CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Every time the bell rang, a student received a college scholarship. Every time a scholarship was awarded, the numbers board got higher.
"Last year, we had $45 million in merit scholarships awarded," smiled Chicago Scholars President Brooke McKean.
"Today is all about students having opportunities in the city of Chicago," she said.
Chicago Scholars are chosen each year through applications and interviews. Students must be juniors in high school, live in Chicago, attend a high school in Chicago, are either a first-generation college student and/or come from an under-resourced community.
"By Sept. 30, students are expected to apply to at least five colleges, in state, out of state. They submit those, then we schedule 3,000 interviews." she added.
Savannah Phillips, 17, attends Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep.
"We got here around 7 a.m. My first interview was with Ohio State. My top picks are Emory, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Spellman,” she said.
Phillips had already been accepted to four schools as of mid-morning.
"It feels good. I want other kids to have these opportunities. It's been amazing,” she added.
For her mother Jowanda Hairston, Chicago Scholars has made all the difference for her daughter and her family.
"It feels great. The fact that her biggest decision is where to go and not, can she go, is huge," she smiled. "This program has made it a much easier process to go through, given the support they give."
Jamyriah Scott attends Lindblom Math and Science Academy.
"I got accepted into Illinois State University, NIU and into Butler. I'm excited," she squealed. "I feel amazing. I feel like I'm doing something for myself and being a leader."
Victory Elekwechi attends CICS Northtown Academy.
"I got accepted to DePaul, Marquette, ISU, NIU and EIU. I was shocked, but I'm happy," she said.
Da'Niyah Phillips is a senior at Josephinum Academy and was accepted into Marquette University.
"I was so excited, I wanted to cry. It was a really good experience for me. Marquette has the major I am looking for, criminology." she said. "This is a big weight off of my shoulders. I love that I have my first acceptance. I'm really excited to be ahead."
Founded in 1996, Chicago Scholars has become one of the largest college access, college success and leadership development programs in Chicago. It provides students with guidance through college admissions, mentorship during college and the skills to succeed in their careers as leaders and give back to their community.
In one day, there were 3,000 interviews, 600 students and 120 colleges.
Over the past 25 years, Chicago Scholars has impacted the lives of 5,200 students from every community area in Chicago. More than 75% of these scholars and alumni give back to their communities and volunteering.
McKean said they are first generation young people who are becoming the first in the nation to be accepted to college.
"It's fantastic. It's the best day of the year," smiled McKean.
For more information visit www.chicagoscholars.org.
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