Let’s Go.

Chicago Scholars is creating a community that will shape Chicago’s future. Our work goes way beyond college admission — we’re building a new path forward.

The Chicago Scholars

Experience

Prepare For College

Find your path

Learn about the college admissions process and get help every step of the way. Through mentoring, college counseling, and workshops help you find the college that’s the right match, fit and financial fit for you.

Support for College Students

Explore

Don’t go through college alone! College Scholars get access to ongoing workshops and staff support, continued community with their cohort, exclusive scholarships and career development resources including the Emerge Summer Career and Leadership Program.

Graduation and Beyond

Onward

Graduation isn’t the finish line! Chicago Scholars’ programming continues until you get your first job or grad school acceptance. We’ll make sure you have the tools you need — including job boards, professional connections, and networking — to start your career on the right foot.

Chicago Scholars

in Action

Our Scholars and Alumni are our strongest advocates. Learn more about our programming from the people who know it best.

Impact

Addressing Systemic Inequity

Our READI Commitment

We believe that we can’t change the world unless we’re willing to model the way. We approach everything we do, from team meetings to Scholar programming, through a READI — Racial Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion — lens. When we take the time to consider how our work and actions impact others, we make it easier for everyone to show up as their best selves.

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Making career readiness accessible

The Emerge Program

The resources needed to transition from college to career — networking, internships, resume support — often come from social and familial connections first-generation and low-income students don’t have. With our partner Invest For Kids, Chicago Scholars hosts the Emerge Summer Internship Program to help close these gaps. Every summer, Emerge Scholars get hands-on training and crash courses in resume writing, networking, and other professional skills so they can enter the workforce with confidence.

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Funding for Scholars

Scholarships, Grants and Financial Assistance

Tuition isn’t the only financial barrier to a college degree — textbooks, technology, family emergencies and living expenses can all derail a student’s plans.

We believe that money should never keep Scholars from dreaming big. We’re proud to offer grants and emergency funding to Scholars and work with partner organizations to offer exclusive scholarships to Scholars. Through these initiatives, Scholars have replaced broken laptops, bought necessities, studied abroad, and even taken unpaid internships.

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News & Events

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Get Involved

Become a Scholar

Are you interested in being a Chicago Scholar, or do you know a high school junior who would be a good fit? Learn more about our application process here.

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Become a Mentor

Mentors do more than provide guidance during Scholars’ first two years in the program — they often become lifelong friends. Learn more about the commitments mentors make and the application process here.

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Volunteer

Chicago Scholars holds several huge events every year, but we couldn’t pull them off without our volunteers. Learn how you can help out on these life-changing days here.

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