Wentcher Scholars Class of 2021
The CPS Wentcher Scholarship application opens Monday, December 13th 2022 &
deadline is Monday, February 6th, 2023
Today, we have over 900 current and alumni 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:
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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.
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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 (CPS) who exemplify academic excellence, high character, and demonstrate financial need.
Chicago public schools senior
Open to Chicago Public Schools seniors graduating June 2023.
Academic excellence
The Wentcher Foundation requires a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are not required.
Financial need
Scholars must be eligible to apply for federal financial aid (US Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, or Five Side Eligible Non-Citizens). If you are not sure about your eligibility status, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
High character
Students 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.
Oakton Wentcher scholars
The Wentcher Foundation awards up to 10 scholarships a year to high-achieving students who enroll at Oakton Community College.
Oakton Wentcher Scholars are eligible for up to $3,500 a year for two years plus an opportunity for a two-year transfer scholarship to help complete a Bachelor’s degree. For more information on the Oakton Wentcher Scholarship program, click here.
Chicago Public Schools
APPLICATION TIMELINE
CPS Wentcher Scholarship Opens
CPS Wentcher Scholarship
Deadline (at 12:00pm noon Central)
Finalists notified and invited to Interview
Interviews held via Zoom
New scholars notified of awards
How to apply
The Wentcher Foundation hosts the CPS Wentcher Scholarship application on CommunityForce. By clicking the Start Your 2023 Application link you will be redirected to their page to complete and submit your application.
The CPS Wentcher Scholarship application opens December 13th 2022 and the deadline to complete the application is February 6th, 2023 at 12pm Noon Central Standard Time.
CPS Application Checklist
- Enter personal information
- Enter academic information
- Request a transcript and one letter of recommendation through the application system
- Enter activities and achievements
- Submit answers to short-response questions. You have the option to submit any original work
- Submit your Student Aid Report (SAR) of the FAFSA
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REMINDER: Please allow enough time for your recommender and counselor to submit their materials on time.
FAQs
Applications are reviewed between February and March. Applicants selected as finalists will be notified at the beginning of April and invited to interview with members of our selection committee over Zoom in mid-late April. New scholars will be notified of their awards by early May, before national decision date, if possible.
Applicants must submit a copy of their Student Aid Report (SAR), following their completion of the FAFSA for the 2023-2024 academic year. The student’s EFC is taken into account along with any recent household changes that have impacted the families finances and may not be reflected in the applicant’s Student Aid Report.
For finalists, the Foundation also requests you provide financial aid award letters from your selected institution so that we will have a full understanding of your financial circumstances including how much grant aid you are receiving from federal, state, and other sources.
CPS Wentcher scholarships may be used at any accredited, not-for-profit, Title IV eligible college or university of the student’s choice within the United States.
Scholars may select the major of their choice within that institution.
Wentcher Foundation staff are available to support general inquiries around the application and how to submit your materials. Wentcher Foundation staff cannot assist you in completion of your application or its contents.
The majority of the application can be completed by the student entering their information into the CommunityForce online application system, however several attachments are required. These include your High School transcript, a letter of recommendation, and Student Aid Report.