Scholars Project

In 2021, the Scholars Project was created as part of Columbia College Chicago's Social Justice Initiative, to better support students who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) or first-generation college students. The Scholars Project's mission is to promote equitable student success by connecting students to key resources, helping them to identify their strengths, and empowering students as they develop a sense of belonging at Columbia. The Scholars Project works with students from historically marginalized backgrounds in all aspects of their Columbia experience, both in and out of the classroom. 

OBJECTIVES

1. Build a community amongst the Scholars where they can thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
2. Increase student engagement with the Columbia College community through intentional partnerships and collaborative opportunities.
3. Enhance self-advocacy skills and navigational capital amongst students to strengthen relationships with staff, faculty, and peers.
4. Facilitate holistic workshops that strengthen awareness and understanding of self-identity, self-efficacy, and transferable skills.
5. Connect students with resources that will benefit their future goals. These resources may include: scholarships, career/internship opportunities, mentors, enhanced learning opportunities, and an expanding network of support both on and off campus.