Scholarship + Programs
Calahan Foundation
League of College Scholars Fund
We have three types of scholarships. They are the lifeline of our work. Each year we award $5,000 to 10-12 new scholars distributed over 4 years, along with deep mentorship, personal guidance, and a beyond college network that stays with them beyond college. The Edward and Shirley Calahan Scholarship honors students who have excelled academically and are challenged to meet the financial demands of college. The Hadiya Pendleton Scholarship honors a young life lost to violence. It is awarded to a scholar who has been personally affected by gun violence or is actively working to end it. The Missionary Patricia Harris Scholarship honors a student rooted in local community service initiatives. The number of scholarships we’re able to give each year depends entirely on fundraising and the support of individuals like you. Every dollar is an investment in a future leader.
Applications are now closed and will open in March 2026
The Calahan Foundation runs a robust yearly calendar of high-impact programs designed to uplift young people across Chicago through scholarships, mentorship, and community celebration. At the heart of our work is a belief in long-term investment: we don’t just give, we walk alongside our scholars and families for four years and beyond. Our programming includes an annual scholarship cycle, a formal announcement and reception ceremony, an immersive mentorship program, and our flagship fundraising event, the Celebration of Giving Scholarship Benefit Gala.
Calahan League of College Scholars
(CLoCS) Mentor Program
The CLoCs Mentor Program gathers esteemed professionals, community leaders, and notable individuals to lead monthly 1.5-hour mentorship sessions with our scholars.