Role Models Program
Our scholarship recipients face many challenges such as low-income backgrounds and single-parent homes. Many are first-generation Americans and most are the first in their families to attend college. These obstacles can make high school a struggle and college a seemingly impossible dream. Statistically, only half of students in the Chicago Public School system complete high school and less than one-tenth graduate from college (Consortium of Chicago School Research).
The Chicago HOPE Role Models Program partners each student with a member of our board; a mentor dedicated to their success. The partnership provides students with guidance and support throughout college and into their professional careers. The program initially focuses on the student’s personal transition to college, developing their resume and identifying internship and leadership opportunities. As they near graduation, the focus transitions to helping the students develop their abilities in interviewing and networking. The Role Models program also leverages the entire Chicago HOPE Board to help each student make connections and find career opportunities. The Chicago HOPE Board is a diverse group of professionals in the fields of business, education, law, healthcare, the arts, technology and public service.
The Role Models Program is a personal commitment that we make to our students because we believe that money alone isn’t enough. We strive to take an active role in their lives both personally and professionally in order to develop leadership qualities that will ultimately help them make their own positive footprints on the world.
Hear From Our Students
center this summer instead of going for a summer job that paid more.
Even though my internship does not pay much, I love my experience
as it has given me many opportunities to serve the community”
— Li Ying Wu
“It was a pleasure meeting members of your board. I am so grateful
that I was selected to receive your scholarship.”
— Samuel Maxey
“Thank you for believing that I deserve this scholarship and thank you for putting your faith in me. You are helping my dreams come true.”
— Maggie Mazurkiewicz
“Chicago HOPE Dollars for Scholars is a great organization to honor and recognize high school students for their hard work and achievements.”
— Stephanie Kuo
“I honestly feel that the most stressing time throughout my high school career has been to figure out how to finance my college education.
I want to thank you and Dollars for Scholars for believing in me.
I will make sure to prove that you were right in doing so.”
— Christina Lamas
— Julian Cook
“I always knew that I wanted to go to college, but I simply didn’t
know how I was going to afford it. Knowing that I don’t have to worry about costs anymore is an immense relief to myself and my family.
The scholarship hasn’t just given me a cash for school, its given me
a whole new family – one that supports and guides me and will never give up on me. And that is priceless.”
— Tamathor Abughnaim
“My family and I greatly appreciate all of your help. I can only hope to excel in the upcoming years to show you just how grateful I really am.”
— Margarita Lamas
“With your help I have come one step closer to fulfilling my hopes
of one day becoming a doctor of pharmacy and being able to serve
the community similar to the way you serve our youth today via this wonderful program. Thank you for giving me the inspiration I needed
to continue putting my best foot forward in order to help construct a brighter future for our society.”
— Gabriela Perez
