Seniors at CPS high schools encouraged to apply for college scholarship
CHICAGO -Today, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin announced that her office is now accepting submissions for its Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Scholarship, an opportunity for Chicago Public School seniors who have displayed outstanding academic achievement or community involvement to receive scholarship money for college tuition. Thanks to a partnership with BMO Harris, two scholarships will be awarded, a $1,500 scholarship for the first place winner and a $1,000 scholarship for the second place winner to go toward the first year of college tuition. The contest asks students to submit an essay on an Asian American leader in the finance or investments industries to recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
“Our Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Scholarship Essay Contest is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of AAPI leaders in the finance and investment industries while providing Chicago students with financial support for college,” said City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin. “I look forward to reading the contest submissions from our students and hearing about the leaders that have inspired them and impacted their communities. We’re grateful for our continued partnership with BMO Harris in making these scholarships a reality.”
All Chicago Public School seniors who are planning to attend a two- or four-year college in fall 2022 are encouraged to apply, and submissions must include a description of the student’s college plans. No minimum GPA is required. Essays must be between 600 and 1,200 words and focus on the following topic: “Tell us about an Asian American leader in the Finance or Investments industry who has paved the way or is paving the way for future leaders. How has this person made an impact in your community?”
Seniors can enter the contest and upload their essays and supplemental materials through CPS Academic Works. Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2022. More information can be found on the Scholarships Page of the Chicago Treasurer’s Office website.
About the Treasurer’s Office
The City Treasurer’s Office is the custodian and manager of all cash and investments for the City of
Chicago, the four City employee pension funds, and the Chicago Teacher’s Pension Fund. Additionally,
the Treasurer’s Office manages a number of programs that promote financial education and small
business growth in Chicago’s neighborhoods. The Treasurer is one of three city-wide elected officials in
the City of Chicago, with the Mayor and the Clerk being the others.
In May 2019, Melissa Conyears-Ervin made history when she was sworn in as City Treasurer for the City
of Chicago, the first African-American woman ever to hold the position without prior appointment. As
City Treasurer, she is committed to using a positive, results-oriented approach with city departments.
She works to restore the public’s trust in government–good government–that works for the people and
applies an equity lens to all of the office’s programs and outreach.