Wentcher Scholars Class of 2021
Our 2025 application is now closed.
Applicants should monitor their email for updates over the coming weeks.
Chicago Public Schools
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Today, we have over 1000 current Wentcher Scholars who are already changing the world. Are you ready to become one of them?
When you become a Wentcher Scholar, you receive a scholarship award of up to $10,000 a year, renewable for four years of undergraduate support plus:
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The flexibility to attend any eligible U.S.
college as well as for-credit study abroad
programs of your choice.
- Hands-on guidance and resources for social, emotional and academic support.
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A professional network of other scholars and alumni who are also high-achieving, high-character individuals.
Criteria to apply
The Wentcher Foundation identifies students nearing graduation from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) who exemplify academic excellence, high character, and demonstrate financial need.
Chicago public schools senior
Open to Chicago Public Schools seniors graduating in June of each year.
Academic excellence
The Wentcher Foundation requires a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are no longer a requirement.
Financial need
Scholars must be eligible to apply for federal financial aid (US Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, or Eligible Non-Citizens). If you are not sure about your eligibility status, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
High character
Students who have demonstrated high character and leadership at home, at school, or in their communities are encouraged to apply. Wentcher scholars often share the traits of being emotionally resilient and genuine. They are team players and leaders.
Oakton Wentcher scholars
The Wentcher Board of Directors decided to sunset the Oakton Program starting starting in the Spring of 2025. While this chapter of our history is closing, our commitment to our scholars long-term success remains steadfast.
What prompted this decision?
The Wentcher Foundation Board and staff dedicated time over the past year to reflecting on our mission and vision for our programs. Those conversations led to a reaffirmation of our deep commitment to stewarding Ernie Wentcher’s legacy and a decision to focus our limited resources on supporting Wentcher Scholars from the City of Chicago.
How many Oakton Scholars have been part of the program since inception?
We are immensely proud of all of our Oakton Wentcher alumni over the last two decades as living tributes to Ernie’s legacy. The Wentcher Foundation has invested over $1,000,000 in funding to 210 scholars to attend Oakton College over two decades. Moreover, 97 of our Oakton Wentcher Scholars have successfully transferred to a 4-year college and earned their bachelor’s degree. Our Oakton Scholars’ depth of character, resilience, and excellence reflect the best of the Wentcher Scholar community, and we are honored to have been part of their educational journey.
How to apply
To apply for the CPS Wentcher Scholarship, click on the “Start Your 2024 Application” link. This will redirect you to the Wentcher Foundation’s application management platform, where you can complete and submit your application.
Our 2025 application is now closed.
CPS Wentcher Scholarship Application Checklist
- Complete Student Profile
- Complete Academic Information Section
- Complete Activities and Achievement Section
- Complete Two Short Response Essays
- Request a Letter of Recommendation
- Request Official Transcripts
- Complete FAFSA and Upload FAFSA Submission Summary
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IMPORTANT REMINDER: Promptly notify your recommenders and counselors to secure timely submission of their documents.
FAQs
Applications are assessed between February and April. Finalist applicants will receive notifications and invitations to interview with our Scholar Selection Committee. Newly chosen scholars will be informed of their awards prior to May 1, which is National Decision Day.
Applicants are required to submit their FAFSA Submission Summary (formally known as the Student Aid Report), for the 2025-2026 academic year. The student’s Student Aid Index is taken into account along with any recent household changes that have impacted the family’s finances and may not be reflected in the applicant’s FAFSA Summary.
Additionally, Wentcher Scholar Finalists must submit financial aid award letters from their top college choices.
This is to ensure a comprehensive overview of each applicant’s financial need.
CPS Wentcher scholarships can be applied toward tuition at any accredited, not-for-profit college or university in the United States that is eligible for Title IV federal student aid. Scholarship recipients have the freedom to choose any major offered by their selected institution.
The Wentcher Foundation staff can provide guidance on the application process and answer general questions about submitting your materials. However, they are unable to help with filling out your application or with the content of your application.
Each applicant will need to complete a CPS Wentcher Scholarship Application including:
- Two Short Answer Essays
- Official Transcripts
- A Letter of Recommendation
- A 2025-2026 FAFSA Submission Summary