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TRANSFORM LIVES.
Transform OUR CITY.


Our volunteers play a fundamental role in helping Scholars get the chance to succeed through college and after graduation. Be part of our community of people who share our mission and vision for the city.

Volunteers assist at events like Onsite and New Scholar Orientation, and are also essential to the success of our workshops, New Scholar Interview Nights, and call-a-thons. 

Chicago Scholars does not share information with third parties, including SMS opt-in consent or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS.


Volunteer at the Onsite College & Leadership Forum – Be Part of Our Biggest Signature Event of the Year

Onsite 2024 will be held on Friday, October 25th. Volunteer shifts will be available throughout the day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Volunteer for Scholar and Mentor Check In – 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Volunteer in the Scholar Room – 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Volunteer in the Scholar Room – 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Volunteer in the Scholar Room – 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volunteer in the Scholar Room – 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Volunteer in the Scholar Room – 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Volunteer in the Interview Room – 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Volunteer in the Interview Room – 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Volunteer in the Interview Room – 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volunteer in the Interview Room – 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Volunteer in the Interview Room – 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Volunteer in the College Partner Check In and Lounge – 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. 

Volunteer in the Family Programming Room (English) – 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Volunteer in the Family Programming Room (English) – 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Volunteer in the Family Programming Room (English) – 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Volunteer in the Family Programming Room (Spanish) – 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

Volunteer in the Family Programming Room (Spanish) 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Volunteer in the Family Programming Room (Spanish) – 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volunteer in the Leadership Hub – 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Volunteer in the Leadership Hub – 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Volunteer in the Leadership Hub – 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Volunteer in the Leadership Hub – 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Volunteer in the Leadership Hub – 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Volunteer at Writing Labs – Help Scholars Craft Personal Statements & Supplemental Essays

Writing Labs will be held in-person on July 30th, August 13th, August 27th, September 18th, and September 24th, and virtually on September 10th, all from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Volunteer on September 10 — Virtual opportunity – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Volunteer on September 18 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Volunteer on September 24 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Our volunteers make moments like Amado’s Harvard acceptance possible.

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 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.”


Meet Our Company Service of the Year Winners!

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.“

Meet Our Reach Innovation Award Winner

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.