Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund Application 2022-2023

***PLEASE NOTE: THIS APPLICATION IS FROM 2022-2023 AND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED***

The Walsh-Fluor Design Build Team (WFDBT) has been selected by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to design and build Phase One of the Red and Purple Modernization project (RPM). The WFDBT recognizes that numerous socio-economic barriers too often prevent community residents from entering various career paths, especially career paths in the construction/trade industry. In response, Walsh-Fluor has established The Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund.

It is the mission of the Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund to aid qualified Chicago Public School students seeking assistance with the costs of their post-secondary education. The fund will provide college scholarships and mentoring supports, along with access to career development opportunities, to guide students in launching careers in the construction and engineering industries.

The scholarship program will be administered by Chicago Scholars, a mentoring and leadership development organization that helps first-generation college students and students from under-resourced communities navigate transitions into college, through college, and on to careers. Eligible students must be enrolled in a CPS or CPS-supported high school and currently an active participant in the Chicago Scholars program. Eligible students must also be enrolled in STEM coursework, have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0, and a good attendance record.

The Application Process

ELIGIBILITY and REQUIREMENTS

Currently attending a CPS high school or charter school supported by CPS for two consecutive years or more
Participant in the Chicago Scholars program
Graduating Senior with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
Have taken or be enrolled in at least 2 courses in either Construction-Related Courses, Architecture, Pre-Engineering, Business, or STEM. Planning to pursue similar field of study in college.
School attendance rate of 85% or higher
Seeking a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. four-year college or university on a full-time basis
From a low-income household as determined by HUD standards

AWARD

$5,500/year for 4 years

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Complete the CS Scholarship Pre-Application by March 1, 2023. The pre-application only needs to be completed once and can apply to multiple CS scholarships.

Step 2: Complete this application by March 1, 2023 including:

Essay of no more than 750 words explaining why you are applying for the scholarship and how the funds will help you achieve your goals for the future
At least 2 but no more than 4 letters of recommendation from the student's counselor, principal, teacher, mentor, or current employer

INTERVIEW PROCESS

Applicants who are finalists will be selected for an interview in order to be considered for the scholarship. The interviews will be held in March or April, 2023. Students will be asked to share their goals for the future and how this scholarship will allow them to achieve these goals.

SELECTION

Students selected for the scholarship will be notified via email with a copy going to the student's high school. Students may be expected to attend a scholarship gathering to celebrate this award if selected.

Before you begin the application:

Please ensure that you have the necessary documents available to you and ready to upload. You will NOT be able to save and resume your work on the application, so you will need to submit in one sitting.

Remember, Chicago Scholars is here for you! If you have any questions regarding the scholarship application process or need assistance along the way, please contact us at: scholarships@chicagoscholars.org.

General Information

First Name:

Last Name:

Preferred Name

Preferred Email Address:

Phone Number:

I have completed the CS Scholarship Pre-Application, which is a required component of the Elevating Futures scholarship application.

YesNot yet, but planning to do so by March 1, 2023The CS Scholarship Pre-Application only needs to be completed once and can apply to multiple CS scholarships.

School and Program Information

Have you participated in classes in the following areas?

Check all that apply (hold Ctr + click to select multiple options).

Have you participated in classes in the following areas as an extracurricular activity (not during school time)?

Check all that apply (hold Ctr + click to select multiple options).

Other:

I am interested in studying or working in the following fields:

Check all that apply.

Other:

Student Essay

The Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund's mission is to aid qualified Chicago Public School students from low-income households in pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) four-year college degree, with an interest in working in the construction and/or engineering industries. The fund will provide college scholarships and mentoring supports, along with access to career development opportunities, to guide students in launching careers in the construction and engineering industries.

In 750 words or less, share why you are applying for the scholarship and how the funds will help you achieve your goals for the future. Please consider the scholarship's mission, stated above, when developing your response.

Upload your essay below.

Only Word or PDF documents will be accepted.

Letters of Recommendation

Please submit at least 2 but no more than 4 letters of recommendation from a counselor, principal, teacher, mentor, or employer.
If your recommenders would feel more comfortable emailing their letters directly to Chicago Scholars, they may email them to scholarships@chicagoscholars.org with the subject line: "Elevating Futures recommendation--[applicant name]." In this case, the applicant must upload a document in the space below stating: "My letter of recommendation is being emailed to CS Scholarships from [recommender name], who can be reached at [recommender email]."

Letter of Recommendation #1

Letter of Recommendation #2

Letter of Recommendation (Optional)

Signature Page

I have confirmed that all my information is correct, and I am ready to submit my application for the Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund.

YesNo

I understand that completion of this application form is only one part of my scholarship application. My Elevating Futures scholarship application will only be considered complete when I have also submitted the CS Scholarship Pre-Application.

YesNoThe CS Scholarship Pre-Application only needs to be completed once and can apply to multiple CS scholarships.

I understand that, during the application review period, the CS Scholarships Team may request additional information (such as recent financial aid award letters, updated information regarding other scholarships received, college admissions updates, etc.).

YesNo

I certify that this application and all attachments are complete and true. I hereby authorize Chicago Scholars to furnish copies of my academic record, this application, and letters of recommendation to the Scholarship Committee and the scholarship donor for review. I authorize my college or university and/or Chicago Scholars to furnish information on my academic and general progress to the scholarship donor. If selected, I further authorize release of information for publicity purposes.

YesNo

My full legal name is:

Date