CHA/S2S Scholarship application period starts today; residents can apply for $2,000 awards

Nazma Ali was a senior at Chicago Math and Science Academy looking for help with the cost of college when she noticed the CHA/Springboard to Success (S2S) Scholarship. She applied and got it.

“The process was easier than I thought it would be,” Ali said. “I split the scholarship across two of my semesters, using it for textbook costs and buying online programs. Trying to go to school and pass classes became overwhelming at times, so when the scholarship did come, I felt this huge weight off my shoulders. I felt like: ‘I can actually do this now. There are people looking out for me.’”

Ali is now a sophomore at Loyola University and on the pre-med track. She encourages others to apply for the CHA/S2S Scholarship, which has an application period that opens today. There are 160 scholarships of $2,000 apiece.

The CHA/S2S Scholarship is available to current CHA public housing residents or Housing Choice Voucher participants who have at least a 2.0 GPA and are high school seniors or college undergraduates. Awards are based on applicants' academic merit, community involvement and essay content. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited two-or-four-year college or university in the U.S. in the Fall of 2025. CHA’s nonprofit partner, S2S, supports the scholarship.

Ali is one of eight children who grew up in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Early on she loved reading and was adept in science and STEM classes. She became interested in becoming a doctor when she helped her parents navigate the health care system.

Her parents, from Somalia, needed help with the English language and American culture. Her experience inspires her today.

“I want to be someone who bridges the gap between my community and the health care system,” she said.

She said taking the time to look into the CHA/S2S Scholarship is worth it and encourages other residents to apply.

“One hundred percent – you should do it. You will thank yourself later,” she said.

The deadline for the CHA/S2S Scholarship application period is May 15, 2025. Go to http://thecha.org/scholarship for more information.

You can help us make more scholarships available for CHA residents by making a tax-deductible donation to S2S at www.s2schi.org/donate

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About the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA): CHA is the third largest public housing authority in the nation and the largest single owner of rental housing in Chicago. Through its public housing and voucher programs, CHA serves 135,000 people in 65,000 households across all 77 of Chicago’s community areas. CHA’s mission is to create and sustain strong communities where seniors thrive and everyone can unlock their economic power, ensuring that every neighborhood in Chicago has quality affordable housing and everyone feels welcome. For more information, visit www.thecha.org

About Springboard to Success: S2S supports programs and partners that propel Chicago Housing Authority residents on their pathways to academic success, economic stability and independence. Our vison is for youth currently living in CHA households achieve housing stability as an adult without the requirement of a housing subsidy. For more information, visit https://www.s2schi.org/