Since
1950, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation has made a critical
difference in the lives of more than 10,000 academically promising, economically
disadvantaged Chicago-area students pursuing a post-secondary education.
Many Pullman Scholars are first-generation
college students; the Pullman Scholarship Programs open doors for young people
where financial obstacles have often kept them closed. For
one grateful Pullman Scholar, it was “a hand held out to help pull me
through the rough times.” For
another, it “allowed me a choice in selecting a college." For
a third, it was "very simple: I would not have attended college without
the help I received."
Individual scholarships ranging from $200 to $5,000 per year
– totaling over $20 million in scholarship aid to date – have helped
aspiring engineers and librarians, scientists and teachers, artists and writers,
entrepreneurs and corporate executives to meet their educational goals.
"I
am the first in my family to be currently enrolled in a four year
university...thank you for making this possible."
-Charleen
Class of 2005
In
addition to lessening the college debt burden for hundreds of Cook County students
each year, the Pullman Foundation also offers personalized
guidance and support for participants. Throughout the application process
- as well as the academic career of each Pullman Scholar, the Foundation provides assistance with financial aid awareness,
budget planning, peer support, and individual family conferencing.