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: 

1. Come from a low-income household or be the first in their immediate family to go to college (excluding siblings)
2. Have a 3.0 GPA
3. Live and attend school in Chicago

Chicago Scholars is a major volunteer and mentorship hub in Chicago. Every year, we accept applications for over 100 volunteer mentor roles. Mentors work with the same group of Scholars over a two-year period as they transition from high school to college.

Chicago Scholars also has dozens of one-time volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Help Scholars finish their college applications at Writing and Interview Labs, interview the next class at New Scholar Selection Days, or make Onsite a seamless and exciting experience. 

To find out more, visit chicagoscholars.org/get-involved. 

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 247 S. State Street, Suite 700, 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’ work would not be possible without the support of our community. Even small donations help us keep the college counseling, mentorship program, career and leadership development work, and events like Onsite available for students. 

In short, your gift to Chicago Scholars shows that you support homegrown talent. Give today at give.chicagoscholars.org.