Better Boys Foundation - Chicago, Illinois

The BBF Scholarship Program was established in 1963 and was renamed the BBF Memorial Scholarship Program in 1973 to honor a BBF Board member and four BBF staff members who were killed in a plane crash while traveling to West Virginia to explore a summer camp program for our children. Since that time, the program has helped hundreds of North Lawndale students go to college and to realize their academic and career goals.

How It Works

Our BBF Scholarship Program Coordinator works directly with North Lawndale school administrators to identify potential BBF scholarship recipients and ensure that each student receives the help he/she needs in completing college entrance and financial aid applications. All of the students we work with come from economically disadvantaged circumstances, and they all qualify for state and federal assistance. Some are also eligible for private and institutional-level support. By working closely with the students and their parents, we ensure that they receive the best financial package possible. BBF then offers students scholarships to cover remaining costs. Awards range from $2,000 to $5,000 per year and are renewed for the duration of each student’s college career, given he/she is making adequate academic progress.

Eligibility

The only formal eligibility requirements for BBF scholarship consideration are that the student resides in North Lawndale and that he/she demonstrates financial need. However, we do consider a student’s potential for academic success, record of community service, and history as a participant in BBF programming. Scholarship candidates are nominated by the Program Coordinator and are interviewed by the BBF Scholarship Advisory Council, which is comprised of BBF Board Members, educators, community leaders and representatives of the BBF Parent Board. Final selections are made by the Council.

Community Service Requirements

All BBF Scholars give back to the North Lawndale community through community service. During their winter, spring and summer vacations, scholarship students volunteer at BBF or with other neighborhood organizations, serving as field trip chaperones and tutors, assisting with clerical and maintenance work, and, perhaps most importantly, interacting with younger children as mentors and inspiring them to become the next generation of BBF Scholars.

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Guidelines for the BBF Memorial Scholarship Program

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BBF Memorial Scholarship Program Application

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Memorial Scholarship Program 2007-2008

For more information on the BBF Memorial Scholarship Program, contact Janet Jackson at 773-542-7338 or send an email to janet.jackson@betterboys.org.