Every time a bell rings, a student receives a college scholarship. Every time a scholarship is awarded, the numbers board gets higher.
"The biggest year, we had nearly 70 million dollars in merit scholarships awarded," smiled Jeffrey Beckham, CEO, Chicago Scholars. "Today is all about students having opportunity in the city of Chicago," he said.
Chicago Scholars are chosen each year through applications and interviews. Students must be juniors in high school, live in Chicago and attend a high school in Chicago, are either a first-generation college student and/or comes from an under resourced community.
"It's difficult enough to afford or navigate college, the process is difficult, for first gen it's especially difficult. By having a supportive network, a community behind you, we really are that village to help young people future out what they want to do and getting them through those doors of opportunity," added Beckham.
Joslyn Vasquez, 17, surprised her dad with the good news.
"Papa, I just got offered direct admission to DePaul with a $25,000 scholarship." she squealed. "Oh (expletive) how much?" her dad was in disbelief.
Vasquez says it's made a huge difference for her and her family.
"It's a huge weight off my shoulders. I'm glad to be able to say that I did this," she smiled. "To be able to have access to this is truly amazing."
Jonathon Wilson, 17, is a senior at Intrinsic School. He already had success the first half day of interviewing.
"I interviewed with Illinois Wesleyan and Elmhurst College and I was admitted into both of them," he smiled. "It feels amazing." Wilson already works as a teen commissioner in the Mayor's office.
"I want to get into politics. My first school choice is American University but haven't interviewed yet. Fingers crossed," said Wilson.
For his mother Phyllis Washington, it's a proud day. "This is my first child going off to college. I'm so excited for him. It's been a wonderful experience with Chicago Scholars. I hope he chooses Elmhurst University so he's close to home," she laughed. "But it's his choice. He's growing up."
Founded in 1996, Chicago Scholars has become one of the largest college access, college success and leadership development programs in Chicago, providing 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.
Beckham says they are first generation young people who are becoming the first in the nation to be accepted to college.
"Imagine, it's October, you get into college so the rest of your senior year you can focus on preparing for school. Most kids who aren't in this program won't get into college until March or April. The decision is made today. Scholars will know, they'll know where their going, they'll be able to start that savings process, identify scholarships and we help with all of that." he said.
In one day, there were 3000 interviews, 600 students and 120 colleges.
Over the past 28 years, Chicago Scholars has impacted the lives of thousands of students from every community area in Chicago. More than 75% of these Scholars and alumni give back to their communities and volunteering.
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