The WSC Scholars Program was created to help student-athletes prepare for and succeed in college.
Up to 50 high school juniors who are student-athletes are selected each year to participate in a year-long Chicago Scholars mentoring program. The program provides intensive support for students to find success throughout their entire college application and financial aid process beginning second semester of their junior year and continuing throughout senior year.
WSC Scholars will also be eligible to compete for one of ten renewable college financial scholarships worth up to $5,000 annually ($20,000 total), supported by World Sport Chicago and Chicago donors.
Through the WSC Scholars Program, World Sport Chicago has helped students from throughout Chicago over a wide range of sports. The program has made it possible for students to reach beyond their expectations and gain admittance to outstanding colleges and premier universities; some of these students are the first in their families to attend college.
Questions can be directed to wscscholars@worldsportchicago.org or (312) 861-4946.
Eligibility for the WSC Scholars Program
Eligible student-athletes may apply during their junior year of high school. Eligible students must:
- Live in Chicago
- Attend a Chicago public, public charter, private or parochial school
- Participate or have participated in an eligible summer Olympic or Paralympic sport for two seasons or more in the past three years
Athletes of all levels are encouraged to submit applications; this is not a program exclusively for elite athletes.
Commitment to the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect on the playing field, in school and in the community will be considered during the evaluation process.
Have additional questions? Download answers to frequently asked questions.
WSC Mentors
All WSC Scholars are grouped with adult mentors and, together, they attend a series of workshops over 13 months. The workshops guide the WSC Scholars through the college application process with the mentors at their sides, providing input based on their own college experience.
Learn more about roles and expectations of mentors and how to apply to mentor an upcoming class of WSC Scholars.
WSC Scholar Duties
As part of the WSC Scholars Program, the students must complete Scholar Duties to be eligible for the financial aid scholarship supported by World Sport Chicago and Chicago donors. Scholar Duties may be fulfilled by:
- Volunteering at a World Sport Chicago event or with one of our community partners, or
- Scholar presentations at schools, parks or after-school programs on the benefits of sport and the importance of education.
Download this informational flyer and have a WSC Scholar visit your school, sports club or community group.
Current WSC Scholars completing their Scholar Duties must submit the  completion form and have it signed by the host organization.
