Green Halo Scholars

This Giving Tuesday we raised $12,460! This generosity will let us take 25 scholars on a college visit!

We're so full of gratitude this season for those who give their time, resources, and mentorship to our scholars and mission. You're making a significant difference in the lives of young people.

Now the question is, where should we visit?!

Giving Tuesday at Green Halo Scholars ✨

A recent study out of Harvard confirms that there's a direct correlation between family income and SAT/ACT scores.

What does this come down to? Access. Access to test prep, to tutors, to a personal college counselor. The same doors that exist for students from upper or even middle-income families simply don't exist for students in low-income families.

At Green Halo Scholars, we want to give that access to ALL students—regardless of family income or education status.

Join us today, , to give the gift of lifelong education to first-generation college-bound students. Your gift matters!

https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/9rv-FVEO8s5DPLh7vjsCbg

This we're raising money for college visits! 🚗🏛

Stepping foot on a college campus is a life-changing opportunity that many low-income students simply don't have access to.

The cost of transportation, time off work, lodging, and meals adds up. Many students are making monumental life decisions based solely on websites and emails.

Our Scholars are at the top of their class and ready for what comes next. This giving season, help us give them the gift of college options.

Your gift is greatly appreciated: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/9rv-FVEO8s5DPLh7vjsCbg

Isiah '24 is getting ready to graduate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this year. He's currently working as a software intern for Motorola Solutions and has served as an executive board member of the National Society of Black Engineers at UIUC. Crushing it, Isiah! 🎓

Isiah is one of 85 current Green Halo Scholars studying across 60 universities who benefit from the direct, intentional, and robust support of the college counseling provided by Green Halo.

Counseling that is only possible through the generosity of our donors. This giving season, consider giving to Green Halo. Your dollars directly remove barriers. We'd say the sky's the limit but for our scholars, they're aiming even higher! Is on your calendar?

Join us during this season of gratitude to focus on why Green Halo Scholars exists. We're here to change what people think is possible. With our high school partners, we share a goal of opening doors where there were once walls.

"There are significant barriers to the college search process and due to time constraints, [school counselors] are not able to work with our marginalized students to the capacity we wish we could. The application and financial aid process is complicated... Green Halo is doing life-changing work that will positively affect generations of families."

Lavon Robinson
School Counselor
Downers Grove South High School

Scholar Check In! ⭐

Yuliana '26 is staying busy at Elmhurst University! She's involved in the Latino Student Association and Habit of Humanity.

She's also currently serving as vice president of the Union Board, the largest student programming body on campus, as well as Homecoming Chair, overseeing the coordination of homecoming events this year!

As if she's not already SUPER involved, Yuliana also serves as the social chair for the Superhero Social Club and participates in the Leap Program to dive further into her major.

Bonus: She made the dean's list and had the honor of being a flag bearer for the 2023 graduation ceremonies.

Green Halo Scholars are bright, motivated, and well-prepared for college life thanks in part to thorough and comprehensive pre-college programming. Programming made possible by the generosity of our supporters.

Keep up the good work, Yuliana!

🎄 Buy your Christmas tree and support your community!

The holidays are brightened every year by the opening of the Prairie Trail Wise Men Tree Lot in Gordon Park, La Grange. This group of volunteers sells trees and raises money for organizations like ours. Green Halo Scholars is proud to earn support from the Wise Men to help us fund essential programs and services.

If you are looking for a tree this holiday season, consider Prairie Trail Wise Men.

We're thrilled to announce our FOUR newest college partners: Northwestern University, Oberlin College, Illinois Wesleyan University, and St. Olaf College.

As a partner school, these institutions commit to meeting full need for all Green Halo applicants, and they will provide resources to our scholars in the form of case studies, summer workshops, and connecting them directly to resources on campus for first-gen, low income students.

Welcome!

Today is National First-Generation Celebration Day 🎓✨

🌟 First-Gen Trailblazers: First-gen students lead the way, being the first in their families to pursue higher education.

💪 Resilience Champions: Overcoming financial obstacles, they prove that determination conquers all challenges. At Green Halo Scholars, removing financial barriers is one of our key objectives to providing college access.

🌎 Diverse Voices: First-gen students enrich campuses with unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity and deepening our collective understanding of the world.

💼 Breaking Cycles: Access to four-year universities opens doors to a brighter future, breaking the cycle of low income.

Wear the title of first-gen like a badge of honor. You've earned your seat and should be proud!

College scholar check-in! 👋

Joshua ( '23) has accomplished a significant milestone by successfully completing the prestigious 2023 African American Mayors Association Future Leadership Fellowship. During this program, he engaged with executive business partners, mayors, and government officials, broadening his network and gaining invaluable insights.

As part of the fellowship, Joshua underwent rigorous public policy training and actively participated in projects alongside Mayor Rex Richardson in Long Beach, California. This hands-on experience allowed him to deepen his understanding of local governance and policymaking.

On campus, Joshua actively contributes to various community service organizations. He holds the esteemed position of Vice President at Circle Kiwanis Club International, where he actively participates in initiatives that positively impact the community. Additionally, Joshua serves as the Health and Wellness chair within the mentorship organization Collegiate 100 of Howard University, further showcasing his dedication to promoting well-being and support among his peers. He also attended the 37th Annual 100 Black Men National Conference held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Joshua is highly committed to community service, as evident from his role as the Community Service chair of Chicago People's Union. Through this position, he spearheads efforts to address societal challenges and uplift the underserved.

Joshua's accomplishments and involvement in multiple organizations demonstrate his exceptional leadership and dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Way to go, Joshua!

Our college panel discussions are a wrap! Thanks to the admissions officers who joined us from colleges across the country to share insight and information with our scholars. We had a blast!

💚 Wake Forest University Illinois State University Agnes Scott College Illinois Wesleyan University Boston University University of Rochester Central Michigan University Oberlin College Northern Michigan University Fordham University St. Edward's University Providence College Tufts University Vanderbilt University Swarthmore College

Let's check in with one of our current college scholars! 💜

Lizeth ( '26) joined Bienestar, a Latinx-based organization at Northwestern that provides volunteer opportunities in the Evanston area.

"The club aligned with my values and I was able to secure a position as fundraising chair. I helped organize a successful fundraiser for the Evanston community fridges!"

⭐️ Getting involved in organizations like Bienestar is made possible by the lasting impact of personal and comprehensive college counseling. Lizeth found her fit at Northwestern thanks in part to donor-funded initiatives at Green Halo Scholars.

Tonight we’re gathering our scholars for our first-ever Application Submission Workshop. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Darien for their generous support of this new event! Join us in wishing our scholars the best of luck as they hit “submit” on their applications!

Hit the ❤️ to send good luck to our scholars ✨

This fall, we’re hosting panel discussions with admissions officers during our weekly scholar meetings. These panels explore topics like application review, applying to highly selective colleges, and being a first-generation college student.

Thanks to these institutions for joining us so far this fall!

🤝 Augustana College - Illinois University of Dayton University of Illinois Springfield Northwestern University New York University Purdue University Marquette University The George Washington University Muhlenberg College

Did you know that our scholars have an average out-of-pocket cost of $2,870 for the college they chose to attend? The average Pell Grant-eligible student has $10,000 in unmet financial need – three and a half times more than our scholars.

Our individualized counseling helps our scholars find and apply to colleges that decrease the financial barrier to a college degree.

Read more: https://www.ihep.org/college-affordability-still-out-of-reach-for-students-with-lowest-incomes-students-of-color/

Green Halo has gone global! Francesca (North Central College ‘25) is studying abroad in Italy this semester and recently shared pictures of her time abroad. Ciao, Francesca! 🇮🇹

Our scholars in the Class of 2024 are ready to take on the world! Join us in congratulating Ash (Illinois State, ‘24) on accepting a full-time position with Caterpillar upon graduation in the spring! 🎓

Want to create a real impact in our scholars' lives, but don't know how?

We have designed the process to be easy for you:
📞 Step 1: Book a call to learn more about Green Halo Scholars and how you can make an impact.
🌟 Step 2: Become a donor, and know exactly where your money is being invested.
🌍 Step 3: Witness the Impact. Get regular updates on where your donation is going.

Together, let's pave the way to a brighter future for our remarkable scholars. Check out https://greenhaloscholars.org/donors/ and be part of the change! 💫

This powerful quote reminds us that knowledge empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and shape destinies. 🧠

When you invest in students' education today, you invest in a better tomorrow. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive world where dreams know no boundaries. ✨

Scholar Highlight 🌟

Mai-Jeanna, who graduated from Hinsdale Central this past spring, received the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship and will be attending the University of Notre Dame this fall. This competitive scholarship award provides full funding (tuition, room and board, and other expenses) to high-achieving students from across the United States.

Mai-Jeanna was one of 1,500 students to receive the scholarship from over 18,000 applicants.

This is Green Halo Scholars' third QuestBridge scholar in three years! Joyce is attending Colgate University and Yanfu is attending the University of Pennsylvania.

Congratulations Mai-Jeanna!

When you generously give to a cause, you shouldn't have to worry about how your money is being used. 💰

When you choose to become a donor with Green Halo Scholars, you can see exactly where your money is going and the real impact it is making on the lives of students. ✨

Here are ways your money makes a real impact on the lives of students:
$100 = 1 hour of tutoring
$250 = College application support
$500 = College deposit for 1 student
$1,000 = Books for 1 year of college

Wondering how to give? Learn more and donate here: https://greenhaloscholars.org/give/

We LOVE hearing about the success of our scholars. They are change-makers, and we're so grateful to be a part of their journey. ✨

Staff Highlight | Dayna Murphy, College Success Coach ✨

Dayna is a dedicated mentor and college success coach at Green Halo Scholars since May 2021. With a background in IT and Strategy Consulting for Accenture, Dayna brings invaluable expertise to guide high school seniors through the college application process. She extends her support to alumni, ensuring they excel in their college academics, finances, and personal paths to fulfilling careers.

Dayna holds a B.A. in International Affairs and an M.S. in Telecommunications from the University of Colorado–Boulder. Based in Clarendon Hills, she enjoys skiing, tennis, pickleball, paddling, and walks with her husband Mike (a GHS Board Member) and their two dogs.

Say hi to Dayna in the comments! 👋

Proviso East students keep pushing on - Village Free Press If it is one thing Proviso East High School students know it is how to persevere against any odds. The Proviso East Class of 2023 Scholarship celebrated two of those students and everything they have accomplished thus far, along with what they will accomplish in the future with a $500 scholarship. C...

The mission of Green Halo Scholars is not possible without the generous support of community partnerships. 🤝

If you know of a business or organization that would like to give to a meaningful and impactful cause, we would love to connect.

Learn more about our partnerships here: https://greenhaloscholars.org/our-partners/