Volunteer opportunity: College application lab
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Chicago Scholars Office, 247 S State Street, Suite 700, Chicago, IL, 60604
Volunteer to help our Scholars work on their college application essays, or help them get across the finish line on applications to their dream colleges and universities! Whether they have drafted essays or are still waiting to hit submit on those applications, we will meet them where they are to get them prepared to head into the fall with a solid foundation!
Sign up here: chicagoscholars.org/volunteer

Chicago Scholars presents: Our Scholars, Our Future
2025-10-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W 35th St, Chicago, 60609
Join Chicago Scholars on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at The Bridgeport Art Center for Our Scholars, Our Future. This is an opportunity to celebrate our Scholars, network with other Chicago Scholars supporters, and contribute to our mission of empowering Chicago’s next generation of leaders. we will also award Ciere Boatright, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, our Distinguished Alumni Award. Your support directly impacts our vital Onsite programming, helping us provide critical resources and guidance to our Scholars.
We have numerous sponsorship packages available, as well as individual tickets. Click on the Sponsorships & Tickets link to learn more.
Ample free parking available. Cocktail attire suggested.

Meet our awardee

Ciere Boatright was appointed commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning
and Development (DPD) in November 2023 by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
An experienced real estate and economic development executive, Boatright is
responsible for leading DPD’s economic development, planning and zoning functions
while promoting inclusive, equitable growth across the city.
In her previous capacity as vice president of real estate and community development at
Chicago-based real estate firm CRG, Boatright was responsible for overseeing some of
the company’s highest-impact real estate projects, collaborating with government
officials, engaging with community organizations and securing public and private
financing. Boatright also launched the company’s philanthropic arm and a mentoring
program to support commercial developers of color.
Boatright was formerly the vice president of real estate and inclusion for Chicago
Neighborhood Initiatives, where she managed the planning and development of new
projects on the South and West Side, including more than $450 million in new
investment involving the 180-acre, mixed-use Pullman Park project.
Local business publications have named her among Notable Women in Commercial
Real Estate, 40 under 40, Notable Black Leaders and Executives, and Notable
Executives of Color in Construction and Commercial Real Estate.
Boatright holds a master’s degree of urban planning and policy from the University of
Illinois at Chicago and a bachelor’s in psychology from Hamilton College. A Chicago native, Boatright resides on the South Side with her husband and two
children.

Onsite College and Leadership Forum
2025-10-21
Class of 2030 Scholars will have the opportunity to interview with our college partners and learn about leadership opportunities available to them.
