WSC Scholars Have a Busy Summer
By Paul Slomski, WSC Contributor
Last Fall, 56 student athletes were selected as World Sport Chicago (WSC) Scholars; all winners play an Olympic sport and demonstrated a high level of commitment to athletics, academics and Olympic values. This summer they have been keeping busy competing in their respective sports, sharing their message with the youth of Chicago and preparing for life after high school.
Mark Burckel is a basketball scholar from Northtown Academy. His parents, Jim and Elinor, were thrilled when their son was selected: “the WSC Scholar program is an opportunity for student athletes to grow as a person on their path to college. We hope Mark gets to meet new friends, to gain confidence, and learn leadership skills. Mark’s aspirations are to attend a larger university and major in athletic training.”
As a WSC Scholar each student athlete must earn “credits” this summer by volunteering, giving presentations and sports demonstrations to various youth groups throughout Chicago and sharing their personal message of the importance of athletics and academics. Scholars have volunteered at various WSC summer events as well, including Mayor Daley’s Track Meets, the WSC Taste of Chicago Sports Demonstration tent and the 2010 CoverGirl Classic at UIC. World Sport Chicago works hard year-round to expose kids to Olympic sports. WSC Scholars are excellent ambassadors; they strive to help spread the word that a new sport that many kids may have never tried is available to them and that combined with hard work in the classroom, sport can provide them with tremendous opportunities.
WSC Scholars are also taking advantage of other program benefits, all in an effort to help them select and apply for the right college based on their interests and abilities. Kaplan Test Prep is providing all 56 Scholars with free on-line ACT test preparation and tutoring, that allows them to work through the course on their own and interact with live tutors when needed.
Additionally, Chicago Scholars Foundation is providing mentors and programming to help the scholars through the college selection and application process. All the mentors are young professionals in the city that have gone through the process before and can provide their unique perspectives. Rob Silver was a Chicago 2016 volunteer and part of the Next Generation Leadership Council that helped review WSC Scholar applicants. He agreed to become a mentor and has met with his six scholars a number of times over the summer through structured WSC programming that provides for breakout sessions where they can interact informally and ask questions. “I remember my college application process, it wasn’t too long ago, so we talk about their concerns and I offer my advice - it has been great so far,” said Silver. Next up for his group will be a get-together in August where he can get outside with his group and interact with them and continue to build camaraderie.
The WSC website provides a complete list of 2010 WSC Scholars, including bio’s and links to the latest news and accomplishments on a number of the Scholars. This Fall, all 56 Scholars will interview with a selection committee and compete for 16 renewable college scholarships of $10,000 per year, supported by the MacArthur Foundation. Winners will be able to apply the money to tuition, room and board at any 4-year accredited institution.
On August 1, 2010, WSC will post application guidelines and timelines for the next round of Scholars. High school juniors who live and attend school (public, private/ parochial or home school) in Chicago, maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. and have played one of 29 approved Olympic/Paralympic sports for at least two seasons of the last three years are eligible to apply. Athletes of all levels are encouraged to apply and complete a rigorous application process that will include essays and recommendations to demonstrate their commitment to Olympic values of Respect, Excellence and Friendship on the playing field, in the classroom and throughout their community. For more, visit http://www.wscscholars.org.