Cboe Empowers Scholarship

Current high school seniors and current undergraduates who identify as underrepresented and are U.S. citizens may apply. Applicants must reside in Chicago's South or West side, Kansas City (MO or KS), or one of NYC's five boroughs (suburbs excluded), and have attended high school in those areas. Minimum 2.3 GPA and planned full-time undergraduate enrollment at an accredited U.S. college or vocational school are required.

Up to eight full-ride awards cover full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, room, board) minus other aid, plus a laptop. Awards renew up to three years or until a bachelor's degree with 2.3 GPA maintenance. Six awards target Chicago South/West, one Kansas City, one NYC.

Scholarship America administers online applications; the 2026 cycle was closed when checked in July 2026 with next dates listed as tentative. Recipients notified in April; payments in late August.

Chicago Community Trust serves as trustee of the Cboe Empowers Fund for this competitive program.