Skip to main content

Numbers you can see. IMPACT you can feel.

We believe that economic mobility is the key to racial justice. A college degree does more than open doors for one student — it brings real change to our whole community. 

Learn about our Randomized Control Trial, our research methodology, and our data privacy standards.

Scholars Across the Country

Scholars aren’t limited to our partner institutions — they follow their dreams to schools all over the United States and beyond. Check out the map below to see where Scholars are studying.

96%

Of Scholars matriculate to college on time

94%

Of Scholars persist to their second year of college

78%

Of Scholars graduate from college within 6 years

A+ Partnerships

Our college partners are committed to the Scholars on their campuses. With the help of Chicago Scholars’ college counselors and mentors, our partner institutions often become Scholars’ homes away from home.

550

Average number of new Scholars each year

6,000+

Number of Scholars and Alumni since 1996

80%

Of Chicago Scholars Alumni return to Illinois after college

Careers that Grow with You

Our Alumni are making a difference in all kinds of career fields, from law and medicine to arts and human services. Many even choose to give opportunities to the next generation of leaders as educators.


Alberto’s Advice

It’s Okay to Fall….

But just know you can stand up and should stand up. We will be there to help pick yourself up and be your cheerleaders along the finish line.

77

Communities represented by at least one Scholar 

52%

Of Alumni earn more than their families did

85%

Of Scholars are first-generation college students


Derrick’s Advice

It’s All About Elevation.

Chicago Scholars’ work is about more than education. We’re elevating unique stories and creating a path through school and beyond for our Scholars.

$107,065

Chicago Scholars provided over $100,000 in Lifeline Emergency Funding to 138 Scholars who faced financial difficulties while in college during the 2021-2022 school year.

$105,288

During the 2021-2022 school year, Chicago Scholars gave over $100,000 in Educational and Leadership Development Grants to 35 Scholars to fund study abroad, unpaid internships, research opportunities, and more.

84%

84% of Chicago Scholars graduate college with less than $40,000 in student loans, compared to 55% of Black students, 81% of Latinx students, and 77% of multiracial students.