We encourage Scholars to explore and apply for the available grant and scholarship opportunities.
Financial support provided to a Scholar in the event of an unexpected situation that requires immediate attention and support (e.g. death in the family). There is no GPA requirement to apply for Lifeline funding. Scholars are only eligible to receive a certain amount of Lifeline funding per academic year.
Any questions can be referred to Team Lift: teamlift@chicagoscholars.org.
Financial support provided to a college Scholar of any class-year for an educational or leadership experience including study abroad, an off-location internship, unpaid internship, research opportunity, or conference. This grant is offered on a rolling basis throughout the year and can only be applied for once during an academic year. Scholars applying for this grant must already be accepted into their educational or leadership experience in order to receive funding.
Financial support provided to a currently enrolled college Scholar as an opportunity to put their passions toward meaningful action, specifically projects related to Social Justice, Civic Engagement, and Leadership Engagement. This grant awards up to $5,000 and is offered on a rolling basis throughout the year. Scholars may submit both an individual grant application and an application as part of a Scholar group.
To learn about previous MJEWF Grant projects, download details here.
We encourage Scholars to explore and apply for the following scholarship opportunities, which are only open for students in Chicago Scholars or favor Chicago Scholars in their decision process.
Our Peer Mentor Program supports first year college students as they transition to life on campus. Through partnerships with Scholars from other class years, the program helps Scholars cultivate leadership opportunities, develop community and support networks, and share knowledge.
Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year are now open! Click here to apply.
Your first year in college can be a whirlwind. It can be difficult to know where to go to seek resources and answers to your questions, or where to find a community, activities and opportunities.
Scholars are mentees while they are in their first year of college. They are matched with peer mentors either at their college or university, or at a similar institution in the same region, who are sophomores, juniors or seniors. By building relationships with other Scholars across class years, first-year Scholars can build a community and gain access to new information and support.
May: Rising college freshmen can sign up for a peer mentor through Team Lift
June/July: Team Lift recruits mentors, and matches mentors with mentees
August: Mentees are introduced to their assigned mentor
August through May: Mentors meet with mentees once per month to check-in, offer guidance and support, and ensure mentees are having a great first year of college
CONTACT TEAMLIFT@CHICAGOSCHOLARS.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.
You remember your first year of college – it was exciting, fun and tough, and a bit overwhelming at times, too. If you are a sophomore, junior or senior in college, reach back to help a Scholar just starting their college journey for the first time.
Peer Mentors undergo training in order to coach their mentees through the academic & social challenges they may face during their first year of college. Peer Mentors are leaders on their campuses and passionate about providing support and guidance for the newest members of the Chicago Scholars family.
Peer Mentors make a one-year commitment to the program, but many decide to continue as Peer Mentors for their entire college career. Their role is key in helping to maintain personal connections to Scholars on campus. They serve as student liaisons and keep staff informed about campus challenges that may impact a Scholar’s ability to successfully persist and graduate from college.
June: Scholars apply to be peer mentors; Team Lift reviews applications, selects mentors, and notifies mentors
July: Mentors are matched with mentees and notified if they will serve as an on-campus mentor, or virtual mentor
August: Mentors introduce themselves to mentees
August through May: Mentors meet with mentees once per month to check-in, offer guidance and support, and ensure mentees are having a great first year of college
CONTACT TEAMLIFT@CHICAGOSCHOLARS.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.