Chicago Scholars

Mission: We uniquely select, train, and mentor academically ambitious students from under-resourced communities to complete college and become the next generation of leaders who will transform their neighborhoods and our city. We envision a vibrant Chicago powered by diverse leaders from every neighborhood. Overview: Chicago Scholars is a 501(c)(3) foundation, formed in 1996 to help under-resourced and academically ambitious Chicago high school students attend and graduate college. During this 28-year period, we have developed and refined our seven-year college to career access and success program to serve over students who have attended or are currently attending 313 highly rated colleges in the U.S. Chicago Scholars is nationally recognized for its best practices model. Our work goes way beyond college admission — we’re building a new path forward.