Excellence in Education
College Access & Success Program
Overview
The program aims to support students to and through college to realize their full potential and positively impact their communities.
​
ELIGIBILITY
A student must meet all of the following criteria:
-
A rising high school senior with a minimum 2.7 cumulative high school GPA
-
A resident of Chicago
-
Be a first-generation college student, defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not earned a bachelor’s degree (four-year degree) in the United States or abroad
-
Live in a household that meets Ad Astra Scholars income income eligibility
-
Interested in applying to a degree program at an accredited four-year college or university
-
Commit to continuous completion of all program requirements
​​
WHAT WE DO
-
Provide educational scholarships of up to $3,000 per year to help cover college expenses
-
Offer academic and social support throughout college from experienced experts
-
Connect students with professional mentors who guide and support their growth
​​
REQUIREMENTS
-
Participate in two scheduled virtual meetings and complete minimum six program hours from various virtual options each year based on your preferences.
​
DEADLINE
-
Submit Interest Form by April 30, 2026​
​
Financial Assistance
​
The scholarship provides up to $3,000 per year to support continued enrollment in college or university. One half of the award is disbursed in the Fall semester and the remaining half is disbursed in the Spring semester. Funds are released upon proof of enrollment and may be applied toward tuition, books, lab fees, and other educational expenses approved by Ad Astra.
​
The scholarship is awarded for up to four (4) years and may be extended on a year-by-year basis upon written request from the student, depending on individual circumstances.
We Support With:​​​​​​
We provide comprehensive college access and success support designed to ensure students not only get into college — but thrive and graduate.
​
Need-Based Scholarships
We award renewable scholarships of up to $3,000 per year to help cover tuition, books, fees, and other approved college-related expenses.
​
Personalized College Success Plans
Every scholar receives a customized success plan based on their academic profile, career interests, personal goals, and aspirations. Our team works closely with each student to:
-
Build a strategic, personalized college list
-
Navigate the college application process step by step
-
Complete FAFSA, financial aid, and scholarship applications
​
Ongoing Academic & Personal Support
Students receive continuous academic, social, and personal development support from experienced education professionals throughout high school and college.
​
Professional Mentorship
Each scholar is paired with a dedicated professional mentor who provides individualized guidance, encouragement, and career exposure to help students build confidence and long-term success.
​
Holistic College Access & Success Support
We offer wraparound support to help students navigate every stage of the college journey — from access and transition to persistence and graduation — ensuring no student walks the path alone.
Chicago College Program Board
Our Chicago College Program Board is made up of dedicated leaders representing a broad range of fields across the Chicago area. Each board member brings a unique blend of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. Together, we share a common mission: to empower students as they transition from high school to college and beyond—helping them build the foundation for successful and fulfilling careers.
