Wentcher Foundation

The Wentcher Foundation is the scholarship organization that creates equitable opportunities for high character, high-achieving Chicago-area students to earn a college degree and go on to positively impact their communities. Built on the legacy of Ernest “Ernie” Wentcher and his vision for empowering high-character individuals, the Wentcher Foundation supports its scholars to and through college and prepares them for success following graduation by: - Awarding generous, renewable scholarships to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Oakton Community College students; - Offering hands-on support during college; and - Building a community of student and alumni leaders who are making a positive impact. Beginning with ten scholarship awards in 2002, the Wentcher Foundation has grown dramatically to become one of Chicago's largest scholarship organizations boasting over 1000 alumni from its three programs. Scholars are selected based on their academic excellence, financial need, and depth of character. 105 new scholarships were awarded this past year, reflecting a 4-year commitment of $3.7 million in funding over the next four years and bringing the Foundation’s total scholarship funding to more than $23 million since inception. Approximately 90% of incoming scholars identify as a student of color and more than 50% are the first person in their family to attend college.