Vote for the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Awards!
The Volunteer of the Year Awards are awarded each year by nomination from the entire CS Community, and are given for several categories, including to individual volunteers, company group volunteers, and for the REACH innovation award. Nominate a standout volunteer below!
Heroes Among Us: Recognizing Our Volunteers
The best part of our program is undoubtedly the students, however, we must also recognize the selfless supporters who help us achieve new milestones every day. These dedicated and impactful volunteers consistently give their best efforts to support our program, and we couldn’t be more grateful!
Meet Our 2024 Individual Volunteer Award Winners
Vivek Muthulingam, New Volunteer of the Year
“It’s remarkable how Chicago Scholars has been assisting thousands of students in navigating the college application process, providing them with firsthand exposure to higher education. The application process can be especially daunting for first-generation college students, making the guidance and support offered by the program invaluable. I am always thankful to Chicago Scholars for this wonderful experience in my life.”
JoAnne Dobrick, Longstanding Volunteer Service Award
“Sometimes we choose a path, sometimes the path chooses us. If we accept our choices we can change our lives, and maybe someone’s else’s life as well. “
Sujatha Kailas, Mentor Volunteer of the Year
“I’ve learned that the younger generation has so much to offer, yet we sometimes mistakenly brush them off. These Scholars are motivated, driven, and care about their community and climate. They all have the ability to contribute positively if they have the right guidance.”
McKinsey & Company
“Time is one of the most valuable resources you can give a nonprofit, and anyone is capable of giving it. If you want to contribute positively to your community, or if at some point someone has offered you an act of kindness and you want to pay it forward, getting involved with Chicago Scholars enables them to serve more students and serve each student a little better.”
Magid Glove & Saftey
“The best part of working alongside Chicago Scholars is getting to meet the scholars. They are bright, engaged, and eager to learn. It’s been very rewarding to show students what we do and to help them explore the kinds of business opportunities that are available to them.“
Levenfeld Pearlstein, Reach Pathways Innovation Award Winner
“Being part of the innovative Chicago Scholars and REACH Pathways community with my LP colleagues and watching Scholars thrive and give back to their communities are a joy. Chicago Scholars’ launch of REACH Pathways, a “L3C”, is a bold step to expand the impact of Chicago Scholars through a powerful combination of personal relationships and gamified technology.