Chicago Scholars Classic
Chicago Scholars Classic is our traditional program designed for students who want structured support and a strong community throughout their college journey. Through a hybrid model of in-person and virtual programming, Scholars receive personalized guidance from a dedicated college counselor, support from a mentor, and connection to a cohort of peers who are navigating similar experiences.
Beginning in their junior year of high school, Classic Scholars participate in college readiness workshops, application and financial aid support, leadership development experiences, career exploration opportunities, and signature Chicago Scholars events. Scholars also gain access to exclusive scholarships, college partner benefits, career resources, and a network committed to helping them succeed in college and beyond.
Chicago Scholars Classic is ideal for students who are looking for direct counselor support, mentorship, in-person community, and a structured pathway to earning a college degree and becoming a leader in their community.
Chicago Scholars is best known as a college access program, but we’re so much more than that. We equip first-generation and low-income students with the tools they need to get into college, graduate, and find their first job or graduate school placement. Along the way, we create opportunities for leadership and career development.
Students apply for Chicago Scholars in their junior year of high school. To be eligible, students must:
- Come from a low-income household or be the first in their immediate family to go to college (excluding siblings)
- Have a 3.0 GPA
- Live and attend school in Chicago
Unfortunately, no. We are only able to accept applicants who are in their junior year of high school.
However, everyone is welcome to access our app, REACH. REACH provides college, career, and leadership tools developed by Chicago Scholars staff. Sign up at reachpathways.com
REACH is an app built and owned by Chicago Scholars.
REACH is the product of a common problem among nonprofits: while we believe that the college, career, and leadership guidance we provide to Scholars should be available to everyone, we can only serve a small number of students in person each year. Our solution? Create an online tool that gives everyone access to resources created and vetted by Chicago Scholars staff.
Learn more and set up your account at reachpathways.com.
Chicago Scholars’ office is located at 141 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1521, Chicago, IL, 60604. It’s easily accessible from all L lines and many busses.
You can email Chicago Scholars at thankyou@chicagoscholars.org, or call us at 312-784-3300.
Chicago Scholars Classic requires both virtual and in-person programming.
Classic Scholars will be assigned to cohorts and mentors, attend in-person workshops, and participate in in-person programs like Onsite.