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In 2022, we are honored to celebrate four milestones for the Wentcher Foundation and its scholars.

  • Launching our 21st class of Wentcher Scholars.
  • Reaching $20 Million of scholarship funding awarded.
  • Awarding the 1,000th Wentcher scholarship.
  • Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the incorporation
    of the Wentcher Foundation.
Join the Celebration

Our founder Ernie Wentcher believed that a student with a good education could achieve anything. No dream was too big. With high character and a desire to succeed, a Chicago-area student can move mountains. That's exactly what Wentcher Scholars do.

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Meet Our Scholars
ERNIE WENTCHER FOUNDED THE WENTCHER FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO MAY HAVE NOT OTHERWISE BEEN ABLE TO ATTEND COLLEGE.
TODAY, WE CONTINUE HONORING HIS LEGACY BY EMPOWERING CHICAGO-AREA STUDENTS TO REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.
Over 800 current and alumni Wentcher Scholars have been supported to attend college and graduate with a renewable scholarship award.
Over $13 million dollars in renewable scholarship awards have been invested in Chicago-area students through the Wentcher foundation.
Wentcher scholars represent the fullness and diversity of Chicago, hailing from over 36 zip codes, representing 61 of the 77 community areas within the city of Chicago.
Wentcher scholars have attended over 159 institutions nationwide.
93% of Wentcher scholars graduate from college with a degree.
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The Wentcher Impact:
As Told By Our Scholars

I was struck by the philosophy behind the Wentcher scholarship—that it is not a handout but an investment in the individual to make a positive contribution to society. When someone makes an investment in you, you are all the more likely to want to give back and to make the most of what you’ve been given. The impact of the Wentcher scholarship was enormous. Not only did it take the financial burden off of my parents, it allowed me to fully devote myself to academics.

Troy Boccelli

Wentcher Scholar

Walter Payton College Prep HS, 2014
Harvard University, 2018

Securing the Wentcher Scholarship gave me the opportunity to focus on my studies and enjoy the full breadth of my college experience without having to worry about the financial burden of higher education. Each semester, I felt supported and nurtured by the Wentcher Foundation.

Toccarra Castleman

Wentcher Scholar

Curie Metro HS, 2002
University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign, 2006

Meet Our Alumni

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