About - George M. Pullman Educational Foundation

The story of the Pullman Scholar Community

In 1950, when the Pullman Foundation awarded its first round of scholarships to 60 young men and women from Chicago’s Pullman/Roseland community, it opened a door to opportunity for many who would have been excluded from the possibility that a college degree offers. Now nearly 75 years later, roughly 12,000 people proudly call themselves Pullman Scholars.

Much like the Foundation’s benefactor, George M. Pullman, throughout its history, the Foundation’s board and staff have rarely been satisfied with the status quo. Pullman Scholars represent Chicago’s diverse communities and they embody an American ideal—that with just a little bit of help, everyone can pursue their American Dream—a bold, but simple idea that has resulted in economic and social mobility for thousands of families over the last six decades.

Throughout the Foundation’s website you will see that simple idea unfold to become what is now the larger Pullman Scholar Community. In our 65 Stories video, you will meet scholar alumni and learn about their journeys—from high school seniors, to college graduates, and now seasoned professionals—and how they accomplished their goals with the help of the Pullman Foundation. A few more clicks in, and you can see our current scholars in action whether it’s on their college campuses or participating in the annual Pullman Scholar Symposium, they have the chance to learn and to develop life skills from each other and from others, including Pullman Scholar Alumni.

Explore the Foundation’s website to learn more about our legacy and our scholar community. Join us and discover how to get involved to help future generations of young people pursue their American Dream by earning a college degree.