Rapper wrote the forward)!

While you may know him as a teacher and mentor to Chance the Rapper or for his role on four seasons of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, Kevin is first and foremost a poet and community builder, as well as the artistic director of Young Chicago Authors, founder of Louder Than A Bomb, and a professor of hip-hop aesthetics at University of Illinois – Chicago.

Chicago Scholars stands behind our DACA Scholars

Dear Friends of Chicago Scholars,

Let’s imagine together…a young, bright, intelligent student who is diligently working hard to achieve the American dream. This talented student is making great strides in hopes of being the first in their family to attend college. They are academically ambitious and getting good grades; and often times they are leaders of clubs and organizations within their schools. Now, instead of just thinking about finding ways to pay for college, you face the risk of being deported to a country that you have never known as home. Because of the new legislative action to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), this is a new reality that hundreds of our students are currently facing. DACA is scheduled to end in six months and there are almost 800,000 Dreamers that will be affected. DACA is an American immigration policy that allows certain undocumented immigrants who entered the country before their 16th birthday and before June 2007 to receive a renewable two-year work permit and exemption from deportation.

The Chicago Scholars’ Dreamers have made tremendous contributions to the fabric and culture of Chicago, their respective communities, and college campuses. These Scholars embody the essence of what makes America great. They share the promise of what the American dream means and they are the face of what leadership will be in the future. Our hope is that Congress and the President will enact new legislation to support the hopes, dreams, and future of these young people that include our Scholars. While we cannot predict what will happen legislatively, we hope that you will stand with us to continue supporting the talented youth of Chicago.

Thank you for all that you do as a partner.

Moving forward together,

Dominique Jordan Turner

President and CEO, Chicago Scholars

Nominations open for 35 Under 35 Young Leaders Making an Impact 2018

Chicago is brimming with talented young leaders. They are the city’s next generation of CEOs, political geniuses, innovators, and thought leaders. They are role models for our youth and community.

Chicago Scholars will be honoring 35 under 35 Young Leaders Making an Impact at our 4th  Annual UnTied Gala on April 27, 2018. If you know a young leader making a big difference in the Chicagoland area, please submit nominations here or email Liz O’Brien ateobrien@chicagoscholars.org before November 3.

Thank you for helping us recognize and build Chicago’s diverse talent pipeline.

Happy Holidays from Chicago Scholars!

Chicago Scholars wishes you and your family the happiest of holidays and a wonderful start to the New Year. Your support of our work is invaluable – we could not make it happen without you!

This has been an amazing year for our program and our Scholars. We are excited that 2018 will bring our largest class of Scholars ever with 675 new students joining the program. This means that more first-generation college students will have access to our transformative college and career programming. Thank you for your continued dedication to investing in the diverse talent of students from every neighborhood in Chicago.

Sincerely,
The Chicago Scholars Dream Team

Match & Fit: Exploring our 2017 outcomes

Thursday, Feb. 1 | 8:30 – 10 a.m.
Chicago Scholars, 247 S. State Street, Suite 700

Please join us for a breakfast presentation and discussion as we share our latest key data findings and best practices from our evidence-based college counseling model designed to ensure successful enrollment and graduation for first-generation and financially under-resourced students.

Research shows that first-generation college students and students from financially under-resourced backgrounds are less likely to engage in broad college searches and are more likely to enroll in institutions where they do not match academically and have lower chances of graduating.

We invite you to learn more about our model that has resulted in a nearly 100% acceptance rate and 94% college enrollment rate.

We hope to see you there!

Attend the 2018 UnTied Gala!

Calling all the young at heart!

Feeling down about Chicago winter? We have you covered! The college-inspired UnTied Gala is back, and this year we are bringing Spreak Break to you! If you like college-style games, tiki surprises, open bars, and dancing, join us on Friday, April 27 for this urban-chic anti-gala in support of Chicago Scholars.

Revisit your college days in style while helping Chicago’s talented, under-resourced, and first-generation students into and through college. We promise you haven’t had this amount of scandalous-good fun since you donned your cap and gown!

TICKETS ON SALE!

Meet our 35 Under 35!

Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

Chicago Scholars is excited to announce the 2018 35 under 35 Young Leaders Making an Impact. The 35 under 35 award recognizes diverse, talented young professionals in Chicago who are making an impact on the community. These young professionals are in the civic, corporate, nonprofit, and tech/start-up sectors. They are the city’s next generation of CEOs, political geniuses, innovators, and thought leaders who believe in giving back to Chicago.

Chicago Scholars will highlight the philanthropic and professional accomplishments of these deserving young leaders to the broader Chicago community at the 4th Annual UnTied Gala on April 27. In turn, the 35 under 35 Young Leaders will continue to invest in the community and lift up the rising generation of diverse talent behind them.

Interested in seeing these leaders recognized? Click here for tickets to the 35 Under 35 Award Ceremony and UnTied Gala!

Dominique Jordan Turner named as Obama Foundation Fellow

We are excited to announce that Chicago Scholars’ President and CEO Dominique Jordan Turner has been named to the inaugural Obama Foundation Fellows class! Dominique was selected from more than 20,000 applicants from 191 countries to be part of a program that brings together 20 leaders from around the world who are creating transformational change on many of the world’s most pressing problems.

We are thrilled by what this means for the work of Chicago Scholars and for the opportunities it will bring to take our mission to the next level and amplify our impact on the city of Chicago. We would like to congratulate Dominique on this well-deserved honor and hope you join us. This is an exciting next step in our journey to elevate and empower the next generation of Chicago leaders.

Chicago Scholars named 2018 recipient of NPEA Award for Excellence

We are honored to be named the 2018 recipient of the  NPEA — National Partnership for Educational Access Award for Excellence!

The Award recognizes an NPEA member who has demonstrated excellence in supporting underserved students on the path to and through college through effective practices, a commitment to data for program improvement, support for students’ personal growth and success, strong program sustainability, leadership in the community, and creative problem-solving and innovation.

“Through our work at Chicago Scholars, we strive to change the narrative of what is possible for students from underserved communities by providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed. We believe that all students should have equitable access to education no matter what zip code they were born in or neighborhood they call home,” said Chicago Scholars’ President and CEO Dominique Jordan Turner. “Receiving this award energizes us to continue to provide transformational programming for our Scholars as they progress on their journey to become the next generation of Chicago leaders.”

Thank you to NPEA and  The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation!

Chicago Scholars launches The Greenhouse video series!

The Greenhouse is the College Success Team’s video interview series highlighting the inspiring experiences our Educational and Leadership Development (ELD) Grant recipients have completed. Season one highlights twelve Scholars who completed opportunities studying abroad, attending national conferences, and participating in local internships.

Click Here to watched the Greenhouse video series.

Chicago’s Most Impactful Young Professionals Recognized As Part of Chicago Scholars 35 under 35 Awards, Poised to Become the Next Generation of Leaders

Chicago Scholars 5th annual 35 under 35 Awards recognizes a group of diverse, talented young professionals making an impact in Chicago. Chicago Scholars is a mentoring and leadership development organization that helps first-generation college students and students from under-resourced communities navigate the complex transitions into college, through college, and beyond to a career.

“We are so impressed by the immense talent of this hard-working, forward-thinking, diverse group of honorees,” says Dominique Jordan Turner, CEO of Chicago Scholars. “Keep an eye on these 35 individuals who are making an impact on the community. We believe they will be the future leaders of our city, our state, and our nation.

The 2019 class of 35 under 35 recipients was selected from a highly competitive group of 140 nominees who all possess outstanding professional accomplishments as well as a commitment and dedication to making an impact on their community. The selection committee is made up of Chicago Scholars staff and members of the Chicago Scholars’ associate board. The Awards will take place at Chicago Scholars’ UnTied Gala on April 26. The 35 Under 35, Class of 2019 List:

  • Abel Ochoa – Executive Director of College Readiness + Access, Office of Civic Engagement, University of Chicago
  • Ariel DeNey Rainey – Founder and CEO, Hustle Mommies
  • Ben Head – Political Director, Schakowsky for Congress
  • Brittney Cleveland – Senior Manager of Partner Engagement, College Greenlight
  • Caroline Robinson – Dermatologist, Northwestern Medicine
  • Chanelle Bell – Senior Community Organizer, Noble Network of Charter Schools
  • Channing Lenert – Program Officer, Polk Bros. Foundation
  • Charlie Hoover – Founder, Chicago Reach
  • Christopher MacDonald – Assistant Public Defender II, Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender
  • Ciere Boatright – Vice President, Real Estate & Inclusion, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives
  • Cory Croft – City Manager, Rinse
  • Courtney Quigley McGovern – Executive Director, Hope’s In
  • Daniel Epstein – Associate Attorney, Jenner & Block LLP
  • Darren Goodson – Senior Claims Counsel, Commercial Litigation, ALAS, Ltd.
  • David Rojas – Co-Founder, The Alliance 98
  • Dawn Reese – Director of Strategic Development, The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education
  • Elle Ramel – Director of Development, Farpoint Development
  • Frank Brown II – Economist , U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
  • Jasmine Gurneau – Manager, Native American & Indigenous Initiatives , Northwestern University, Office of Institutional Diversity & Inclusion
  • Jen Kamins – Co-Founder, Executive Director, Brave Initiatives
  • Jeremy Wilson – Director, Legal Counsel, JLL
  • Katrina Jackson – Global Manager Talent Management, Underwriters Laboratory
  • Kelly Grimes – Call Center Supervisor- Homelessness Prevention Call Center, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
  • Keven Stonewall – Cancer Researcher, Motivational Speaker, and Health Advocate
  • Nahiris Bahamón – Pediatrician, Esperanza Health Center
  • Nicholas Martin – Community Impact Director, American Heart Association
  • Nicole Granacki – Customized Program Manager, IES Abroad
  • Paige LaCour – Community Engagement Associate, William Blair
  • Precious Jacobs – Partner, Jenner & Block, LLP
  • Rashanah Baldwin – Journalist, Baldwin Media Group
  • Samantha Loo – Senior Associate Director, Center for the Health and Social Sciences, University of Chicago
  • Shaun Zhang – Associate, Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP
  • Sierra Wallace – Assistant State’s Attorney, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office
  • Stephen McClain – Co-CEO, Empowered Community Schools
  • Watchen Nyanue – Vice President of Marketing Partnerships, Chicago Sky

On Friday, April 26 the 35 under 35 will be honored at a VIP Awards Ceremony & Reception at 6:00 p.m., which will be followed by the UnTied Gala celebration at 7:30 p.m. at Moonlight Studios (1446 W. Kinzie St.). Tickets to the 35 under 35 VIP Awards Ceremony & Gala are $250, while tickets to attend only the Gala are $150. Sponsorships are available at the $3,000, $6,000, and $12,500 levels. If you are interested in attending, sponsoring, or learning more about the event, please visit https://chicagoscholars.org/untied2019.

10 Tips to Ace Your College Interview

REMEMBER TO BREATHE

Anxiety before an interview is common. Remind yourself that you are there because you are intelligent, ambitious, and special. Try to relax by taking a moment before your interview to focus on inhaling and exhaling.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Prior to Onsite, you should spend some time on the websites of the colleges and universities you applied to. Be prepared to talk about unique programs or opportunities the school offers that appeal to you. Be ready to answer common interview questions.

·       Why do you want to attend this college/university?

·       What do you want to study?

·       What’s an example of a challenge you’ve overcome and what did you learn from it?

PRACTICE

Practice! Practice! Practice! Keep an eye out for interview labs hosted at Chicago Scholars leading up to Onsite. If you can’t attend, then recruit friends, family members, or teachers to conduct mock interviews. Hearing yourself answer questions out loud is the best way to prepare and build confidence. Be ready with a solid elevator pitch to introduce yourself effectively and concisely at the beginning of your interview.

BE CONFIDENT AND AUTHENTIC

Start the interview with a smile. It sets an upbeat and confident tone for the interview. During the interview, don’t answer questions the way you think you’re supposed to; answer in a way that is true to you. Authenticity can help interviewers relate to you or better understand your life story. Remember, they are there to get to know the real you!

BRING RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Bring at least one copy of transcripts, updated test scores, and resumes on clean paper for each interviewer. During the interview, make sure that you have a notepad and pen so you can write down details to refer to in your follow-up email.

BE PROFESSIONAL

Dress for success. We recommend that you arrive in business professional attire that is pressed and wrinkle-free. Examples of what you should wear include:

·       Blazer or suit jacket

·       Button down shirt

·       Suit pants

·       Tie

·       Skirt

·       Pantsuit

·       School uniform

·       Military/ROTC Uniform

You want to wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Clothing and confident body language will help you make a great first impression. Greet the interviewer a firm handshake. Sit tall, and keep eye contact throughout the interview. Avoid slang and filler words, “like” and “um”.

ARRIVE EARLY

Give yourself time to prepare, meditate, and get your bearings before your first interview. Take this time to map out where you need to be and when.

GIVE STRENGTHS-BASED ANSWERS

When discussing your story and life experiences, focus on examples of possibility and opportunity. Define yourself by aspirations rather than problems and challenges. Prepare real-life examples where you’ve used your unique talents and superpowers to succeed.

ASK QUESTIONS

Be prepared with two to three good questions for each college that you can’t find on Google or through a quick scan on a college’s website. Questions demonstrate your interest in the school and your desire to match with an institution that will fit your unique needs and interests.

FOLLOW-UP

At the end of the interview, make sure to get a business card before you leave. Send your follow-up email the same day. Thank them for their time and be sure to include details that were brought up during the interview and/or a good question that you didn’t have time to ask in person to continue the conversation.

WE KNOW YOU ARE ALL GOING TO ACE YOUR INTERVIEWS AT ONSITE—WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!

Chicago’s Best and Brightest Interview with Colleges from Across the U.S. at the Onsite College and Leadership Forum

On Tuesday, October 22, at Navy Pier, 1,068 high school students from Chicago Scholars and other Chicagoland-based organizations gathered to have in-person interviews with some of the top colleges and universities in the country at the Onsite College and Leadership Forum. At Chicago Scholars, our students have spent the month of October preparing for Onsite by participating in college selection advising sessions, college application reviews, and interview coaching. At Onsite, all of our Scholars’ hard work paid off—there were more than 1,100 offers of admission and $42 million in merit scholarships awarded. And those numbers are still growing. Click here to see the latest updates.

 

Armani Washington discusses her Onsite experience with ABC7 Chicago.

On top of all of this, the students who received offers of admission at Onsite are among the first in the nation to get college acceptances. Armani Washington, a Chicago Scholar and senior at Lane Tech High School, was one of those students. By the end of Onsite, Armani had an acceptance letter from Butler University and the opportunities to interview with other top schools on her list, including Duke and Yale. And because of the Chicago Public Schools’ strike, Armani got her first college acceptance on a day when classes were canceled. “Knowing my top colleges are done and I don’t have to worry about the strike coming into play, that is so amazing,” Armani said.

The Onsite College and Leadership Forum demonstrates how the belief and support from the larger Chicago community can be transformative for our Scholars. The event also hosted an annual luncheon to help cover the cost of Onsite and support the work of Chicago Scholars. During the luncheon, Chicago Scholar Marilyn Schatzel shared with attendees how she was accepted to DePaul University in 2018. “Last year at Onsite I interviewed with DePaul University, and at the end of the interview, I was accepted and offered a scholarship for half of my tuition,” Marilyn said. “I started crying when I got the acceptance and the money. My parents cried when I told them. My parents have always believed in me. It meant everything to be able to show my mom that everything she had done for me had paid off.”

 

Chicago Scholar Marilyn Schatzel shares her story at the Onsite College and Leadership Forum Luncheon.

Marilyn currently serves on Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Youth Commission with other Chicago youth, including fellow Chicago Scholar Arnrae Woodard. Arnrae, who also spoke at the luncheon, passionately shared his belief in himself and Chicago’s youth to address Chicago’s most pressing issues. Arnrae pledged to “help other youth rise to the challenge and create their own opportunities to change our city Chicago for the better.” As a senior at Morgan Park High School, Arnrae also interviewed with his top choice colleges at Onsite.

Arnrae Woodard, a Chicago Scholar and senior at Morgan Park High School, speaks at the Onsite College and Leadership Forum Luncheon.

While acceptance to college is an essential component for future success, we know that it is not the finish line for our students. Chicago Scholars supports students beyond gaining access to higher education to ensure persistence through college and that our Scholars graduate ready to lead in top industries and make a difference in their communities. This work would not be possible without the support and belief of our partners.

During the luncheon, Chicago Scholars CEO Dominique Jordan Turner honored the work of our partners who are committed to Chicago Scholars’ vision of a diverse Chicago powered by leaders from every neighborhood. Accepting awards were City Clerk Anna M. Valencia on behalf of Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the University of Chicago, Mikva Challenge, Turner Construction, and Chicago Scholars Alum Nicole Johnson. “I’m proud to say that these are the organizations, companies, and individuals who are already modeling the way in their respective fields when it comes to creating a culture of belief and support for our young people in communities in Chicago,” said Turner of the honorees.

@PurplePhotoCo

 

From left to right: Vice Provost Daniel Abebe accepting on behalf of University of Chicago; CEO Michelle Morales accepting on behalf of Mikva Challenge, Illinois Chapter; Chicago Scholars CEO Dominque Jordan Turner; Nicole Johnson accepting the Chicago Scholars Alumni Award; Vice President and General Manager Rick Blair accepting on behalf of Turner Construction.

The annual luncheon raised more than $550,000 to cover the cost of the Onsite College and Leadership Forum and further support the work of Chicago Scholars. This amazing day would not have been possible without the support of our corporate and individual sponsors—Best Portion Foundation, Northern Trust, Turner Construction, West Monroe Partners, BMO Harris Bank, UBS, Chapman and Cutler LLP, Constellation Brands, Cubs Scholars, Deloitte, Eaton Vance, EY, Jenner & Block / Reginald and Kimberly Hill, Greg Kranias, Joseph and Jennifer Lansing, and Loop Capital.

Onsite would also not have been possible without the support of our college and university partners—Denison University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, Claremont McKenna College, Southern Illinois University, St. Olaf College, and Vanderbilt University.

We know our Scholars have the talent. Our partners help us make sure they are met by belief and opportunity.

You can find additional coverage of Onsite on ABC7, WBBM, and WTTW.

Marilyn’s Story: Paving the Way for Chicago’s Youth

One year ago, I came to Onsite as a senior in high school. I was nervous and excited to have my college interviews. But looking back now, it’s clear to me that my journey to Onsite and to college began long before that day. It began with my parents.

My mother immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines with only $100 in her pocket and dreams of success for her family. She worked three jobs to make ends meet for us. When I was in the fifth grade, I went to the Philippines to visit where she was from. It was nothing like Chicago—there was so much poverty. People didn’t have shoes. That trip put everything into perspective for me—even though there are struggles in Chicago, we are so fortunate with what we have.

Neither of my parents went to college, and because of that they weren’t able to help me with college applications when I was in high school, but they always encouraged me to prioritize my education and seek out resources. To me, Chicago Scholars has been more than just a resource—it’s been a family. And that family helped me with my college applications. They made me realize what I’m capable of.

Last year at Onsite I interviewed with DePaul University, and at the end of the interview, I was accepted and offered a scholarship for half of my tuition. I started crying when I got the acceptance and the scholarship. My parents cried when I told them. My parents have always believed in me. It meant everything to be able to show my mom that everything she had done for me had paid off.

 

After her speech, Marilyn welcome Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia to the stage to accept the 2019 Crystal Award on behalf of Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

I’m proud to say now that I am a freshman at DePaul. Going to college isn’t just fulfilling a dream for me, it’s a dream for my parents, too. I can’t wait for them to see me get my diploma.

I’m also proud to say that because of all my hard work and passion, I was nominated by Chicago Scholars to join Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s inaugural Youth Commission. It has meant so much to serve as a representative of Chicago’s youth and advise the mayor and her team on issues that impact this city’s young people.

I believe that as a city, we can only be as strong as our weakest neighborhood. It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all students feel safe and are able to nurture their skills and talents. When we are given opportunities to explore what we are capable of, we see the world differently. The world becomes bigger, and the possibilities become endless.

My goal as a member of the youth commission is to help other Chicago youth realize what they are capable of. I want them to know that there’s so much possibility to be had after high school and beyond college. I’m also thankful to the Mayor to be a part of her youth commission — she’s curious about the stories we share and wants to know what we are passionate about. As a woman of color and the mayor of the third largest city in the country, she has shown me what I can be capable of, too. And because of this experience, I’ve learned that if you really want to use your voice for change, you need to first listen to others.

Colleges Continue to Change Reopening Plans — Even After Classes Have Started

Disclaimer: The news around college reopening plans is changing by the hour. This article was published on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, with the hope of sharing what college will look like this fall for our students. For the most current information and updates of college plans, please visit The Chronicle.

Online or in person? Hybrid or HyFlex? Staggered start times or shortened semesters? It’s hard to keep up with the nuances of the various reopening plans and instructional models announced so far by colleges and universities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s even more difficult, though, is trying to keep track of the current plan for each school, as these are shifting by the day. And for first-generation college-going students and their families, these changes add another complex layer to what was already a difficult system to navigate—enrolling in and starting college.

Just last week, DePaul University here in Chicago reversed their plan from May, moving from as many in-person classes as possible to having almost all fall courses now take place online. DePaul is a popular landing place for Chicago Scholars, with more than 60 upperclassmen already enrolled and close to 30 incoming freshmen joining them from our College Class of 2024. The email sent to students on Wednesday shared that those who are currently signed up for on-campus classes will find out soon whether the courses will be virtual. But it’s not just DePaul. Additional schools that have flipped to online instruction within the last few days include The University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Macalester College, and Stanford University. We have Scholars both returning to and starting at all of these schools this fall. And while the move-in process has already begun for many schools, there will likely be more colleges that change their plans in the weeks ahead, especially after outbreaks have forced The University of Notre Dame and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to move their classes online.

Summer at Chicago Scholars typically sees our College Success Team spending the majority of their time supporting rising college students in preparing for the critical transition from high school to college. In workshops they attend alongside their future classmates, recent high school graduates are guided with registering for orientation, maintaining a budget, combating imposter syndrome (a psychological pattern in which students doubt their accomplishments or that they deserved to be admitted), and addressing other common barriers that we know can derail a first-generation and low-income student’s plan to matriculate or ability to persist in college. This year, in addition to these topics, we also focused on supporting students through the uncertainty of not knowing whether they would be headed off to school in the fall or taking their classes on a computer at home in Chicago.

Of course, what we know about the Coronavirus is changing constantly. And universities must respond to the latest information and guidelines from the CDC. But what is key is how colleges are (or are not) communicating with students to help them prepare for the fall and what sort of experience the schools are designing for students—either on campus or at home.

For those headed to schools with in-person instruction, students can expect it to look quite different than it does in the movies. As part of its welcome activities, for example, the University of Iowa has announced it will randomly award prizes from a roving cart to students they see wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Several colleges including Rice University in Houston, Texas, have constructed multiple outdoor structures for classes that will still allow for students to sit six feet apart. Like many other institutions, Sewanee, The University of the South, in Sewanee, Tennessee, is requiring all students receive a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival before they can access their residence halls. But despite all of the planning and protocols in place at these schools and others, the outbreaks on campuses this week have shown us that it’s crucial all colleges holding in-person classes have a clear plan on what to do if an outbreak occurs. The safety of all students is paramount, and we cannot have students stranded on campuses like they were last spring with little to no warning.

For those studying at home, it is undeniable that inequities will be amplified, with students having different access to technology and private places to tune in to live-streamed classes. This is only compounded when a student holds significant responsibilities either within or outside of the home—taking care of siblings or going to work to help support their family’s income. Importantly, federal work study opportunities will necessarily look different this fall, too. And while most schools are attempting to create as many remote work study positions as possible, it is inevitable that there will not be a sufficient number of jobs to match the demand from students for whom work study is a big part of their financial aid package. This means that they will have to maintain their current employment or seek another position to secure those dollars.

In their communications, it is crucial that colleges help incoming students understand the long-term implications of their award letters, which are already notoriously difficult to decipher. For instance, while Room & Board charges will not be included for a student who is remote in the first semester, it is key to consider that they will be in future years so that families can plan accordingly. First-generation and low-income families are not only navigating the unforeseen impact of the pandemic right now, but also the entire college going process. Colleges must consider this as they transmit vital details about updated plans—providing materials translated to additional languages when necessary.

Last, but perhaps most importantly, research shows the significance of community building and establishing a sense of belonging early on for all students, but especially for underrepresented students. The first few weeks are considered crucial. So, whether in person or online, it will be essential that colleges create opportunities for bonding and the sharing of stories. What cannot be lost in the shuffle from one reopening plan to another is the fact that students, including our Scholars, have worked incredibly hard to get to college. Now, schools must do their part to create pathways to the people and resources that will help them succeed.

For our part, Chicago Scholars will continue to support our Scholars throughout their entire college career and beyond through mentorship, connections to leadership opportunities, and a network of partners invested in their success as the future leaders of Chicago. When they graduated from high school and made their college choices, the 650+ Scholars in our College Class of 2024 were paired with a staff member from our College Success Team who will check in with them regularly—intervening when necessary to provide access to wellness resources, funds for emergencies and life-changing opportunities, and a network of trained peer mentors. We also greatly value the support from our college partners, including those at the Platinum Tier, who have stepped up to provide a campus liaison for all Chicago Scholars who enroll.

While there are still a number of unanswered questions about what college will look like this fall, we do know already that our Scholars have proved they are agile and can adapt to changing circumstances, having completed their senior years remotely, and as first-generation and low-income students without a roadmap, having successfully navigated the college decision making process in the midst of a pandemic. Now, it is time for colleges to prove that they can similarly adapt to the needs of their incoming students.

Regardless of our own personal or organizational stances around whether colleges should be holding their classes in person or virtually, this is the reality of higher education this fall. What’s so important now is how colleges and universities are caring for the safety of their students and communicating changes to them. Scholars, please know we are here for you throughout these changes. If you are concerned about how to maintain focus when all your classes are online; if you are seeking support in advocating for what you need for your mental and physical health when you return to campus; or if you have changed your own college choice, reach out to your College Success Team contact or email teamlift@chicagoscholars.org.

In a Virtual World, Meaningful Internships Still Matter

This past summer was anything but normal, but one thing didn’t change — our Scholars’ need for meaningful experiences. The Emerge Summer Internship Program provided just that in a virtual world. Emerge is a paid summer internship program that pairs our Scholars with businesses and nonprofit organizations. The mission is to provide our Scholars with the skills necessary to achieve their career goals and ultimately impact Chicago’s business and leadership landscapes. After interning throughout the week during the summer, Fridays are dedicated to professional development sessions where Scholars meet industry leaders, engage in programming intended to develop leadership skills, and reflect on their experiences. Over the last three years our Scholars have completed their summer internships to expand their skillset and grow their networks through the Emerge program.

Just as work and the workplace have changed in 2020, our summer internship program also looked a little different. There were delays in placement and rescinded offers related to COVID-19. However, thanks to our amazing 14 career partners, 25 Scholars, seven company hosts, and 31 volunteers, we were able to execute an incredibly meaningful summer program. This summer we launched a fully virtual format. This was a major adjustment in comparison to what we had done in the past. Together, we all navigated a new normal and worked to support all participants. Scholars interned across a variety of industries, companies, and organizations, including Goldman Sachs, UNICEF, Turner Construction, and The BrandLab.

“I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to intern at Wellington Management remotely. Initially, I did not know what to expect as this was my first internship,” says Wendy Chen, a Chicago Scholar at Northwestern University. “Navigating an internship online was challenging. Despite this, I learned to utilize the online format to my best advantage. As the weeks went by, I stepped outside of my comfort zone to schedule catch-ups or virtual coffee chats with different people at the firm. It was a great networking opportunity and to build relationships with the people I work with.”

Overall, our Scholars were able to adjust to virtual work/life integration and manage deadlines even as they were balancing other responsibilities at home, and in some cases, working other jobs on top of their internships. Our Scholars persevered through uncertainty, new norms, and excelled in their summer internships as they began their career journeys. And we’re proud to report that seven of our Scholars received internship extensions or return offers from their internships, and 100% of our Scholars surveyed felt that Emerge helped them to expand their networks. All of this goes to show that although there is still uncertainty about what future summer internships will look like, our Scholars are more than ready for the meaningful experiences our partners can provide.

Learn more about Emerge here.

Developing as Leaders During Winter Break

Over winter break, a group of 90 talented and ambitious College Scholars joined us for a two-day event to become Empowered Leaders and develop the skills to jumpstart their professional journeys. Led by a group of staff and supported by 34 passionate volunteers, Scholars learned key competencies to bolster resiliency, engage in effective teamwork and communication, craft and deliver e-portfolios, identify their personal brand, workshop their resumes, and network like pros!

Day one kicked off the Empowered Leader Experience. Combining critical examination of real-world case studies with role-play and hands-on exercises, Scholars deepened their understanding of leadership as it relates to professional success and reaching their full potential. Our Scholars are no strangers to leadership—many are the first in their families to attend college and were selected to Chicago Scholars for demonstrating impact in their home communities. The Empowered Leader provided Scholars with tools to share their stories and identify how to best position themselves for professional opportunities. “It helped me strengthen my communications skills with brevity and impact,” Jaleel, a sophomore at Denison University, said. “I have been given the opportunity to engage with my peers and professionals regarding crucial leadership competencies.”

The Resume: 29 Tips to Leap into Your Career

It’s February in Chicago, and that means snow flurries and freezing temperatures. But even though summer feels very far away, summer internship season is quickly approaching. Now’s the time to start writing resumes, looking for opportunities, and preparing to apply. That’s why we’re sharing a new tip every day this month on our Instagram Stories and recapping them here on Fridays — so our Scholars have all the information they need to land their dream internships this summer. AND because there’s an extra day in February this year, that means there will be an extra tip to help our Scholars leap into their career. Here’s Part 1 in our 29 Tips to Leap into Your Career.

Part 1: Build a Resume that Stands Out

1.THE STAR METHOD

Use The STAR Method as your North Star when crafting your Resume. Use it as your guide to writing your resume and crafting your content.

  • Specific – use quantifiable examples that clearly demonstrate your achievements and responsibilities in your resume.

  • Task – describe your responsibilities in detail.

  • Action – demonstrate how you accomplished your responsibilities.

  • Result – how did your actions impact the organization and/or your professional development?

2. TAILOR YOUR EXPERIENCES

When you submit resumes, be aware that many employers and recruiters use software to search for specific keywords. As you tailor your resume for each job opportunity, make sure to use the lingo they use in the job posting, even if you are already saying the same thing in a different way.

Avoid industry jargon if not referenced in the job description and if it doesn’t feel comfortable to you. If you are using industry lingo, make sure you can say what it is if asked during an interview.

3. CRAFT RELEVANT AND SKIMMABLE CONTENT

Tailoring your experiences can help your resume advance beyond computer scans, but it’s also important to make sure your achievements stand out to human eyes. On average, employers and hiring managers will skim your resume content in six to 30 seconds.  Before submission, make sure that your most impressive and relevant accomplishments stand out and are easy to identify.

4. ACTIVATE YOUR SUPERPOWERS!

When determining what accomplishments and experiences to include on your resume, think from the perspective of the hiring manager. What would you be looking for in an applicant for this job? Likely, you would want to learn about the unique and relevant accomplishments of the individual, not generic tasks and responsibilities that speak broadly to your profession. For example, if you have earned any awards or exceeded performance goals, highlight those. Focus on achievements and experiences that highlight your unique value-add rather than only listing job tasks.

5. BE CONSISTENT – FORMAT AND GRAMMAR

Choose a type of format that makes sense for the industry you are applying to and your experiences. Keep your resume within 1 page with a reasonably-sized font and margins. We recommend 12 point and Times New Roman font. Think of these guidelines less as constraints and more as encouragement to highlight your best and most relevant work.

Once you’ve settled on a format, it’s important to be consistent throughout. For example, if you start listing experiences chronologically, then all experiences should be chronological. If you choose to not put periods at the end of bullet points, make sure you follow through for the whole the document. Here are other helpful tips:

  • Use present tense when describing your responsibilities and accomplishments for your current job, and past tense for previously held positions.

  • Use active verbs with quantifiable information i.e. “strategize and implement monthly ad campaigns with a $10,000/month budget” rather than “responsible for overseeing monthly ad campaigns.”

  • Title your resume appropriately. Label it as “Last Name, First Initial_Position Title_Resume” I.e. “Santa Maria, A._Senior Associate Communications_Resume” rather than “Anthony Resume 13.”

6. UPDATE YOUR LINKEDIN

Think of LinkedIn as your online resume. Recruiters and employers look up potential candidates and you want them to see a completed profile! Craft a personal summary that combines pithy statements on your job experience with your career aspirations. When updating your LinkedIn, make sure to answer the following questions:

  • What are you an expert in?

  • What you are known for?

  • What skills you have learned?

Check out this article in Forbes for other helpful tips on how to stand out to recruiters on LinkedIn.

7. ASK FOR FEEDBACK

Crafting a stellar resume is an art. Many job-seekers can benefit from the eyes of a professional in helping make their resume stand out among the crowd. It also helps to have a fresh pair of eyes double check spelling and grammar. Many career centers at colleges and universities offer free resume advise and consulting. You can also reach out to your College Success contact at Chicago Scholars for help!

We hope you found these tips helpful. Come back for Part 2: Networking next week!

LeBron James and NBA All-Stars Team Up with Chicago Scholars

We couldn’t be more excited to share that on Thursday night, LeBron James announced Chicago Scholars to be his nonprofit of choice for the NBA All-Star Game in Chicago! We are humbled and honored to know that LeBron believes in our vision of a vibrant Chicago powered by diverse leaders from every neighborhood. We’re also incredibly thankful to LeBron, the NBA, and NBA Cares for their belief and support of our organization, our Scholars, and the city of Chicago.

Quite frankly, we’re still in disbelief. Thankfully, there’s video to prove that we aren’t dreaming. The announcement came on TNT during the Team LeBron and Team Giannis Draft for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.

For our Scholars, who are often the first in their family to go college and come from low-income neighborhoods and households, it’s impossible to overstate how much this means them. It doesn’t just validate all of their hard work — it proves that they can go to their dream school, graduate on time, and step up as leaders in their communities and their careers. This shows our Scholars that it’s not just our Chicago Scholars family that has their back — not just our College Counselors, Mentors, Volunteers, and staff members. It shows there’s also a larger community that cares about them and wants them to succeed. The NBA cares about them. LeBron James cares about them. What could be more empowering than that?

On top of all of this, the NBA has invited a group of our Scholars to attend the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 16. And, in the days leading up to the game, there will be other opportunities for some of our Scholars Ambassadors to attend other All-Star events. In fact, a number of them were invited to the Chicago Bulls game on Thursday night — along with students from After School Matters, the nonprofit chosen by Giannis Antetokounmpo — to be honored on the court just after LeBron made his announcement.

As our Scholars learned the news, they were overcome with joy. “I am very proud to be part of this organization,” said Jaiden, a Chicago Scholar from Chicago’s Calumet Heights neighborhood. “I am happy that our work is being recognized because Chicago Scholars is life-changing. I am happy for my fellow Scholars and the opportunity that they have been blessed to receive.”

We are absolutely thrilled to cheer on all of Team LeBron — LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Luka Doncic, James Harden, Nikola Jokic, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, Domantas Sabonis, Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum, and Russell Westbrook — at the NBA All-Star Game. Please make sure to follow us to see all of the latest highlights on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

LET’S GO #TeamLeBron!

Networking: 29 Tips to Leap Into Your Career

It’s February in Chicago, and that means snow flurries and freezing temperatures. But even though summer feels very far away, summer internship season is quickly approaching. Now’s the time to start writing resumes, looking for networking opportunities, and preparing to apply. That’s why we’re sharing a new tip every day this month on our Instagram Stories and recapping them here every week — so our Scholars have all the information they need to land their dream internships this summer. AND because there’s an extra day in February this year, that means there will be an extra tip to help our Scholars leap into their career. Here’s Part 2 in our 29 Tips to Leap into Your Career.

Part 2: Network Like a Pro

8. ATTEND NETWORKING EVENTS

Networking helps you meet potential colleagues, mentors, employers, and friends. Beyond that it can help you keep up with latest trends in your industry and gain access to resources for professional development.

Are you interested in networking but don’t know where to start? Many universities and colleges organize regular networking events for alumni. You may also be able to access networking and professional development opportunities based on goal, industry, or by affinity/identity groups. For example, here is a list of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ professional networks.

9. BRING BUSINESS CARDS

Even in the age of e-portfolio’s and LinkedIn, many networkers still find the value in having an easy way to share contact information. Giving potential employers something to physically hang onto is a great way to make sure that they will remember you after the event.

If you are still in college and do not have a business card, you can use free online resources like Canva and Avery to access free templates. Some college and university career centers also offer cheap or free ways to make business cards.

However, please don’t feel like you have to pass out your card to everyone you meet. Only do so when you feel you have connected with someone and that it could be a mutually beneficial relationship

10. KNOW WHO IS IN THE ROOM

Often networking events will distribute a list of speakers (especially if there is a panel discussion) and organizations represented. Before attending the event, do some research into the organization and representatives using LinkedIn and their organization’s websites. Have an idea of the questions you may ask, or the achievements you would want to present in a conversation. Being strategic will help you manage your time and increase chances of you being remembered among the crowd.

11. THE ELEVATOR PITCH

Have an elevator pitch prepared, but only use it if you are asked a broad question like “So tell me about yourself?” Craft a statement that is informative, but also conversational. Be authentic and professional and stray away from language that comes off as a sales-pitch.

According to BusinessTown “only 2 percent of all sales occur in the first meeting. So your goal in the first meeting or the first contact is to get the second meeting. That’s the purpose of the elevator pitch, to generate enough interest that they say ‘tell me more, let’s set up another time to meet.’”

12. THE NETWORKING MINDSET

The key to networking is to focus on relationship-building. Your goal is to start a conversation and present yourself as someone who your potential employer would like to work with. Win people over with your enthusiasm and passion for the industry or company. Genuine excitement and passion can be contagious and memorable. Here are some other helpful tips.

  • Ground yourself in your purpose: Why are you attending this event? What do you hope to gain?

  • Treat it as a conversation: Be a conversationalist, not a talker. Eye contact, active and thoughtful listening, and repeating the person’s name are all just as important as promoting yourself and your accomplishments.

13. THE NETWORKING LOOK

Within the first seven seconds of meeting, people will have a solid impression of who you are — and some research suggests a tenth of a second is all it takes to determine traits like trustworthiness. One of the first steps to making sure you make a good first impression is to dress and groom appropriately.

Remember – everyone at a networking event is a potential colleague, supervisor, or friend. You want to make an impression that is going to stick for the right reason. It’s important to dress professional and appropriately for the event. For example, if you are attending a networking happy hour, consider dressing business casual rather than in a suit which could appear too stuffy for the occasion.

Ultimately, it’s important to dress in a way that makes you look and feel at the top of your game. Pick an outfit that’s professional, comfortable, and makes you feel like your best self.

14. TAKE NOTES

Networking can be daunting when there are so many people to meet and keep track of. Taking thoughtful notes will help you keep track of each conversation you have. It also demonstrates to the potential employer that you are engaged and actively listening. It will also provide you will useful information when you follow-up after the event.  Here are more useful tips to ensure you are taking effective notes:

  • Wear something with pockets or bring a small bag so that you can conveniently carry a couple of pens and a small notebook with you.

  • If/when you exchange business cards, you should jot down a couple of notes about what was most compelling in the conversation and any shared interests that came up.

15. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION

Networking is where the conversation begins. It’s up to you to continue it. If you’ve had a great conversation, make sure to get that person’s business card or contact information. If you’ve taken good notes, you will have something to reference from your conversation when you reach out. It’s best to get in touch within 48 hours of the event so the person knows you’re active and interested.

When following up, keep it brief and clearly state what your intentions are:

  • Do you want to continue the conversation over a scheduled call or lunch meeting?

  • Would you like to stay in touch and meet each other again in the distant future?

  • What is your call to action?

We hope you found these tips helpful. Come back for Part 3: Interviewing next week!

Team LeBron for the Win!

As Anthony Davis prepared to take two free throws at the end of NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night, there was so much on the line. A victory for Team LeBron. $400,000 for Chicago Scholars. The hopes of our 200 Scholars and staff in attendance.

With the score 156-154, Anthony Davis needed to make just one of his two shots to win the game. At the United Center, our Scholars were on their feet—too excited and too nervous to sit in their seats. When his first shot bounced off the rim and didn’t go in, they gasped. When his second shot was in the air, they held their breaths. And when it went in, our Scholars erupted and rushed onto the court to celebrate with Team LeBron. You can see the final moments of the game here.

We still don’t have the words to describe how full our hearts are after this weekend. Not only did Chicago Scholars win $400,000 to further support Chicago’s best and brightest young leaders—our Scholars were at the center of all of the NBA-All Star celebrations in Chicago. Our Scholars went to the Rising Stars Game on Friday night. They OOHed and AAHed at the Slam Dunk Contest. They had front row seats to the All-Star Game on Sunday. They got high-fives from Chance the Rapper. And 14 of our Scholar Ambassadors even got to meet Team LeBron, as they walked—and in some cases, danced—with the players onto the court at NBA All-Star Practice.

You can see all of those intros from NBA All-Star Practice below. A clip of Sylvia, a Chicago Scholar from Whitney Young Magnet High School, even went viral as she and Kawhi Leonard showed off some dance moves. “I was very nervous to meet him,” says Sylvia of Kawhi Leonard. “I am an avid dancer, and I always preach how everyone should try it. It was cool seeing that he enjoyed himself.”

The fact that the often-stoic Kawhi had fun was not lost on Reggie Miller, who was announcing the broadcast. He exclaimed, “THERE IS A SMILE ON KAWHI LEONARD EVERYONE!”

The good news from this weekend doesn’t stop there. Larry, a Chicago Scholar from King College Prep High School, performed as part of the marching band during Chance the Rapper’s halftime performance. “It was like a dream come true,” Larry says. “I was able to pursue my passion at another level.”

We share Larry’s sentiment—the entire weekend was like a dream come true. We are overwhelmed at the generosity we’ve received from the NBA, NBA Cares, Team LeBron, and all of our Chicago Scholars family. We also can’t believe all of the love we’ve received on social media and in the news.

The $400,000 donation from the NBA and NBA Cares will be used to further develop our career and leadership development resources and opportunities for our Scholars and Alums. It is our goal that every one of our Scholars is empowered to land their dream job and launch their career after college graduation. It’s by making sure they have more opportunities for meaningful internships, developing crucial soft skills, attending professional conferences and workshops, and networking that we can ensure they truly become Chicago’s next generation of leaders.

And this weekend, you could see our Scholars already starting to think beyond college. Eddie, a Chicago Scholar from Curie Metro High School, says meeting Team LeBron affirmed and inspired his vision for his future. He’s always wanted to give back, and he knows now that he wants to pursue a career in corporate social responsibility. “I want to say thank you to the NBA and NBA Cares for making this past weekend possible. I want to major in marketing and eventually end up in a social responsibility role to give back to my community,” Eddie says. “This weekend allowed me to see firsthand the positive impact that community involvement has on young adults’ lives.”

It’s by continuing to build our career and leadership development programming that we can make sure Scholars like Eddie have everything they need to get there.

If you are interested in making a donation and being an All-Star for our Scholars, click here.

Ace Your Interview: 29 Tips to Leap Into Your Career

It’s February in Chicago, and that means snow flurries and freezing temperatures. But even though summer feels very far away, summer internship season is quickly approaching. Now’s the time to start writing resumes, looking for networking opportunities, and preparing for interviews That’s why we’re sharing a new tip every day this month on our Instagram Stories and recapping them here every week — so our Scholars have all the information they need to land their dream internships this summer. AND because there’s an extra day in February this year, that means there will be an extra tip to help our Scholars leap into their career. Here’s Part 3 in our 29 Tips to Leap into Your Career.

Part 3: Ace Your Interview

16. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Prior to your interview, you should spend some time on the website of the organization you are interviewing with to identify relevant information to discuss. Memorize the names and positions of the people you will be in the room with. Look them up on LinkedIn to see if you have a connection. Be prepared to talk about your unique experiences as they relate to the job description and the organization’s missions and values. Be ready to answer common interview questions.

  • Why do you want to work here? Why should we hire you?

  • What’s an example of a challenge you’ve overcome and what did you learn from it?

17. SCHEDULE MOCK INTERVIEWS

Practice! Practice! Practice! Reach out to your school’s career center or your College Success contact at Chicago Scholars to set up a mock interview. You can also recruit friends, family members, or teachers to conduct mock interviews. Hearing yourself answer questions out loud is the best way to prepare and build confidence. Be ready with a solid elevator pitch to introduce yourself effectively and concisely at the beginning of your interview.

18. SHAKE OFF NERVES

Nerves can be one of the biggest challenges to overcome in interviews. Making sure that you are emotionally ready for the interview is important. Remember, you are interviewing because the hiring team chose you over other applicants. You deserve this! Here are other tips to help you prepare:

  • If you are unsure of the interview location, consider doing a travel test run so you can be aware of any potential hiccups.

  • Make sure your business professional outfit is ironed, dry-cleaned, and ready at least one day before your interview.

  • Make sure to arrive early so you have time to prepare and practice mindful mediation. However, do not arrive more than 30 minutes early. You could be running into other interviewers or seem overly eager for the position.

19. BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

When you are in the room, start the conversation with a smile. It sets an upbeat and confident tone for the interview. During the interview, don’t answer questions the way you think you’re supposed to; answer in a way that is true to you. Authenticity can help interviewers relate to you or better understand your life story. Remember, they are there to get to know the real you! However, be mindful to not overshare.

20. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TIME

Make sure you answer all questions concisely, specifically, and thoughtfully. Use every opportunity to demonstrate your potential value to the organization and to discuss relevant achievements. Make sure to have an impactful close. According to Harvard Business Review, the final 10% of the interview is perhaps the most important, since the greatest amount of information per unit of time is generally exchanged during this time interval.

21. ASK GOOD QUESTIONS

Be prepared with two to three good questions that you can’t find on Google or through a quick scan on a the organization’s website. Questions demonstrate your interest in the organization and your desire to match with an institution that will fit your unique needs and interests. Good questions to ask would be about culture, work style, team-specific dynamics, etc.

22. FOLLOW-UP

At the end of the interview, make sure to get a business card or contact email before you leave. Often times the receptionist at the front will have them but ask the interviewer(s) first. Send your follow-up email the same day. Thank them for their time and be sure to include details that were brought up during the interview and/or a good question that you didn’t have time to ask in person to continue the conversation.

We hope you found these tips helpful. Come back for Part 4: Career-Readiness next week!