Supporting bold dreams

Meet our Wentcher Scholars

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Meet Joe

Wentcher Scholar

Maine South High School, 2017
Oakton Community College, 2019
Illinois State University, 2021

“The personal touch of the Wentcher Foundation has been an enormous motivator and self-esteem booster for me throughout college.”

Joe first attended Oakton Community College where he received the Oakton Wentcher Scholarship and will be completing his bachelor’s degree this spring at Illinois State University with support from the Oakton Wentcher Transfer Scholarship. He is very active on campus at ISU; he works as a Peer Advisor, and is a member of Phi Sigma Phi and the National Society of Leadership and Success. His bold dreams include a career in sports marketing.

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Meet Jocelyn

Wentcher Scholar

Farragut Career Academy, 2018
University of Illinois Chicago projected 2022

“School has always been my safe haven. When I realized I was able to continue that because of the Wentcher Foundation, it was life changing.”

Jocelyn is a fellow at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. She served as the University of Illinois’ Student Government Diversity and Inclusion chair, and ran a voter outreach and solidarity campaign for the 2020 election. She’s currently studying public policy with a focus on education and community. Among Jocelyn’s bold dreams, she hopes to one day become a judge.

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Meet Czar

Wentcher Scholar
Lindblom Math & Science Academy, 2019
Cornell University, 2022

"I knew that getting this [scholarship] meant that I was going into an organization that really cared about me and cared about my success."

Czar has extended his love of computer science and gaming to his studies at Cornell University. He gives back to young students through the Compass program providing computer science after school enrichment at local elementary schools

93% of Wentcher Scholars graduate from college with a degree
The average GPA of Wentcher Scholars in Spring 2020 was a 3.67
100% of CPS Wentcher Scholars Class of 2024 enrolled and successfully completed fall semester
Top 5 Career Pathways of Wentcher Scholars include Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, and Business.
Of Current Wentcher Scholars, 52% are female, 48% are male
Wentcher Scholars highlight the diversity of Chicago, Scholars identify 16% Asian, 26% Black, 32% Hispanic, 19% White, 5% two or more races and 2% Other
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Wentcher scholars represent the fullness and diversity of Chicago

Our current class of scholars attended 70 area public high schools and hail from 61 of the 77 Chicago community areas.

Wentcher Scholars come from every Chicago neighborhood and suburban high schools connected to Oakton Community College. We are intentional about increasing educational equity for high character, high-achieving students of every race and ethnicity from selective enrollment, charter, vocational, career academy, military and neighborhood public high schools. Scholars attend universities and colleges throughout the country, as well as study abroad. Our scholars are making an impact on their campuses, in their neighborhoods and in the communities where they reside following college graduation.

Blue: Chicago Public High Schools of current CPS Wentcher Scholars

Green: Suburban schools of current Oakton Wentcher Scholars

Featured Wentcher Scholar News

Lesley Mizhquiri, Wentcher Scholar Class of 2021, Dartmouth College
Is interning with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, placed with Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
Jacob Clohisy, Wentcher Scholar Class of 2021, University of Michigan
Has secured full-time employment post-graduation at Goldman Sachs.
Adam Maguire, Wentcher Scholar Class of 2022, Middlebury College
Adam interned virtually as a summer research analyst for a London based fintech startup called Vestrata and participated in the Goldman Sachs Virtual Insights program.
Emmanuel “Manny” Nodal, Wentcher Scholar Class of 2024, University of Chicago
Manny worked as a Clean Energy Advocate, an intern at Common Energy. He helps people take advantage of Community Solar Programs in Illinois.
Steven Li, Wentcher Scholar Class of 2024, Stanford University
Steven co-wrote a published book called Succeeding in the College Application Journey with four other first generation, low income students. The book is a step-by-step guide for applying for college.
Yalemzewod Enqubahry, Wentcher Scholar Class of 2021, Loyola University Chicago
Yalemzewod co-moderated a podcast in the Aspen Youth Lead Now Series, created by the Aspen Institute. The topic of the podcast was intersectional environmentalism.
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CURRENT WENTCHER SCHOLARS

CPS Scholars

First NameLast NameHSCollege
CPS 2023TehilaAbdielGeorge Westinghouse College PrepUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023ImanAdetunjiNorthside College Prep HSWashington University in St. Louis
CPS 2023Doyin-solaAjijolaVon Steuben Metropolitan Science CenterNew York University
CPS 2023AliAlotbiSimeon Career AcademyOberlin College
CPS 2023BryamAlvaradoNorthside College Prep HSPrinceton University
CPS 2023SantiagoAlvarengaIntrinsic SchoolsUniversity of Illinois Chicago
CPS 2023MadisonBarreraJones College Prep HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023EiffelBayabanChicago HS for Agricultural SciencesUniversity of Illinois Chicago
CPS 2023PaolaBeltranChicago HS for Agricultural SciencesUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023RaymondBernardoMather HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023JulianBrownWhitney Young Magnet HSGeorgetown University
CPS 2023LaurenCalvinKenwood AcademyColumbia University NY
CPS 2023AmadoCandelarioSolorio Academy HSHarvard College
CPS 2023HaleyCaoChicago HS for the ArtsColumbia University NY
CPS 2023CzarCarsonLindblom Math & Science AcademyCornell University
CPS 2023KelvinCastroSolorio Academy HSEmory University
CPS 2023JustinChenWhitney Young Magnet HSNorthwestern University
CPS 2023WendyChenWalter Payton College PrepNorthwestern University
CPS 2023AmariCraigPhoenix Military AcademyLuther College
CPS 2023SerenaEcholsMorgan Park HSSpelman College
CPS 2023AnthonyElizaldePhoenix Military AcademyNotre Dame University
CPS 2023AmyExpositoAmundsen HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023LillianGaskinChicago HS for Agricultural SciencesUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023OmarGomezNoble – ITW David Speer AcademySkidmore College
CPS 2023SalifuHabibGwendolyn Brooks College Prep AcademyUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023JackHansenLane Technical College Prep HSUniversity of Michigan – Ann Arbor
CPS 2023AlanaHernandezKennedy HSStanford University
CPS 2023AndreaHernandezPhoenix Military AcademyUniversity of Dayton
CPS 2023JacquelineHernandezBack of the Yards College Prep HSDePaul University
CPS 2023RobertoHernandez JrCurie Metropolitan HSIllinois Institute of Technology
CPS 2023TeriHillKenwood AcademyUniversity of Southern California
CPS 2023SpencerHuynhWalter Payton College PrepUniversity of Illinois Chicago
CPS 2023AtlasIllescasIntrinsic SchoolsUniversity of Michigan – Ann Arbor
CPS 2023JoshuaJohnsonLindblom Math & Science AcademyWash University in St. Louis
CPS 2023LaurenKimNorthside College Prep HSHarvard College
CPS 2023GrantKochLane Technical College Prep HSUniversity of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
CPS 2023MendyKongWalter Payton College PrepUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023PriscillaKwanWhitney Young Magnet HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023DakotaLaneWhitney Young Magnet HSLoyola University of Chicago
CPS 2023GabrielLaniewskiWhitney Young Magnet HSPrinceton University
CPS 2023JonathanLeeNorthside College Prep HSStanford University
CPS 2023AngieLiWalter Payton College PrepNorthwestern University
CPS 2023TCLittriceKing College PrepUniversity of Missouri
CPS 2023CatalinaMacLaughlinWalter Payton College PrepSyracuse University
CPS 2023AdamMaguireLindblom Math & Science AcademyMiddlebury College
CPS 2023MillieMartinezSteinmetz College PrepLoyola University of Chicago
CPS 2023TamaraMazetsWhitney Young Magnet HSFordham University
CPS 2023JadaMcDuffeyNoble – BakerUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison
CPS 2023Yi RongMeiGeorge Westinghouse College PrepGeorgetown University
CPS 2023NicoleMeimarisWhitney Young Magnet HSUniversity of Michigan
CPS 2023LlorenzMelitonNorthside College Prep HSCornell University
CPS 2023DianaMillerLindblom Math & Science AcademyUniversity of Michigan – Ann Arbor
CPS 2023JamesMulvaneyLane Technical College Prep HSNorthwestern University
CPS 2023InYoungNahNorthside College Prep HSKenyon College
CPS 2023CampbellO’ConorNorthside College Prep HSBrown University
CPS 2023MercyOladipoWhitney Young Magnet HSMassachusettes Institute of Technology
CPS 2023ElizabethPaniaguaAcero-GarciaIllinois Institute of Technology
CPS 2023NatividadPerezWhitney Young Magnet HSCarleton College
CPS 2023OliviaPfeifferJones College Prep HSGeorge Washington University
CPS 2023CadePinaltoLane Technical College Prep HSBaylor University
CPS 2023AriannaPulido-ZavalaKennedy HSFranklin & Marshall College
CPS 2023JosephRadinskyWhitney Young Magnet HSCarleton College
CPS 2023AlejandroRodriguezPhoenix Military AcademyUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023YunuenRodriguezHubbard HSIllinois Institute of Technology
CPS 2023JulieannaRuedaChicago Military Academy at BronzevilleKnox College
CPS 2023MykaSavageGwendolyn Brooks College Prep AcademyHampton University
CPS 2023RilwanShittuWhitney Young Magnet HSVanderbilt University
CPS 2023RoyalShresthaLane Technical College Prep HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023DanielSotoWalter Payton College PrepUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023EmaTakahashiWalter Payton College PrepUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023AliviaThomasLindblom Math & Science AcademyUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
CPS 2023ReynaVilladaWalter Payton College PrepStanford University
CPS 2023JonathanWellsPerspectives – IIT Math & ScienceCornell University
CPS 2023TaylorWilsonKenwood AcademyFisk University
CPS 2023JasonYuJones College Prep HSUniversity of Illinois Chicago

First NameLast NameHSCollege
MariamAjeigbeLindblom Math & Science AcademyUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
JosephineAladesuruLane Technical College Prep HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
DeenaAl-AliNorthside College Prep HSLoyola University Chicago
LauraArroyoLake View HSUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison
FelipeAssumpcaoWalter Payton College PrepUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
NataliaAwishaMather HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
OlamideBabayejuNorthside College Prep HSUniversity of Southern California
DuljoBardicVon Steuben Metropolitan Science CenterUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
ColinBelpedioChicago HS for Agricultural SciencesIllinois State Universiity
IsmaelBeltranMansueto HSColorado College
KamerynBilboAmundsen HSNorth Park University
DeshunBrittenMorgan Park HSMurray State University
RuthCabralesNoble – MuchinUniversity of Texas – Arlington
LeslyeCalvilloProsser Career AcademyDePaul University
Kent BrylleCanonigoLane Technical College Prep HSMiddlebury College
CristianCarpioWalter Payton College PrepNorthwestern University
ValentinaCastroKennedy HSUniversity of Chicago
AllisonChhayWhitney Young Magnet HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
FionaCollinsNorthside College Prep HSTufts University
SebastianCortesGeorge Westinghouse College PrepUniversity of Illinois Chicago
AmajaCraftWhitney Young Magnet HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
LorettoCroftonWhitney Young Magnet HSSchool of the Art Institute Chicago
MaxwellCurryKenwood AcademyHoward University
RobertDaultonJones College Prep HSBob Jones University
AshleyDelgadoHubbard HSMacalester College
AbabacarDiagneCurie Metropolitan HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
KhaylahDotsonNoble – Gary ComerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
BritneyDuongVon Steuben Metropolitan Science CenterUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
EwanEvansVon Steuben Metropolitan Science CenterIllinois Institute of Technology
KatarinaFleischerSteinmetz College PrepLoyola University Chicago
JeremiahGavinNoble – MuchinUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
NathanielGomesKenwood AcademyUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MayaGrantLane Technical College Prep HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
SalomeHabtemichaelSenn HSUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison
SabahatHaidariNorthside College Prep HSUniversity of Michigan – Ann Arbor
SchylerHodgenTaft HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
DamaniHoodWhitney Young Magnet HSUniversity of Southern California
JonathanHowellWalter Payton College PrepConnecticut College
KylaHubbardWhitney Young Magnet HSFlorida A&M
DavonteHudsonNoble – Chicago BullsTufts University
IsmaelIrizarryNoble – Noble StreetTrinity College
SaraJacobsWalter Payton College PrepNotre Dame University
AngelJimenezWhitney Young Magnet HSUniversity of Illinois Chicago
GeorgeKrippnerDisney II Magnet HSUniversity of Michigan – Ann Arbor
MichaelKutonLane Technical College Prep HSUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison
MaiaLeeGwendolyn Brooks College Prep AcademyCornell University
JohnneishaLeeLindblom Math & Science AcademyBowdoin College
IsabelleLemmaNorthside College Prep HSColorado State University
CierraLemottGwendolyn Brooks College Prep AcademyColumbia College Chicago
StevenLiWalter Payton College PrepStanford University
NancyLimonInfinity Math Science & Technology HSUniversity of Illinois Chicago
JacquelineLopezPhoenix Military AcademyAgnes Scott College
KaylieLopezLane Technical College Prep HSLawrence University
FernandoMarinAmundsen HSUniversity of Illinois Chicago
JadaMcClainLane Technical College Prep HSSyracuse University
AnnaMeiWalter Payton College PrepUniversity of Michigan – Ann Arbor
NeemaMorrisGwendolyn Brooks College Prep AcademyNotre Dame University
MonfayeNabineNorthside College Prep HSBoston University
EricNieto GonzalezCurie Metropolitan HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
EmmanuelNodalWhitney Young Magnet HSUniversity of Chicago
OwenOConnorKenwood AcademyUniversity of Southern California
AmalachukwuOkoyeGwendolyn Brooks College Prep AcademyLoyola University Chicago
RogelioRenteriaWhitney Young Magnet HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
GabrielleRienksChicago HS for Agricultural SciencesUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
BukolaRinolaSouth Shore International College Prep HSGeorge Washington University
AlisonRobersonGeorge Westinghouse College PrepUniversity of Michigan – Ann Arbor
ViareliRomanNoble – GolderUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
OliverRosalesSenn HSDePaul University
AaronRosario BrownIntrinsic SchoolsBradley University
MonicaSanchezLane Technical College Prep HSKnox College
OliviaSconyersLindblom Math & Science AcademyHoward University
AngelinaSergisMather HSUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison
AngelSerratoHubbard HSDePaul University
RaquelSimpsonWalter Payton College PrepHoward University
SummerSmithKenwood AcademyNew York University
ParisSomervilleWhitney Young Magnet HSSouthern Illinois University-Edwardsville
BrentonSykesGwendolyn Brooks College Prep AcademySt Olaf College
ChloeThorpeWhitney Young Magnet HSUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison
AlexaTorresCurie Metropolitan HSUniversity of Chicago
CristianTovarGeorge Westinghouse College PrepUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
KatherineVolovodovskayaLane Technical College Prep HSUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison
DwayneWilliamsLindblom Math & Science AcademyLoyola University Chicago
JillianZiccaChicago HS for Agricultural SciencesUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MarcusZinkeNorthside College Prep HSWake Forest University

First NameLast NameHSCollege
YomileighAbdiNorthside College Preparatory High SchoolUniversity of Pennsylvania
ShakiraAbualiDeVry University Advantage AcademyDePaul University
HashimAbu-ShanabPhillips Academy High SchoolUniversity of Michigan-Ann Arbor
SadrishAcharyaNorthside College Preparatory High SchoolDartmouth College
ReemAl-AliNorthside College Preparatory High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Chicago
LeslieAlvaradoHubbard High SchoolDePaul University
JorgeAnzaldoDeVry University Advantage AcademyIllinois Institute of Technology
JasmineAuyeungWalter Payton College PrepNorthwestern University
ArubaAwanVon Steuben Metropolitan Science CenterUniversity of Illinois Chicago
AsmaAwassKenwood AcademyUniversity of Illinois Chicago
JuliaBafiaKennedy High SchoolBoston University
GrevelleBladen IVChicago Tech AcademySouthern Illinois University-Carbondale
SamuelBockAmundsen High SchoolEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
NylaBowersWalter Payton College PrepCornell University
MaricelaCamargoLane Technical College Prep High SchoolConnecticut College
MiaCarbineAmundsen High SchoolUniversity of Michigan-Ann Arbor
AishaCarothersGwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory AcademyTrinity College
BaoyiChenLincoln Park High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
DavidChilchoaNoble – GolderGeorge Washington University
JullianColeAir Force Academy High SchoolHoward University
Anjonae’ColemanKenwood AcademyLoyola University Chicago
LucianaCostanzoWalter Payton College PrepAmerican University
MaeveDaleyJones College Prep High SchoolBarnard College
DavidDansoAmundsen High SchoolUniversity of Michigan-Ann Arbor
CeciliaDelgadoNoble – MuchinWashington University in St Louis
R’riyonDraineJones College Prep High SchoolCornell University
MelissaEspinosaLane Technical College Prep High SchoolDePaul University
UrielEstradaBack of the Yards College Preparatory High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Chicago
AlexisFoldsCatalyst – MariaAmerican University
KobeForbesMorgan Park High SchoolCornell University
JoseGarciaSolorio Academy High SchoolIllinois Institute of Technology
DarianGomezGeorge Westinghouse College PrepUniversity of Miami
RicardoGutierrezLincoln Park High SchoolDenison University
ChandisHamiltonCurie Metropolitan High SchoolSpelman College
SeanHaranKennedy High SchoolUniversity of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
JaneliHernandezBack of the Yards College Preparatory High SchoolLoyola University Chicago
JocelynHerreraCurie Metropolitan High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
RicardoHerreraCurie Metropolitan High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
AngelaHoWalter Payton College PrepUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
ChelseaHurtadoNorthside College Preparatory High SchoolSt Olaf College
AleksandraJacewiczJones College Prep High SchoolWesleyan University
ZainabKazmiNorthside College Preparatory High SchoolNorth Park University
GraceKimNorthside College Preparatory High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
SeanKoWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolUniversity of Michigan-Ann Arbor
JuliaKrycaLane Technical College Prep High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MegLiWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
RandyLinThomas Kelly High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
JaylenLockhartWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolMiddlebury College
AngelLopez (Juarez)Juarez Community AcademyUniversity of San Francisco
AngelLopez (Kelly)Thomas Kelly High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
JessicaMaiWalter Payton College PrepEmory University
JacquelineMartinezWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolEmory University
KaleiaMaxeyChicago High School for Agricultural SciencesPurdue University-Main Campus
AnthonyMazzoneTaft High SchoolOhio University-Main Campus
IsabelMcGuiganWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolMassachusetts Institute of Technology
AlissaMedinaRoosevelt High SchoolSoka University of America
JasperMitchellKenwood AcademyMorehouse College
EvelynMoralesChicago Math and Science AcademyUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
ImaniMuseKenwood AcademyUniversity of Alabama
CharlieNguyenLane Technical College Prep High SchoolUniversity of Minnesota-Twin Cities
GraceNwankwoLindblom Math & Science AcademyUniversity of Southern California
DamilareOlusogaGwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory AcademyIllinois State University
AngelPadillaWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolUniversity of Michigan-Ann Arbor
CassiusPalacioGwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory AcademyUniversity of Southern California
MiaPalmerLindblom Math & Science AcademyUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
DevaunnParkerLindblom Math & Science AcademyDePaul University
DhruvPatelAmundsen High SchoolUniversity of Michigan-Ann Arbor
IsraelPenaKennedy High SchoolOhio Northern University
MirandaPrieto LeonAmundsen High SchoolGeorge Washington University
EzraPruittDyett Academic CenterOberlin College
GuadalupeQuinonesNorthside College Preparatory High SchoolEmory University
AlondraQuirogaEPIC Academy Charter High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
KennediRawlsNoble – MuchinHoward University
CorissRedmondDeVry University Advantage AcademyMorehouse College
AndresRiosWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolColumbia College Chicago
EmmaRobinsonVon Steuben Metropolitan Science CenterCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
AylinRosalesGwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory AcademyIllinois State University
JangaelRosalesVon Steuben Metropolitan Science CenterConnecticut College
MarcusRussellJones College Prep High SchoolMassachusetts Institute of Technology
JovannySalinasSenn High SchoolDePaul University
KevinSerranoJones College Prep High SchoolDePaul University
AndrewShiWalter Payton College PrepUniversity of Pennsylvania
SaraiStewartLindblom Math & Science AcademyFlorida Memorial University
JakiyaSuttonFenger Academy High SchoolGovernors State University
AyodeleThomasLindblom Math & Science AcademyMorehouse College
CristinaTorresCurie Metropolitan High SchoolCornell University
JohnTurnerKenwood AcademyXavier University of Louisiana
LuisVasconezTaft High SchoolUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
BraulioVillegasNoble – MuchinUniversity of Miami
ChristopherWatsonKenwood AcademyCornell University
KristanWilliamsJohn Marshall Metropolitan High SchoolIllinois State University
BrianZhaguiVon Steuben Metropolitan Science CenterUniversity of Michigan-Ann Arbor

First NameLast NameHSCollege
DyaniAbarcaTaft HSDePaul University
Jelila AdedoyinSurakatSouth Shore International HSUniversity of Southern California
AmerAlmhtechemTaft HSUniversity of Illinois Chicago
Ailyn AmaroGonzalezCurie HS Lewis University
WajeehaAmirVon Steuben HSGeorge Washington University
Daniel AngelAndradeJones HS Columbia University
Alonda BardneySteinmetz HSUniversity of Wisconsin Madison
Keonte Bardney JR.U of Chicago Woodlawn HSNorthern Illinois University
Adrian BecerraHancock HS Marquette University
Violet BerlinJones HS University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Aspen Bilton-GregorieWhitney Young HSUniversity of Missouri
David BlackmonLindblom HSVirgina Tech
PeterBremer-FeitWhitney Young HS University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Joia FayannaBrewingtonLincoln Park HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
KennedyBrown Crane Medical HSPomona College
AlexanderCalderonWestinghouse HSUniversity of Michigan
KamrenCale Kenwood HSHoward University
GisselleCambronPosser HSLoyola University
AnyiahChase-MayfieldPayton HSHoward University
Mandy ChenPayton HS Cornell University
Fatima ChoudhreyNorthside College Prep HSDePaul University
OliviaCroftonWhitney Young HS University of Wisconsin Madison
Douglas Da SilvaKennedy HS University of Wisconsin Madison
Ndeye DiagneLindblom HS University of Southern California
OlivaDobrenkoLane Tech HS Washington University in St. Louis
Nayeli OrtegaDominguezBack of the Yards HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
AmerDzankovicVon Steuban HS University of Chicago
Adam El OrchVon Steuban HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MichaelEsquivelNoble Academy HS Colorado College
Derrick Gaddy IIICrane Medical HS University of Wisconsin Madison
Alondra GallardoPayton HS Kalamazoo College
Thitiyaphon (Sunny)GanchanWestinghouse HSUniversity of Wisconsin Madison
Alejandra Garcia DeVry HSMiddlebury College
IvanGarcia DeVry HS Loyola University
Victoria GasienicaTaft HS University of Michigan
Marlene Gonzalez Intrinsic HS University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
John GreenChicago Agricultural HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Makari Green Taft HS Loyola Marymount University
Robert D.GutierrezIntrinsic HSUniversity of Iowa
Savannh GuzmanIntrinsic HS University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
K’Leyon HamptonKenwood HSMarquette University
GwendolynHenson-MyersChicago Arts HSOregon State University
Ashley NoemiHernandezIntrinsic HSDominican University
CristianHernandezVon Steuben HSUniversity of Wisconsin Madison
Veronica HerreraRickover Military HSNorth Park University
JakiaHInesSouth Shore International HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
JohnnyHuLincoln Park HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
ZainabIbrahimVon Steuben HS DePaul University
LondynJeffersonBrooks HSVanderbilt University
Noye’eahzariJohnsonKenwood HSCornell University
Angelina JohnstonChicago Agricultural HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Abdullah IrfanKhanChicago Math & Science HSLoyola University
AliKhanMather HSHarvard College
Milton AlvieriLandaverdeNoble Academy HSIllinois State University
Edward LiLincoln HS University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Julie LopezNoble – Noble HSHarvard College
Santos MarchanMorgan Park HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Isabel MarroquinLincoln Park HSColumbia University
Joshua Lopez Martinez Clemente HS Bradley University
Evelyn MedinaNoble – Muchin HSVillanova University
Fionn L.MeehanAmundsen HS Knox College
JaniceMel Payton HS University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Miriam MelPayton HS Northwestern University
Erek MirqueNorthside College Prep HSUniversity of Michigan
Darwin MizhquiriNorthside College PrepUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Karla MorenoAmundsen HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
OliwiaMuchaNorthside College PrepUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Nghia NguyenNorthside College Prep HSIllinois Institute of Technology
Rachel NguyenPayton HSPomona College
Kehinde H.OseniSenn HSNotre Dame University
GracePenaPeyton HS Stanford University
Julia PodgorniCurie HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Yanet PulidoNoble HSUniversity of Illinois Chicago
Nancy RazoDeVry HSColumbia College Chicago
Isabela Karina AvilaRiosLane Tech HSUniversity of Chicago
Alexis D.RosalesWashington HSNew York University
MahrhoztalRosierJones HSUniversity of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ahmod SahtoutLincoln Park HS DePaul University
Justin Robert PenarandaSalasLane Tech HSLewis University
Celeste Sanchez Lindblom HSUniversity of Wisconsin Madison
AdelineSanjanaMather HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
TaylorSellers-VarelaWhitney Young HSDePaul University
AnmolSinghNorthside College PrepCornell University
Makai SingletonJones HSUniversity of Southern California
Taniya K.SingletonPayton HS Emory University
CarelSmithMorgan Park HSWestern Illinois University
DelaiahSneedLane Tech HSSpelman College
Liam SommersJones HSUniversity of Minnesota
JosephSpauldingKing HSTruman State University
John Strus Kennedy HSIllinois Institute of Technology
Kamlin SubidoDunnVon Steuben HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
AlyssaValdesKelly HSUniversity of Illinois Chicago
Michelle ValenciaHancock HSSt. Francis University
LilianaValerioPhoenix Military HSUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Rogelio VazquezHubbard HSBradley University
Cecil WhiteGoode HSLoyola Marymount University
Sophie XieWhitney Young HSUniversity of California Berkeley
KaixinXueLincoln Park HSUniversity of Michigan
Oliva YbarraTaft HSUniversity of Wisconsin Whitewater

First NameLast NameHSCollege
AyeshaAbdielWestinghouse High SchoolCornell University
JaylinAguilarMuchin College PrepLewis University
PeterAlbuWalter Payton College Preparatory High SchoolFlorida State University
GabrielleAnchondoLindblom Math and Science AcademyMiddlebury College
KibitoAriyoshiSenn High SchoolSchool of the Art Institute of Chicago
ChristopherArzuagaSchurz High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
IlderinaAstafaVon Steuben Metropolitan Science CenterDePaul University
LailaBahenaSteinmetz College PrepDominican University
NorionBallardHyde Park Academy High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
DejiahBeattyKenwood Academy High SchoolUniversity of Michigan
EliseBorelliLane Tech College Prep High SchoolPennsylvania State University
MandyBuNorthside College PrepNorthwestern University
FaithBuggsJones College PrepUniversity of Southern California
CourtneyBurressKenwood Academy High SchoolColumbia University
EarnestCarverJohn Hancock College Preparatory High SchoolUniversity of Notre Dame
JennyChenBack of the Yards College Preparatory High SchoolUniversity of Michigan
HaozhiChenThomas Kelly College PrepUniversity of Michigan
DevonClearyChicago High School for Agricultural SciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
JaceCooperLindblom Math and Science AcademyMorehouse College
MohammedDanialAmundsen High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
ChynaDotsonKenwood Academy High SchoolHoward University
JaleelDrones-AkinsKenwood Academy High SchoolUniversity of Michigan
ClementDunnWalter Payton College Preparatory High SchoolNorthwestern University
MadelynFelicianoWilliam Howard Taft High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
DeisyFloresWestinghouse High SchoolThe University of Chicago
JazminGarciaProsser Career AcademyLoyola University
FaithGayOgden International School of ChicagoUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
MatthewGomezLane Tech College Prep High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
AmaranthaGonzalezMuchin College PrepUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
LuisGonzalezCarver Military AcademyDePaul University
KaylaGriffinGwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory AcademySpelman College
JordanHartAdvantage Academy of DeVry UniversityUniversity of Wisconsin
JeninHattabWilliam Howard Taft High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
YitianHuangThe Noble AcademyUniversity of Michigan
LeoHuang SuMuchin College PrepUniversity of Michigan
ChidinmaIkeRichard T. Crane Medical PrepMiddlebury College
CarmenJacoboLincoln Park High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
AaronJohnsonKenwood Academy High SchoolUniversity of Wisconsin
AaronJuarezSchurz High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
LinaKhattabiWilliam Howard Taft High SchoolUniversity of Michigan
SonyaKoWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolUniversity of Michigan
DamianosKoliarakis-BridgesWalter Payton College Preparatory High SchoolNorthwestern University
AffanLeebeNorthside College PrepUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
JaciannaLendorKenwood Academy High SchoolLewis University
JosieLiLincoln Park High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
WilhelmLordHyde Park Academy High SchoolBall State University
AshleyMartinezJohn F. Kennedy High SchoolKenyon College
ElizabethMartinezSarah E. Goode STEM AcademyLoyola University
MayaMartinezWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolThe University of Chicago
SydneyMathisSenn High SchoolHoward University
MaximillianMatthesLane Tech College Prep High SchoolUniversity of Southern California
CarltonMcDanielsWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
LuisMirandaLane Tech College Prep High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
AlexanderMoranPritzker College PrepUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
KristinaMuharremajVon Steuben Metropolitan Science CenterUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
DennisNailerChicago Bulls College PrepUniversity of Michigan
LeynaNguyenNorthside College PrepUniversity of Michigan
EvelynNunezWestinghouse High SchoolDuke University
HenryNwankwoLindblom Math and Science AcademyNorth Carolina A&T University
GizelleOjeda-EricksenRauner College PrepRenssalaer Polytechnic Institute
AnayaOkonmahRichard T. Crane Medical PrepHoward University
ChaniyaO’NealLindblom Math and Science AcademyNorth Carolina A&T University
ZaidOrdunoSarah E. Goode STEM AcademyIllinois Institute of Technology
SamanthaPantaleoWilliam Howard Taft High SchoolSaint Louis University
IlianaPerezNorthside College PrepUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
JaydenReddinsKenwood Academy High SchoolMorehouse College
CalebRedicLindblom Math and Science AcademyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
AndreRodriguezMuchin College PrepUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
YousraSadiqLane Tech College Prep High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
MumtazSajwaniMather High SchoolLoyola University
EnriqueSanchezAdvantage Academy of DeVry UniversityDePaul University
XimenaSanchezSolorio Academy High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
GavinShanholtzer-MooreLindblom Math and Science AcademyMichigan Technicological University
SimeonSheddSenn High SchoolWheaton College
JohnsonShouWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolBrown University
JoshuaSkeltonKenwood Academy High SchoolUniversity of Southern California
MelvinSlaterLindblom Math and Science AcademyHoward University
JaiSpicerLindblom Math and Science AcademyTuskegee University
ItalyStachesDaniel Hale Williams Preparatory School of MedicineSouthern Illinois University-Edwardsville
ThomasSzyszkaLane Tech College Prep High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
GerardoTorresRauner College PrepLycoming College
MagdalenaTrzupekNorthside College PrepUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
ZaynabVahoraLane Tech College Prep High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
StephanieVegaNoble Street High SchoolThe University of Chicago
AlejandroVilchezSchurz High SchoolDePaul University
EdgarVilchezIntrinsic High SchoolCornell University
ChelseyWalletWestinghouse High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
CharlotteWeissmanLane Tech College Prep High SchoolEmerson College
ElmerYamWestinghouse High SchoolUniversity of Michigan
MuhammadZeshanNorthside College PrepUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
YasmineZmali-MeftahWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolLoyola University
YongyanZouWestinghouse High SchoolUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

OAKTON SCHOLARS/ OAKTON TRANSFER SCHOLARS

First NameLast NameHSCollege
MichaelAbreganaMaine Township High School EastOakton College
AlexanderBadiolaGlenbrook South High SchoolOakton College
AdielDetoitoMaine Township High School EastOakton College
SophiaLaCoppolaMaine South High SchoolOakton College
AntonioMercadoNiles North High SchoolOakton College
IshikaPatelMaine Township High School EastOakton College
JillSchnabelMaine West High SchoolOakton College
JustinSienesGlenbrook South High SchoolOakton College
ClareStangelThe Willows AcademyOakton College
KatherineSzczepanskiMaine Township High School EastOakton College
TeeradaThiaGlenbrook South High SchoolOakton College
MadelynYatvinMaine South High SchoolOakton College

First NameLast NameHSCollege
MichelleCartagenaGlenbrook South HSOakton College
Richard J.Czajka IIIOakton CollegeLake Forest College
HafasaAnsariNiles North HSOakton College
Kamil TadeuszCzarnikMaine West HSOakton College
Joyselyn OdjmerHerreraMaine East HSOakton College
Grace HansonMaine West HSOakton College
BansariBodiwalaMaine East HSOakton College
JohnFuleaOakton CollegeUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Julia SalabajOakton CollegeUniversity of Wyoming
ParthviRanaOakton CollegeUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Kristina ScavelliOakton CollegeElmhurst University
Ayann SiddiqiNiles West HSOakton College
ChristopherSmoronGlenbrook South HSOakton College
Sheba Elizabeth ThomasMaine East HSOakton College
Krystal TiffanyViolaGlenbrook North HSOakton College

First NameLast NameHSCollege
AzraMusicMaine West High SchoolOakton College
CelesteRamirezNiles North High SchoolOakton College
DavidJimenezMaine West High SchoolOakton College
EleanorCassataWillows AcademyOakton College
EmmaWeitzelMaine South High SchoolOakton College
JessicaDe La RoseMaine East High SchoolOakton College
JonlloydSienesGlenbrook South High SchoolOakton College
MariaVallipparampilGlenbrook South High SchoolOakton College
PatelNoorbiMaine South High SchoolOakton College
IshikaPatelOakton College
AlexanderBadiolaOakton College
AntonioMercadoOakton College
MichaelAbreganaOakton College

Meet our Scholars class of 2027

WENTCHER SCHOLAR SUPPORT

The Wentcher Foundation’s programs offer support to scholars to help them thrive through college.

In addition to the financial award, the Wentcher Foundation offers hands-on guidance and resources for social, emotional and academic support, such as digital tutoring and access to online personal support. 


The Wentcher Foundation has focused career development efforts in assisting its scholars to secure paid summer internship opportunities in the Chicago area to build up both our scholars’ skills and experience, but also to ensure their diverse talent is reinvested in their home community.