Scholarship Program

2026 Application Window 

  • Opens April 1, 2026 
  • Closes May 15, 2026 

BCL’s Scholarship Program supports individuals who demonstrate creativity, leadership, and dedication to uplifting Chicago’s Auburn Gresham community.  This program is designed to remove financial barriers to education and creative pursuits while strengthening meaningful connections between BCL and the South Side Chicago community by:  

  • Investing in future leaders and creatives
  • Encouraging community-rooted service and engagement
  • Celebrating excellence and commitment within our neighborhoods
  • Building generational pathways to opportunity

BCL is making available the following two scholarships: 

  • “Creativity to Opportunity” Arts and Cultural Expression Scholarship 
  • “Young Changemakers” Leadership & Creative Impact Scholarship

“Creativity to Opportunity” Arts and Cultural Expression Scholarship

Purpose

The “Creativity to Opportunity” Arts & Cultural Expression Scholarship supports emerging creatives who are pursuing education or training in the arts—including visual art, fashion, music, dance, digital media, or creative writing—and whose work strengthens community identity, storytelling, and opportunity. This scholarship is designed for young artists who use creativity as a tool to preserve, celebrate, or transform the culture of the communities they call home.

Award Amount

$1,000 (paid directly to the accredited educational institution)

Application Requirements

1. Scholarship Prompt (Choose ONE Format)
Applicants must demonstrate how they hope to use their artistic talents to preserve, celebrate, or transform culture where they live, using one of the following formats:

  • Original artwork AND 150–200 word artist statement
  • 3–5 minute video, OR
  • 500–750 word essay

Creative submissions should reflect the applicant’s artistic vision and clearly articulate the cultural impact they hope to make within their community.

2. Additional Required Materials
Letters of Recommendation (2 total):

  • One letter from an academic counselor, advisor, or teacher
  • One letter from a community member, mentor, supervisor, or organization leader

Resume: A résumé detailing artistic experience, creative projects, exhibitions/showcases (if applicable), and any community or cultural involvement.

“Young Changemakers” Leadership & Creative Impact Scholarship

Purpose

The “Young Changemakers” Leadership & Community Impact Scholarship supports young leaders who are advancing civic engagement, service, and community problem‑solving. This award is designed for applicants who not only care deeply about their neighborhoods but are actively transforming ideas into meaningful action.

Award Amount

$1,000 (paid directly to the accredited educational institution)

Application Requirements

1. Scholarship Prompt (Choose ONE Format)
Applicants must respond to the following question using either an essay or a video: If you could design a program or initiative to strengthen your community, what would it be—and who would it benefit?

Format Options:

  • Essay: 500–750 words, OR
  • Video: 3–5 minutes in length

Your response should clearly describe the program or initiative, the community it addresses, and the impact you hope it will have.

2. Additional Required Materials
Letters of Recommendation (2 total):

  • One letter from an academic counselor, advisor, or teacher
  • One letter from a community member, mentor, supervisor, or organization leader

Resume or Activity List: A résumé or a detailed list outlining your leadership roles, service activities, volunteer experience, and community involvement.

Eligibility Requirements (Applies to Both Scholarships)

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Live in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago, IL and/or attend a school located in Auburn Gresham
  • Be a high school senior or a young adult ages 17–21 (including recent high school graduates)
  • Be pursuing higher education or a vocational/trade program, and able to provide proof of enrollment or acceptance
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5, verified through an uploaded transcript or grade report

Terms & Conditions (Applies to Both Scholarships)

The following Terms & Conditions apply to all applicants of the Brookins Charitable Living (BCL) Scholarship Program. By submitting an application, applicants agree to the policies outlined below.

1) Application Integrity & Originality

  • All essays, videos, artwork, and written statements must be the applicant’s own original work.
  • Assistive tools (including AI tools) may be used only if disclosed within the application.
  • Submissions containing undisclosed AI‑generated content or misrepresentation of authorship may be disqualified.
  • All information provided in the application must be accurate and truthful.

2) Required Documentation

Before any award can be finalized, applicants must provide:

  • Proof of enrollment or acceptance to an accredited higher‑education, vocational, or trade program
  • A résumé or activity list
  • Required letters of recommendation, as specified in the scholarship description
    Failure to upload or furnish documents by BCL’s stated deadlines may result in disqualification or forfeiture of the award.

3) Screening Interviews (Selected Applicants Only)

  • Not all applicants or finalists will be interviewed.
  • Selected applicants may be asked to complete a brief screening interview (phone or virtual, 10–15 minutes) to help confirm eligibility and verify submission details.
  • BCL will notify selected applicants if a screening interview is required and provide scheduling instructions.
  • Failure to complete the screening step (if selected) will result in removal from consideration.

4) Scholarship Disbursement

  • Each scholarship award is $1,000.
  • Funds are paid directly to the accredited educational institution identified by the recipient; no funds will be issued directly to the student.
  • Funds may be applied only to tuition, required fees, or required course materials (e.g., textbooks).
  • If a recipient changes institutions, BCL must be notified; additional verification may be required.
  • Failure to submit required documentation by BCL’s deadlines may result in forfeiture.

5) Conditions for Forfeiture

A scholarship award may be rescinded if:

  • The applicant provides false or misleading information;
  • Required documentation is not submitted by BCL deadlines;
  • A requested screening interview is not completed;
  • The recipient engages in conduct that conflicts with BCL’s mission and values.

6) Publicity & Recognition

  • Scholarship recipients grant BCL permission to use their name, headshot, school information, and high‑level submission details for recognition on BCL’s website, social media, and printed materials.
  • BCL will not share sensitive personal information publicly.
  • Recipients may be asked to provide a brief biography or statement for recognition.

7) Non‑Discrimination Statement

BCL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. Selection decisions are based solely on alignment with scholarship criteria and the quality of submitted materials.

8) Applicant Acknowledgment

By submitting an application, applicants confirm that they:

  • Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions;
  • Agree to comply with all program requirements;
  • Understand that scholarship decisions are final.