Emerging Leaders Scholar Spotlight

2016 | First Quarter

CEO NEWSLETTER

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“Chicago Scholars has helped me in

tremendous ways…I never go to Chicago

Scholars without being offered a great

opportunity.”

Nia Hill is one of our dynamic Scholars from

the college graduating Class of 2020. Nia

grew up in Chicago’s Morgan Park

neighborhood and is currently a senior at

Whitney M. Young High School. Upon

graduating, Nia is looking forward to

attending Howard University or Princeton

University. She is interested in studying

Business, Accounting, or Public Policy.

When asked what advice she had for the

new class of Scholars Nia says, “take

advantage of every opportunity that is

offered…big or small.”

Nia and her mother recently had the

opportunity to work alongside Leadership

Greater Chicago’s 2016 cohort on a

documentary exploring the systemic

challenges their family faced and how they

have played a pivotal role in achieving

success. Click here to learn more about this

project.

The true measure of success in our city is directly related to how well we equip our young people to lead our future. There are thousands of students across Chicago who have very limited opportunities, and are only prepared to survive in the same poverty that marginalized generations before them. That is why our focus in 2016 continues to be about activating our vision of a vibrant Chicago powered by diverse leaders from every neighborhood. During this quarter, over 1800 Chicago Public School students applied to be a part of our new class of Scholars. Of those applicants, 700 will have the opportunity to go through a rigorous interview process hosted by Chicago Scholars Corporate Partners and Board Members. The 525 students who best exemplify grit, leadership and academic ambition will be selected to join our pipeline of diverse talent. In this phase alone, students from under-resourced communities are being exposed to an environment and community that challenges them to accomplish their dreams. At Chicago Scholars, we believe that by providing these already talented students with the holistic support they need, we are actively changing the narrative of their lives and our city. This year, we are celebrating our 20th Anniversary and 10th Annual Onsite Admissions Forum. Our community is gearing up to create an even bigger impact in the lives of youth in Chicago, and we want you to join us in what will be one of the most inspiring celebrations of 2016 and movement for the next 20 years to come. We are developing the talent that Chicago business leaders are looking for, and by partnering with us, not only do they have the opportunity to network with these potential colleagues, they’re introducing them to new fields, experiences, and environments that are expanding their minds to strive for greatness.

CHICAGO SCHOLARS 2016 |First QUARTER

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Chicago Scholars Celebrates 35 Under 35 Chicago Business and Civic Leaders

Not only are these up and coming leaders dominating fields in the corporate and non-profit space, their work directly impacts youth in Chicago and aligns with our organizations mission.

“I aspire to see Chicago continue to invest in future leaders who will build our city up through collective energy, diverse perspectives and creative solutions that address issues such as poverty and education. I am committed to sharing my experiences, devoting my time and

giving back to support these efforts”

writes J’ai Brown, one of this year’s 35 under 35 honorees, and the Diversity Recruitment Advisor at BMO Harris Bank, Chicago Scholars’ Corporate Partner.

Like J’ai, many of our 35 under 35 honorees have devoted time to give back

to our Scholars by leading career exploration events, joining the Associate Board, participating on our Host Committee, and becoming mentors.

These leaders are the foundation of Chicago’s future and role models for our students. Join us and hundreds of other Chicago business professionals in celebration of their leadership at our 2nd Annual Untied Gala on Friday, April 29th.

Meet Guillermo Camarillo

Simmone Seymour “I want to show other low income Hispanic students they can make it. I also hope that I can come back…after I get an education to help other students in my community that are in the same position I was in.”

The Chicago Scholars Associate Board Wants You

Guillermo applied to Chicago Scholars with one goal in mind: get admitted to Stanford University. Having immigrant parents who were unfamiliar with the college admissions process, Guillermo knew he couldn’t achieve this goal without having plenty of resources and support at his disposal. He knew Chicago Scholars could bridge the gap between him and Stanford, and before he knew it, his dream had come true. When asked what he wanted to study in college, Guillermo replied that he first wanted to be able to help his family by going into a field that would bring change to the world.

“I am thinking of studying biomedical engineering to help develop prosthetics or develop vaccines that can benefit the lives of many people across the globe.”

Guillermo was raised in Chicago’s Little Village Neighborhood and will graduate from George Westinghouse Prep on June 16th. He and his family were recently featured in Red Eye Chicago highlighting their resilience to beat the odds, despite circumstances that challenged the road to success.

Are you a young professional looking to get involved with a dynamic organization that is creating impact in the lives of youth in Chicago? If so, this message is for you. The Chicago Scholars Associate Board is an amazing opportunity to engage in a diverse community of leaders who support students living in under resourced communities. For more information on how to get involved please contact our Manager of Development, Liz O’Brien, at eobrien@chicagoscholars.org

A fundamental practice in inspiring our Scholars to reach for success is to lead by example. We believe it is important to bring young professionals into our community who model career success as well as community involvement.

The Chicago Scholars Associate Board is trailblazing that path by recognizing 35 business and civic leaders under 35 in the Chicago community at our 2nd Annual Untied Gala.

The idea of honoring these young professionals originated with a vision to expand our community with a diverse pipeline of leaders to model the future possibilities for our Scholars.

CHICAGO SCHOLARS 2016 |First QUARTER

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Are you tired of chewy chicken dinners? Stuffy formal clothes? Boring speeches? We are too. Ditch the yawn-fests and join us instead on Friday, April 29, 2016 for an urban-chic anti-gala in support of Chicago Scholars.

Revisit your college days while helping Chicago's talented, under-resourced, and first generation students. We promise you haven't had this amount of scandalous-good fun since you donned your cap and gown!

2nd Annual Untied Gala

4/29

Key Dates

2nd Annual Untied

Gala

Scripps College, Elmhurst College, and Northeastern University (MA) join the Chicago Scholars Community We are excited to announce and welcome Scripps College, Elmhurst College and Northeastern University (MA) as Platinum Partners. These three highly reputable schools joins our growing list of institutions that have committed to supporting our Scholars with financial support, strong academic advising, and leadership opportunities from the time of enrollment until they graduate from college.

7/27 First Look Career Exploration Conference

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.

5/3 May Choice

Celebration

Network with our Talented Scholars Chicago Scholars invites you to save the date for an exciting industry exploration and career fair event on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 where Scholars and employers will explore future possibilities. Scholars will participate in industry-specific roundtable discussions with Chicago’s leading companies, and partake in a career fair to learn about future hiring prospects. For information on how to get involved, please contact our Director of College to Careers, Brian Socall, at bsocall@chicagoscholars.org.

Mission