Leading youth development nonprofit Chicago Scholars is thrilled to invite 575 rising Chicago high school seniors to join their next class of Scholars. Every year, the organization welcomes highly-ambitious students who are first-generation and/or low-income from across the city to join the seven-year program. The program helps them navigate the complex transitions into college, through college, and beyond to a career. This class of Scholars, who will graduate college in 2025, represents 72 of the city’s 77 neighborhoods and 114 Chicago high schools. Chicago Scholars uniquely selects, trains and mentors academically ambitious students from under-resourced communities to complete college and become the next generation of leaders who will transform their neighborhoods and city.

Students who were selected participated in a rigorous application process in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Student interviews were held virtually throughout April by 485 volunteers from across Chicago, including business leaders, community partners and Chicago Scholars alumni. Nearly 1,300 applications were received for the program this year. Through the seven-year program, the Scholars receive dedicated mentorship, guidance through the college decision and acceptance process, and support during and after college through internship and career opportunities. Last year alone, the event facilitated more than $43.5 million in scholarships and 1,394 college admission acceptances. For more information on programs and to get involved, visit www.chicagoscholars.org.