University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign, ’16
Associate Account Strategist at Google

“I hope to contribute to this vision, and pay forward the guidance I received, by being a mentor one day.”

Like most high school students, Pauline found the college application process to be “ambiguous and difficult.” As a first generation American, the process was especially challenging. Since she was the first in her family to navigate the process, her parents were unable to provide the guidance she needed.

As a high school junior, Pauline was accepted into the Chicago Scholars program. Through Chicago Scholars and with the help of her Chicago Scholars mentors – Laura Hlavacek and Kathryn Thompson – she was accepted into four colleges. She chose to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she graduated in May with a Bachelors degree in advertising and a minor in Spanish. In July, began her first full-time position as an Associate Account Strategist at Google in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Pauline says:

“From the moment I became a Chicago Scholar, the organization has changed my life by introducing me to opportunities I would not have otherwise had access to.

Aside from having mentors to ease the college application process, the Chicago Scholars team has helped me apply to competitive internships by keeping me updated on opportunities with their partners, as well as proofreading my resume. Alex Gagnon [then Chicago Scholars Director, College to Careers] referred me to the Leo Burnett internship the summer after my junior year, and Brian Socall [the current Director of College to Careers] supported me through my application to Google’s fall business internship during my senior year.”

PAULINE’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE

For now, Pauline is excited to begin her career with Google and looks forward to growing within the company. Ultimately, she hopes to earn an MBA, and find a career that allows to combine her skill set with her passion for travel. She envisions a Chicago in which more students are able to successfully pursue a higher education.

“I hope that Chicago Scholars continues to grow, because if every student had a mentor to walk them through these processes, more high school graduates would continue on to college.”

ABOUT PAULINE

Pauline graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May of 2016, with a B.A. in Advertising and a minor in Spanish. She interned with Leo Burnett in summer of 2015, and Google in fall of 2016. She has since accepted a full time position as an Associate Account Strategist at Google and will begin working in July in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She’s originally from the Dunning neighborhood of Chicago, and attending Northside College Preparatory High School. Pauline loves to travel and has already been to 42 countries. In her spare time she writes for her travel blog, at paulineflewaway.com.

As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we will share a series of Impact stories on the 20th of each month highlighting the many accomplishments realized by our Scholars, alumni, mentors and volunteers. Please visit our blog to see previous Impact stories and learn how you can get involved here!  

Each year, Chicago Scholars recognizes one of our Corporate Partners for their ongoing and exceptional commitment to developing a workplace inclusive of diversity and for supporting diversity in leadership.

As a Corporate Partner, BMO Financial Group has joined us in breaking down the barriers that stigmatize first generation and under-resourced students from being achievers and leaders.  BMO Harris Bank has proven themselves as leaders in the Diversity and Inclusion space and in the Chicago Scholars community.

By championing best practices in their own operations, BMO has committed to taking direct action in creating a culture that is inclusive of diversity that is so vital to our Chicago community. BMO has also been a strong supporter and believer in the talent pipeline of Chicago Scholars.

BMO Financial Group:

• Provides Scholars with job shadowing, internship, and employment opportunities.
• Participates in our career exploration workshops and events
• Engages their employees as volunteers
• Joined our leadership team at the board level

We were pleased to present BMO Harris Bank with the 2016 Chicago Scholars Diversity Award at our annual First Look Career Exploration and Conference on July 27, 2016. We look forward to our continued partnership as we work toward our shared vision of a city powered by diverse leaders from every neighborhood!

Illinois Institute of Technology

When Oscar was 11, he immigrated to the United States from Mexico with his family.  When they settled in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, Oscar and his family slowly grew accustomed to seeing signs of drug use and gang activity, but Oscar made a vow to himself that he would go to college and become a role model for his three younger brothers. He focused on his grades, soccer and extracurricular activities, including participating in a summer enrichment program at UCLA. He graduated from Chicago Bulls College Prep with a 4.0 GPA and in the top 10% of his class.

Despite his good grades and impressive application, Oscar’s future as a college student was uncertain. He was doubtful he would be able to afford to attend college.  He said, “I truly felt that there were no other options but to work in a factory.”

Then, Oscar became a Chicago Scholar.  With renewed confidence, he became active in Chicago Scholars, becoming a Class Officer and perfecting his college applications.  At the Onsite Admissions Forum, he interviewed with an admissions counselor from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Not only was he accepted, but he was awarded the several scholarships he needed to make it possible for him to enroll.

Oscar says:

“That’s all I needed – a chance to continue moving forward – and that’s what Chicago Scholars gave me.

Thanks to Chicago Scholars, I have been able to grow personally and professionally because I take advantage of every single opportunity that they have to offer.”

Oscar’s Vision for the Future  

For now, Oscar plans to complete his bachelor’s degree next year, and has already been accepted as a candidate for a Masters of Science in Finance, which he will complete in 2018. Then, he hopes to find a position with a top finance or technology company. In the future, Oscar hopes to pursue an MBA at a top business school and one day open his own finance firm.

Ultimately, he envisions Chicago as a thriving tech hub that invests and supports students from under-resourced neighborhoods, providing resources and opportunities so that all students can get an education and chance to succeed.  Not leaving this vision to chance, Oscar has already begun to work toward this future – this year, he and four of his friends started a scholarship for students at Illinois Institute of Technology who demonstrate financial need but do not qualify for federal aid. He also frequently volunteers at Chicago Scholars and recently gave the Scholar address at Swing for Scholars.

“I am honored to be trailblazing the way to success for my three younger brothers and to serve as an example to follow for the younger generation of my community.”

About Oscar

Oscar will graduate with an M.S. in Finance from Illinois Institute of Technology in 2018, where he is currently completing his bachelor’s degree and playing NCAA Division III Soccer for the IIT soccer team. In his spare time, he likes to bike by Lake Michigan, try new foods, hang out with friends, and try out adrenaline-boosting activities.

As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we will share a series of Impact stories on the 20th of each month highlighting the many accomplishments realized by our Scholars, alumni, mentors and volunteers. Please visit our website to learn more about our work and get involved in our efforts on behalf of the next 20 years of Scholars!  

ADVICE FOR CLASS OF 2020

On Friday, September 16, the Chicago Sky WNBA team honored Chicago Scholars President and CEO Dominique Jordan Turner with the #RedefinePossible Women’s Leadership Award before a sold-out audience at their game at the Allstate Arena.

The #RedefinePossible Award recognizes women who “serve as an inspiration to others by making a positive impact in the community and redefining possible for those around them.”  The Chicago Sky is honoring woman leaders throughout their 2016 season.

Dominique was selected for her work with Chicago Scholars, as well as her significant involvement in other organizations and leadership programs, including including Leadership Greater Chicago, IMPACT through Chicago Urban League and University of Chicago, the Trinity Fellows Program focusing on Urban Leadership, New York University’s Lead the Way Fellowship, the Broad Residency in Urban Education, Black Girls Lead, and the Chicago Public School Board of Education.

See her full profile on the Chicago Sky website.

“Chicago Scholars changed my life by introducing me to a very incredible network of people, including mentors and peers, and by allowing me to get involved in so many opportunities and conversations that I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience anywhere else.”  

– Allan Lake, Class of 2019, University of Chicago

Since kindergarten, Allan Lake has never missed a day of school.  For Allan, education has always been important and while growing up in the Beverly/ Morgan Park neighborhood, Allan dreamed of going to college.

When it came time to apply to college, however, he struggled with anxiety about finding the right college and the right major, as well as navigating the college application process. Becoming a Chicago Scholar gave him the resources he needed to confidently pursue his dream of higher education. He credits his mentors and counselor at Chicago Scholars for helping him apply to multiple schools and secure several scholarships. Allan enrolled at University of Chicago, majoring in Computer Science.

As he settled into college life, Allan discovered that despite his campus’ efforts toward diversity inclusion, there was still a lot of work to be done and minority students were faced with unique challenges.  He once again turned to his network at Chicago Scholars and was able to connect with other peers who were experiencing similar issues.  Together, they discussed solutions and advised younger students on how to overcome similar challenges.

Allan says:

“At Chicago Scholars, I not only found other students who witnessed the same issues at their universities, but we created groups to talk about the problems and solutions for handling that lack of diversity. I also get a chance to create dialogue so students who may follow in our footsteps to these universities can be more prepared.”

ALLAN’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE  

Following his graduation in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Allan plans to pursue a career in hardware engineering.  One day, he dreams of following up his successful career in hardware engineering with a return to the classroom as a Mechanics and Technology teacher.

Education is central to Allan’s long-term vision for Chicago:  He believes a thriving educational system is imperative for our city’s future, giving people options and opportunities they might not have had otherwise.  As an active Chicago Scholars Peer Mentor, Allan is already giving back by helping guide younger students.  He also recently completed an internship with Future Founders, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth to pursue their own opportunities and become entrepreneurs.

“Supporting younger peers and tutoring others can make a world of a difference, creating tighter relationships and overall making the public school system here better for future students.”

ABOUT ALLAN

Allan will graduate from University of Chicago in 2019 with a bachelors of science in Computer Science and minors in Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies and American Sign Language.  Hailing from the Beverly / Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago, Allan enjoys building and crafting and playing sports, including swimming, soccer, basketball.

“I’m so grateful for the space Chicago Scholars offers us to work at all times, and for the passionate counselors and mentors who have helped me present my best self to colleges. Chicago Scholars keeps me on track and has guided me so much through the college process.” 

– Patricia Calderon, Class of 2021
Whitney M Young Magnet High School

When Patricia Calderon heads to college next summer, she will be the first person in her family to attend college.  As a first generation American and soon-to-be first generation college student, Patricia knew she wanted to go to college but didn’t know where to begin in the confusing admissions process. Then she found out about Chicago Scholars.

“I decided to apply to Chicago Scholars because I knew they could give me the resources I needed to be successful in my college journey. As a first generation student, my parents can’t offer much guidance in the college process. Chicago Scholars really gave me the help I needed reach my full potential.”

Now, after a few months and many counseling sessions, workshops and meetings with her mentors, Patricia Calderon has completed applications to Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, Pitzer College, Amherst College, and Colby College.  She will be interviewing with all of these schools at the Onsite Admissions Forum on Tuesday.

She says:

“I’m so excited for Onsite! I really love all the schools on my Onsite list, which is why I’m so grateful for the chance to speak to the admissions officers so they can learn more about me and I can learn more about their school. An opportunity like this is so rare!”

Patricia’s Vision for the Future  

In college, Patricia plans to pursue environmental studies and environmental science. She believes that climate change is one of the most urgent issues facing the world today.  Her passion for sustainability led her to co-found the Chicago Youth Alliance for Climate Education, which she helps lead after school and hopes to develop further after graduating college.  She can’t wait to get to college to dive even deeper into environmental studies. She is also eager to just be on campus!

 “I’m most excited to begin a new adventure in a new place with new people, studying something I really love.”

About Patricia

Patricia is a senior at Whitney Young Magnet High School and will graduate this spring. She is actively involved in an organization she co-founded that is dedicated to environmental education and activism called the Chicago Youth Alliance for Climate Education.  She is also part of her school’s Student Council, National Honor Society, Latino Unidos, and Ecology Club.  She plays in her school’s wind ensemble band and even got a chance to perform at Carnegie Hall. She lives in the Midway / Clearing neighborhood of Chicago with her family.  

We are so proud to announce that Chicago Scholars President and CEO Dominique Jordan Turner was recently featured in USA Today’s Modern Woman Magazine!  Check out a photo of the page below and be sure to pick up a copy of the magazine on the newsstands now.

Dominique’s influence as a community leader continues to elevate Chicago Scholars on both a regional and national level – we couldn’t be more excited or proud! This piece showcases her work in the mentorship space as well as demonstrates the value of what we do at Chicago Scholars.

We are excited to have this platform to continue spreading the important message of what Chicago Scholars does and how the organization transforms the lives of students from backgrounds similar to Dominique’s.

We are pleased to announce that Chicago Scholars Mentorship program has received the Gold Star Mentoring Program Award from the Illinois Mentoring Partnership.

The Gold Star Mentoring Program Award is awarded by Illinois Mentoring Partnership (IMP) to Illinois-based mentoring programs that meet or exceed “best practices across six program areas, as established by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, in cooperation with the nation’s foremost authorities on mentoring.”  Learn more about Illinois Mentoring Partnership here.

IMP recognizes programs that offer the best outcomes for mentors and mentees, and we are proud to be recognized for our committment to excellence in mentoring.

We are currently seeking new mentors to join our team!

If you want to support our talented and under-resourced Scholars in their college application and transition to campus life, learn more about becoming a Chicago Scholars College Access Mentor.  The next open house is January 11.

Dr. Toinette Gunn, Vice President of Programs at Chicago Scholars, discussed match and fit, obtaining resources and support outside school, the role of Chicago Scholars and other college access and success institutions, application advice and more on this episode of Taming the High Cost of College.

Click here to listen to the episode

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

For Onsite 2017, our scholars have been accepted into colleges across the country in record numbers. So far, there have been over 1,200 scholars admitted and over $46 million in merit scholarships granted, but the results are still coming in. It has been a truly transformational day.

To check out the live results as they come in, click here.

CS Modern Luxury magazine features Chicago Scholars President and CEO as one of Chicago’s prolific leaders working to improve the lives of others and our city!

Click here to check out the full story!

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