Largest Class of Scholars Begins Posse Journey

In January, Posse Chicago honored 121 young leaders who collectively won $21.4 million in leadership scholarships from 12 top-tier colleges and universities. This was the largest class of Scholars ever chosen from Posse Chicago.

The new Scholars were selected from 2,873 students nominated by 100 percent of Chicago public high schools and more than 100 community-based organizations. Among these new Scholars is Chicago’s first STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Posse. Seven young women and three young men will pursue their passion for the sciences at the University of Michigan, with access to mentors, research opportunities, summer internships—and the support of their Posse.

Posse alumni Kareem Edwards, a graduate of DePauw University, and Anthony Sis, a graduate of Connecticut College, offered advice to the new Scholars about how to succeed on campus and to remember to accept support from their Posse.

“The power of Posse is real, and the organization and those sitting beside you are here for you,” said Kareem. “Lean on them and grow together.”

More than 800 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 two Awards Ceremonies.

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.