111 Young Leaders from Chicago Earn Posse Scholarships

In January, Posse Chicago honored 111 young leaders who will attend college next fall as Posse Scholars. Nearly 500 guests, including family, friends, school counselors, current Posse Scholars and alumni, as well as advisory board and leadership council members, celebrated these students and their accomplishments at the Chase Auditorium during Awards Ceremonies sponsored by Kraft Foods Group.

The new Scholars were selected from more than 2,500 students nominated by 100 percent of Chicago public high schools and 113 community-based organizations. Barbara Byrd-Bennett, the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, and Dr. Timothy Knowles, the chairman of the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute, addressed the new Scholars who collectively won more than $19 million in leadership scholarships to 11 top-tier colleges and universities across the country.

“As Posse Scholars you have already distinguished yourselves in so many ways,” said Barbara Byrd-Bennett. “You are the leaders in your school communities. You are dedicated to community service, you excel in the classroom, you work hard and your persistence, grit and unwavering commitment to your education have led you here. You are now positioned for success in college, your career and life.”

Since 2000, more than 1,100 Scholars from Chicago have been awarded an incredible $144 million in four-year full tuition leadership scholarships from Posse Chicago’s college and university partners.