Excellence in Education
College Access
High School Program
We are dedicated to helping high school students from low-income backgrounds get to college, whether you enroll at a four-year university or community college. Students at our partner schools can receive support from Fellows on campus or virtually, and attend financial aid and college readiness workshops and events all year.
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Our High School Program for high school students starts with the Ad Astra Scholars College Summit 2025, which kicks off with an amazing college immersion program in the summer before your high school senior year. We then provide you with informational, action-oriented workshops to help you learn about your college options, apply for free financial aid and the Ad Astra scholarship, apply to colleges, and more. We also provide broad college readiness support all senior year.
Our Fellows Support With:
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Building list of colleges
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Supporting your transition to college
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College pathway exploration
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Submitting college applications timely
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Financial aid
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Workshops, such as Financial Aid Submit Process, Understanding Your Financial Aid Offer Letter, and Money Matters
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Identifying and applying for scholarships
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“Transition to College” programs to help you feel prepared to start your first fall in college/university!
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After-school and virtual events & family spaces
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Personal statement and college essay
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Coordinating campus tours
What is Ad Astra Scholars College Summit 2025?
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The Ad Astra Scholars College Summit is a summer college success program that focuses on supporting rising high school seniors to prepare for their senior year and post-secondary education through an in-person event filled with engaging workshops and fun activities. We firmly believe in helping students reach their full potential regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, documentation status, or socioeconomic background.
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The College Summit will help:
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Gain insight into why post secondary education is an option for you
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Explore your path to post-secondary education (CTE, Community College, Transfer, 4-year)
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Find out the importance of financial aid
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Learn how Ad Astra Scholars can support you throughout your college journey!
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Create a plan for your senior year
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And much more!
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Over the summer you will have the opportunity to participate in the Summit! This FREE one-day in-person summer event will have engaging workshops, a college tour, fun activities, plus free transportation!
Program Eligibility​
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A rising high school senior with at least a 2.5 high school GPA​
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A resident of Chicago​
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In the first generation of your family to earn a Bachelor's degree AND live in a household that meets Ad Astra Scholars income eligibility.​
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Interested in applying to a degree program at two/four-year colleges.
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Continuous completion of the program requirements
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View Eligibility Criteria
Financial Assistance
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Financial assistance is provided for scholars who have completed all High School program requirements and commit to participating in the College Success program after high school graduation. The financial assistance offers up to $3,000 per year of continued college/university enrollment and College Success program participation.
Get Involved In Our High School Program
​​Are you a high school junior in one of our partner schools who is interested in learning more about your college options, how to get free financial aid, and more?
Submit an interest form to learn more and get involved in our Ad Astra Scholars High School program!
