How to Apply

Scholars must live or attend a high school within the neighborhood limits of Austin in Chicago. Boundaries are Austin Blvd to the west, Metra tracks to the North, freight tracks to the East, and Roosevelt Road to the South.

The Class of 2025 application was open Monday, Feb. 3 until Friday, April 18 (extended to Monday, April 21, if needed).

Who can apply?

In order to qualify, a graduating CPS senior must attend a high school and/or live in the Austin Community (portions of 60639, 60644, 60651- see map to the left), have strong academic achievement, necessary financial need, and be accepted to a two-year or four-year college or university degree program.

2025 Application Process

The 2025 application opens on Monday, February 3. We will also reach out to 160 CPS school counselors, college coaches, and other staff at all Austin and neighboring CPS high schools. Please email us with any questions.

Class of 2025 Applications Opened on Monday, February 3

Completed applications include:

Academic transcript (merit)
Honors and awards
Financial needs
Any current or potential scholarships/awards
Extracurricular activities
Two Letters of recommendation (may be sent directly to us by recommender)
College acceptance letter
Typed answer to, "What do you hope to accomplish in life with your college education?"

Applications Closed on Friday, April 18 (extended to April 21, if needed)

Applicants meeting Scholars Committee application standards attend one personal interview with members of the committee at Third Unitarian Church.

Class of 2025 Interview Weekend from April 25 to April 27. Applicants will sign up for a 20-minute slot during the following windows:

April 25 from 4 to 6pm
April 26 from 10am to 12pm
April 27 from 1:40 to 4:20pm

Class of 2025 Scholars selected and notified by Wednesday, April 30 with invitation to required Scholars Sunday ceremony

Students chosen to receive awards must attend the Sunday Awards Ceremony held on May 18th, 2025.

The ceremony becomes our church service from 11:30 to 1:00 on that Sunday with special speakers and a lunch reception following. Otherwise, if a hardship, a student must request a make-up date to receive their award a following Sunday.

Example High Schools

Some high schools attended by past Austin Scholar awardees:

Note: CPS seniors attending a high school outside of Austin must live in Austin to qualify.

Al Raby
Austin
Crane
Collins
Douglass
Foreman
Kelvyn Park
Lane Tech
Marshall

Michele Clark
North-Grand
Prosser
Roberto Clemente
Social Justice
Steinmetz
Wells
Westinghouse
Whitney Young

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