As November begins, we want to celebrate a big milestone that our scholars achieved—and to thank our generous donors for making it possible!
Last week, we gathered our scholars together for our annual Application Submission Workshop. This two-hour work session is a space for scholars to finalize their applications and hit submit with the support of our staff and volunteers. During that event alone, Green Halo Scholars submitted 125 applications! Our scholars walked into the room stressed out, and they walked out at the end of the night with a weight lifted off their shoulders.
Thanks to our staff, our volunteers, and generous friends of Green Halo, the 28 scholars in our Class of 2029 have taken a crucial step toward making their dreams of higher education come true. This support helped provide the individualized and hands-on support that our scholars need to navigate this challenging process.
As this part of the year comes to a close, here are some things we’re celebrating:
- 28 Green Halo Scholars submitted over 250 college applications over the past few months. Thanks to a new college access program through Common App, our scholars are also receiving direct admissions offers from colleges around the country!
- Students applied to a diverse range of schools, including partner colleges like Northwestern University, St. Olaf College, Augustana College, Illinois Wesleyan University, Oberlin College, and more. These colleges commit to meeting the full demonstrated need for admitted Green Halo Scholars.
- One scholar was selected as a finalist for the very competitive Questbridge National College Match Scholarship, a fully funded scholarship to highly selective institutions. They’ll hear back in a few weeks!
- Our fall events—admissions rep panel discussions, a mini career fair with our community partner, Union Church of Hinsdale, and the application submission workshop—helped our students build confidence and sharpen their applications.
What’s Next?
While the application process may be wrapping up, our scholars’ journey – and the support from Green Halo – is far from over. In the coming months, scholars will complete two weeks of financial aid education, fill out the FAFSA as a group and in one-on-one sessions, and eagerly await college acceptance letters. Together, we will help them build on this momentum and continue to step boldly toward their dreams.
