New Scholarship Offered to CCC Students

By Justin Cole
Staff Writer

The competitive PepsiCo SMILE Scholarship has been offered to graduating City Colleges of Chicago students accepted into a 4 year institution. 

The scholarship usually prioritizes Business, Supply Chain, and STEM majors. This year, African-American and Latinx students with 45 completed credits and a 3.0 GPA will be eligible for the scholarship regardless of major.

Applicants must submit a 2,000 character essay for the scholarship answering the question: “How could receiving this scholarship help you overcome obstacles, including financial challenges, and ultimately reach your educational and career goals?” 

Up to 25 awards will be granted for undergraduate study only. Recipients will receive a renewable $25,000 award if the academic performance required is continually satisfied. Renewal is also contingent on continued enrollment at a college or university. 

Antonio Barrera, a Harold Washington student, is an applicant for the award.

“I think it’s a great opportunity, especially for students that probably weren’t eligible for it[the award] in past years,” said Barrera.

Barrera noted the stiff competition for the scholarship.

“It’ll be tough to get it because there’s only like 25 of them and I’m sure there are much more than that applying,” Barrera said.