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Chicago Scholars 2025 January Mentor of the Month

Written by Morgan Mercieca on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Grace Rodi, Mentor since 2024 Chicago Scholars 2025 January Mentor of the Month

Over the coming months, we’ll be introducing you to some of our current incredible mentors, giving you a special look at what called them to take on this responsibility, and sharing stories of connection with their Scholar cohorts – and maybe inspiring you to become a mentor too!

Our 2025 January Mentor of the Month is Grace Rodi, the current Miss Illinois United States, and a CS Mentor since 2024.

Grace has been an incredible advocate for her cohort of Scholars and for the entire Chicago Scholars organization from the start, even serving as Emcee at the Reach for the Future celebration.

“My passion has always been for education and mentorship, because I truly believe that pairing those two things together sets up children and young adults for life.”

Inspired by Grace’s involvement? Head here to learn more about applying to be a mentor! The mentor application is open to support our new incoming class of Chicago Scholars – head here to check out the application and apply before the deadline on May 6th !

Chicago Scholars 2025 February Mentor of the Month

Written by Morgan Mercieca on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Dannielle Scott-Duke, Mentor since 2024

Over the coming months, we’ll be introducing you to some of our current incredible mentors, giving you a special look at what called them to take on this responsibility, and sharing stories of connection with their Scholar cohorts – and maybe inspiring you to become a mentor too!

Our 2025 February Mentor of the Month is Dannielle Scott-Duke, who is not only a Chicago Scholars Mentor, but also a member of our Governing Board of Directors.

Why did you decide to become a Mentor with Chicago Scholars?
“As I was being initiated and educated into my position as a Governing Board Member, I learned more about the unique approach Chicago Scholars has for mentoring and preparing Scholars for college. I was so moved by the effectiveness and outcomes that I wanted to go beyond board membership into mentoring to be even more supportive of the students.”
And do you have any special memories you’ve shared with your Scholars so far?
“Every time our cohort gets together it’s memorable and fun! However, my favorite memories are actually from text messages. One is when a Scholar reached out to me personally to tell me that she’d received her acceptance into her top choice university. I was the first person she contacted and I can’t begin to explain how excited I was and how much it meant to me. The other is when another Scholar notified the cohort that he’d received a full ride to his top choice school. The other Scholars cheered for him as if they’d received the award and as if they’ve all been friends since kindergarten despite the fact that they all just met last year. The support of Chicago Scholars is obvious with everyone in the program.”

Inspired by Danni’s involvement? Head here to learn more about applying to be a mentor! The mentor application is open to support our new incoming class of Chicago Scholars – head here to check out the application and apply before the deadline on May 6th !