Wentcher Scholars Class of 2021
Wentcher Scholarship
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Are you a high school senior interested in applying for the 2026 cycle?
Sign up here to be notified when the 2026 Wentcher Scholarship application opens on December 15, 2025.
When you sign up for our interest list you will receive updates, reminders, and tips to prepare for your Wentcher Scholarship application.
Are you a counselor or educator?
Join our educator mailing list to receive important updates about the Wentcher Scholarship, including eligibility information, nomination deadlines, and outreach materials to share with your students.
Today, we have over 1000 current Wentcher Scholars who are already changing the world. Are you ready to become one of them?
When you become a Wentcher Scholar, you receive a scholarship award of up to $10,000 a year, renewable for four years of undergraduate support plus:
-
The flexibility to attend any eligible U.S.
college as well as for-credit study abroad
programs of your choice.
- Hands-on guidance and resources for social, emotional and academic support.
-
A professional network of other scholars and alumni who are also high-achieving, high-character individuals.
Criteria to apply
The Wentcher Foundation identifies students nearing graduation from Chicago Public Schools who exemplify academic excellence, high character, and demonstrate financial need.
Chicago public schools senior
Open to Chicago Public Schools seniors graduating in June of each year.
High character
Students who have demonstrated high character and leadership at home, at school, or in their communities are encouraged to apply. Wentcher scholars often share the traits of being emotionally resilient and genuine. They are team players and leaders.
Academic excellence
The Wentcher Foundation requires a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are no longer a requirement.
Financial need
Scholars must be eligible to apply for federal financial aid (US Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, or Eligible Non-Citizens). If you are not sure about your eligibility status, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
How to apply
Our 2025 application is now closed, but the 2026 Wentcher Scholarship application will open on December 15, 2025 and close on February 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM (CST).
To apply to the Wentcher Scholarship, click below. This will redirect you to the Wentcher Foundation application management platform, where you can create an account, complete your application, and submit all required materials before the deadline.
Wentcher Scholarship Application Checklist
- Complete Student Profile
- Complete Academic Information Section
- Complete Activities and Achievement Section
- Complete Two Short Response Essays
- Request a Letter of Recommendation
- Request Official Transcripts
- Complete FAFSA and Upload FAFSA Submission Summary
-
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Promptly notify your recommenders and counselors to secure timely submission of their documents.
FAQs
Applications are assessed between February and April. Finalist applicants will receive notifications and invitations to interview with our Scholar Selection Committee. Newly chosen scholars will be informed of their awards prior to May 1, which is National Decision Day.
Applicants are required to submit their FAFSA Submission Summary (formally known as the Student Aid Report), for the 2025-2026 academic year. The student’s Student Aid Index is taken into account along with any recent household changes that have impacted the family’s finances and may not be reflected in the applicant’s FAFSA Summary.
Additionally, Wentcher Scholar Finalists must submit financial aid award letters from their top college choices.
This is to ensure a comprehensive overview of each applicant’s financial need.
Wentcher scholarships can be applied toward tuition at any accredited, not-for-profit college or university in the United States that is eligible for Title IV federal student aid. Scholarship recipients have the freedom to choose any major offered by their selected institution.
The Wentcher Foundation staff can provide guidance on the application process and answer general questions about submitting your materials. However, they are unable to help with filling out your application or with the content of your application.
Each applicant will need to complete a Wentcher Scholarship Application including:
- Two Short Answer Essays
- Official Transcripts
- A Letter of Recommendation
- A 2025-2026 FAFSA Submission Summary