Excellence in Education
Ad Astra Scholars Chicago
Overview
Our focus is to achieve educational equity and to support students from low-income backgrounds to and through college to realize their full potential and positively impact their communities.
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WHO WE SUPPORT
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A resident of Chicago
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First in family to college
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From low-income backgrounds
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HOW WE'RE DIFFERENT
We believe in the potential of all students.​
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Students receive personalized one-on-one guidance from Ad Astra fellows
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Wraparound support starting junior year of high school and continue throughout college
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Provide educational stipends and financial aid management
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Near-peer mentors to support students
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WHAT WE DO
Support to, through, and beyond college
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Foster a college-going culture
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Support students to and through 2- and 4-year college pathways
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Assist with college and financial aid applications
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Provide educational stipends and financial aid management
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Mentor throughout the college success journey
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Provide career and graduate school readiness and support
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HOW WE DO IT
Equity-focused, student-centered, and strength-based
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Near-peer coaching
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Embedded on campuses and virtually
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Community, high school, and post-secondary partnerships
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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 right on campus, and attend financial aid and college readiness workshops and events all year.​
Programs
COLLEGE PROGRAM
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From day one to graduation day, program participants may receive one-to-one support from our trained Fellows, who provide connection to resources and ongoing mentorship both on and off campus during your entire college journey. ​
Our Fellows provide office hours and support on campus at our partner schools or virtually. Our campus teams also partner with existing student services (such as on-campus learning communities, academic counselors, and financial aid and transfer departments) to create a pipeline of support for students.
