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McGuireWoods Consulting’s Illinois team hosted Chicago Scholars’ second annual Ticket to the Future: Summer Soiree reception for corporate and civic partners on August 9, 2023. Guests included approximately 80 corporate and civic engagement partners and the class of 2027 scholarship recipients.
MWC Vice President Arielle Maffei and Research Associate Henry Mohn organized the event and have represented Chicago Scholars pro bono since 2021, working with their leadership team to establish connections with Illinois and Chicago political leaders, providing advocacy support, and requesting federal and state funding to support the program.
Chicago 14th Ward Alderperson Jeylú Gutiérrez, who immigrated the U.S. 15 years ago and has a staffer that is a Chicago Scholars alum, addressed the scholars: “You do belong in those spaces. Take advantage of all of the opportunities when you go to college.”
McGuireWoods Consulting also helped Chicago Scholars celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2021 by securing proclamations from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Last fall, McGuireWoods Consulting helped to invite Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul as the keynote speaker for the organization’s kickoff event for its newest program, Young Men of Color.
Chicago Scholars is the largest college access nonprofit in Chicago, with nearly 6,000 students representing all 77 Chicago community areas. Many students come from low-income backgrounds and are the first in their family to attend college. Chicago Scholars has a unique seven-year model, helping students navigate the college admission process, find internships, and secure quality jobs upon graduation. 78 % of Chicago Scholars students graduate from college in six years, compared to only 48 % of all Chicago Public Schools students who attend a four-year college.
“Growing up with a mom who was a teacher and is now a school counselor, I have seen the impact of mentoring and counseling on our youth,” Maffei said. “The untapped potential of these students can be reached if Chicago Scholars is put in front of the right people, and I’m proud that we’ve been able to facilitate that.”
Maffei previously served on the Associate Board of Chicago Scholars. Mohn now sits on the Associate Board.