FAQ - Am I Eligible?
Who should apply?
We are looking for HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS who demonstrate strong character, academic ambition, and financial need.
Unlike other scholarships that offer only financial assistance, College Bound provides 5 years of proven programming to help students succeed in college, earn their degrees and prepare for future careers. That means that all enrolled students are expected to fully participate in the programs during their senior year of high school and throughout college. Students are expected to contribute to the success of the program by actively participating in the workshops and events, and by supporting the work of Scholarship Chicago. Current scholars help broaden opportunities for more students by serving as role models and visiting with younger students during school breaks, contributing to articles for our website, speaking at events, helping with mailings and/or attending summer programs.
What is required of students in the College Bound Program?
Senior Year of High School:
- Students are expected to attend all of the workshops which are offered approximately once a month.
- Students are expected to support each other during the program.
- Students are expected to work with their mentors and communicate regularly with them.
- Students are expected to respond in a timely fashion to Scholarship Chicago when asked to submit information and confirm their attendance at events.
- To renew the merit scholarship, scholars are expected to file information in a timely manner including the student essay, official transcript and Student Aid Report from their college or university.
- Scholars are expected to respond in a timely fashion to Scholarship Chicago when asked to submit information and confirm their attendance at events.
- Scholars are expected to make at least one contribution each year that encourages others to help more students pursue their post-secondary education.
- Rising college juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for our professional summer internship opportunities. All scholars are encouraged to take full advantage of the Scholarship Chicago career network, including our popular summer Career Crawl series.
- College graduates are expected to notify us about their career path or post graduate studies. College graduates are encouraged to attend our annual award ceremony to serve as role models for the new class of students.
- College graduates also have the opportunity to serve as as mentors and/or join our Associate Board.
I don’t have a 4.0 GPA. What now?
You don’t have to be a straight A student to be accepted into our program, academically ambitious can mean several things. You may be the student who has poured herself into her studies and has a high GPA. But you may also be the student who works after school to help support yourself or your family and you have to balance school work with paid work. Or, perhaps you recently had an experience that inspires you to go to college and now you’re ready for the challenge.
The bottom line is this: Are you the kind of scholar who is willing to work hard to achieve your academic goals?
How do you define economically high need?
There is no firm income cut-off for our program but you can see the distribution of family incomes in the table below.
Family Income:
<$20,000 54%
$20,000 - $29,000 18%
$30,000 - $49,000 14%
$50,000 - $69,000 11%
>$70,000 3%
Family Income:
<$20,000 54%
$20,000 - $29,000 18%
$30,000 - $49,000 14%
$50,000 - $69,000 11%
>$70,000 3%
How many students are in your program?
We have almost 200 students enrolled in our College Bound Program.
When is the scholarship awarded and how is it paid?
In your senior year of high school we do not award scholarships. Scholarships may not be used to pay private high school tuition. They may only be paid to a 4-year college or university. Scholarships are awarded once we receive the financial aid award schedule from your college. Most of our students receive Pell Grants and other federal or state grant/loan programs, need-based scholarships from the school, and work study. In order to receive your award you must be an active participant in the workshops (read below). To renew your scholarships you must send us your college transcript for the year and a short essay telling us how you’re doing along with any other material requested.
Can I attend any college?
Yes! You may apply the award to the college or university that best suits your interests and capabilities. The school must be accredited as a 4-year institution. It may be in-state or out-of-state, public, or private.
Where are your scholars going to school now?
Our college bound scholars attend schools all across the country. We have students at University of Illinois – Urbana , Xavier, Notre Dame, Morehouse, Harvard, Stanford, Grinnell, Hamilton College , Marquette , and many, many others. The important thing is to find the best college for you and help make your dream possible.
I am very active in after school activities and/or I have to work to earn money for college. Am I required to attend all the workshops?
We understand that you all lead busy lives and from time to time may need to miss a workshop. That said, workshop are mandatory and can only be missed with a valid excuse. Experience tells us that students who take advantage of the workshops and other activities are much better prepared academically, financially and socially for college.
What about when I’m in college?
You are not alone! Our goal is to help you make a smooth transition to college and to stay in school so that you earn your college degree! Periodically, you’ll hear from us or your peer mentor – a junior or senior College Bound scholar who knows the ropes and can be a supportive presence.
For more information, please send an email to csharp@chicagoscholars.org or use the Contact Us section of our website.