How to Apply
Applications are currently closed. The next application cycle will open later this spring for Summer 2025 programming. If you would like to be notified when applications are open, please fill out the interest form.
Program Details
There are two signature programs for Civil Rights Scholars facilitated by the Office of Student Protections and Title IX.
Civil Rights Scholars Program (CRSP)
Taking place over the summer, a group of 20 rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors take part in a 3-week summer program focusing on civil rights through a social justice lens.
Throughout the program, students will:
- Develop skills for promoting social justice by engaging in both independent and collaborative processing activities (civil discourse, self-reflection, hold multiple truths at once).
- Broaden their understanding of civil rights and how our identities intersect through experiential learning opportunities across Chicago.
- Build community with peers across Chicago by engaging in practice of storytelling, relating the content to their own lives and experiences.
- Identify personal values, passions and aspirations through these experiences that expand their understanding of themselves as an individual, Chicagoan, and global citizen.
Take a listen to the podcast!
Tune into the first episode of the Civil Rights Scholars Advisory Council Podcast, featuring Michii, Irene, Jalyn, and Rahael Anne. In this episode, Scholars share their reflections on the impact of the Civil Rights Scholars Program and what identity means to them.
After listening, think about the following questions:
- What does “Identity” mean to you?
- How would you describe your own identity?
- How has society shaped your identity and how you see yourself?
Civil Rights Scholars Advisory Council (CRSAC)
Selected from previous Scholars that have participated in the Civil Rights Scholars Program, the Advisory Council is a group of students that have demonstrated a commitment to civil rights and desire to continue their learning.
To expand on the skills and knowledge gained as a Scholar, the Civil Rights Scholar Advisory Council will work together to educate, advocate, and engage students across the district through a student-produced podcast. Students will dive deeper into Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Action through storytelling, developing skills in public speaking, research, and community building.
Qualifications to be a Civil Rights Scholar
Eligible students must meet the following qualifications to be a Civil Rights Scholar:
- Be a rising freshmen, sophomore, junior, or senior enrolled at a CPS high school (district, managed, charter, options, or contract)
- Curious about the diverse communities throughout Chicago
- Have a desire to make meaningful change in their community
- Interested in learning about equity, inclusivity, belonging, and public policy
- Thrives on a mix of collaboration and independent work
- Timely and communicative with others
Tentative Schedule
The Civil Rights Scholars Program is a three-week program, scheduled to take place in July during summer session. Sessions, including field trips, will take place between Monday and Thursday.
The Civil Rights Scholars Advisory Council meets twice a month throughout the school year, starting in October and ending in May. This is a hybrid program. One session per month is in person and the other is hosted virtually via Google Meet.