First Year Pullman Awards

For nominated High School Seniors in the Chicago-area; 
for children or siblings of alumni of the Pullman Free School of Manual Training;
and for children or siblings of former or current Pullman Scholars

With a mission to help lighten the financial burden for college-bound students, the Pullman Educational Foundation annually awards scholarships to an average of 50-70 high school seniors for their first year college expenses.   Many of these high school students are first-generation college students, most are low-income, many are first-generation U.S. citizens, and all are leaders in their school and community.

Each Fall, the Pullman Educational Foundations asks high school guidance counselors in Cook County  to nominate two or more seniors from their school.  These promising college-bound students must demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need.  In addition, the Pullman Foundation allows applications from high school students with financial need and academic promise who are either 1) children or siblings of alumni of the Pullman Free School of Manual Training (1915-1950) or 2) have an immediate family member who has received a Pullman Award.  Written requests from these "legacy candidates"  must include the name of their relative, their year of graduation, and the details of their Pullman Award or Pullman Tech attendance.  Pullman staff then verifies their eligibility using Foundation historical records and grants them permission to apply.  

Nominated students and legacy candidates are then asked to complete  an application that highlights their strengths, characteristics, capabilities, and creates a picture of their  financial circumstances.  Submitted in the Winter, these applications are then evaluated by Foundation Staff in preparation for the Spring meeting of the Pullman Scholarship Committee - made up of a group of dedicated teachers, college administrators and community leaders - who then select the finalists to recommend for an award.  The Selection Committee looks for applicants who demonstrate such qualities as: a solid academic record, leadership ability, community involvement, goal-oriented behavior, time management skills, circumstances that have broadened their horizons, thoughtfulness about the world around them, strong self-expression, motivation to succeed, work experience, family life, and a sense of initiative geared toward college.  

These scholars are then further evaluated for financial need at the four-year college or university they plan to attend.  The Foundation uses a system of analysis that determines the amount a family will be expected to pay based on income, assets, home equity, and family expenses.  The Foundation accounts for this amount in determining a college budget for each applicant and assumes a standard input from each student for summer earnings.  Accounting for all gift aid from the college and outside scholarships and grants, the Foundation then offers an award that will help meet the students' remaining need.  At this point in the process, awards are given in order of need and the timely submission of all remaining documents from each student. 

Throughout the application process, the Pullman Foundation also provides guidance and family conferencing to assist students and families with the transition to college.  One of these services includes Financial Aid Workshops for applicants and their parents, held on various college campuses throughout Chicago.  These free sessions include information on types of financial aid, how to apply for money for college, things to watch out for (like credit cards!), and budgeting your money while in school.  Foundation staff then goes over the application procedures for the Pullman Scholarships, answering any questions that families may have.  For more on these application procedures, please visit the Pullman Scholarship Policies page. 

A highlight of the First Year Pullman Scholarship Program is the annual Freshman Reception.  Each Summer, new awardees have the opportunity to gather with upper-class students and Pullman Staff and Board members to celebrate their achievement.  Current Pullman Scholars are on-hand to provide a peer perspective and advice about entering college life.  Students are able to connect with older Pullman Scholars on their campus and form a network of active learning and support.

The Pullman Foundation offers first-year awardees the opportunity to renew their scholarships throughout their undergraduate career.  Pullman awards are not available for graduate study.  Please visit the Renewal Awards page for more about upper-class awards.  If you have already been nominated and received an application, please proceed to the Participant Log-In for application materials and special features.