The Project Gratitude Scholarship

Organization & Scholarship Overview:
College degrees are regarded as a primary vehicle for reducing poverty and closing the wealth gaps between black and white students. Student debt is more of a burden for black students than for others. The financial resources available to them before, during, and after college are very limited. Studies have found that lightening the financial load of college is key for many black students seeking success. Project LOVE Chicago strives to break the cycle of poverty, decrease violent crimes, and increase youth academic outcomes. We do this by providing academic, athletic, and professional resources to vulnerable black populations throughout the Chicago area.

This year, Project LOVE Chicago has partnered with Gratitude Chicago to help increase our fundraising efforts. Gratitude Chicago isn’t only a clothing line or a streetwear brand…it’s a lifestyle, a way that everyone should live their life. It is often said that when one is truly grateful for what he or she already has, he or she will attract more good things into his or her life. The Project LOVE Chicago & Gratitude Chicago College Scholarship Fund is a $2,000 scholarship for 2023 black high school graduates to assist them in in their transition to college.

CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST APPLY VIA ACADEMIC WORKS ONLY
Need Help signing-in to Academic Works? Check out the Academic Works User Comprehension Guide for assistance with your application.

Do you attend a CPS Charter School? Click Here to Access the CHARTER Student Application & Instructions
Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be African American
  • Must be a graduating senior (class of 2023) attending Chicago Public Schools
  • Must posses a minimum 2.5 weighted GPA
  • Must qualify for low income financial assistance
  • Must plan to attend an accredited 2 or 4-year college or university

Renewable: No
Open to DREAMers: Yes
Questions? Please email to CPS Scholarship Manager at CollegeScholarships@cps.edu

Award
$2,000
Deadline
06/02/2023
Supplemental Questions
  1. Official Transcript Required
  2. Please provide the name and email of a school official who will submit your letter of recommendation. Letter can be from a teacher, counselor, principal or college and career coach.
  3. Please upload a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) from the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov) OR a copy of your Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (intended for qualifying undocumented and transgender students)
  4. Please upload a copy of your acceptance letter to an accredited college or university.
  5. Essay: What does Gratitude mean to you? Describe three different ways you can show Gratitude without saying “thank you.”
  6. Essay: As a kid, you get to read about different people who have shaped our society. Which leader, inventor, activist, or other impactful person are you most grateful for? Why?
  7. Essay: We all experience life lessons that teach us value and different traits. What life lesson are you the most grateful for and why?
  8. Show 2 more