We provide support to schools with demonstrated need which provide a quality,
values-based education for Chicago’s children.

$40 Million

Invested annually in scholarships, programs, faculty support, and operational improvements.

20,000 Students

Big Shoulders serves a vast range of ethnic, economic, and religious backgrounds. Nearly 80% identify as Black or Hispanic.

50+ Partnerships & Programs

We support a wide range of programs for the enrichment of our students and work with a number of different organizations to bring the best educational opportunities to our schools.

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Learn more about Big Shoulders Fund

Apply for our Welcome Scholarship!

SETTING UP OUR STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS

85%

College Enrollment Rate

Big Shoulders Fund school graduates enroll in college at rates above their local and national peers, as verified by the National Student Clearinghouse.

95%

High School Graduation Rate

Our high schools have a higher graduation rate, compared to the national number of 89%, and effectively prepare students for college and career.

2-3x

The national rate of college graduation for Students of Color

Big Shoulders Fund schools showed African-American alumni graduated from college at a rate more than twice the national average and Hispanic alumni graduated at a rate more than three times the national average.

For more than thirty-five years, Big Shoulders Fund has helped Chicago’s children in need achieve their dreams through access to a quality, values-based education. Find the correct Big Shoulders Fund school for you and learn about different scholarship opportunities.

Schools

Scholarships

Apply for a Scholarship

Parent at St. Ann School

"St. Ann has allowed my husband and I the opportunity to gift our children an amazing Catholic School education. The faculty and staff of St. Ann empower my children to be individuals and live according to our Catholic faith and go above and beyond for the students even after they graduate. They become mentors for them; continuously reminding them that you are forever a part of St. Ann. Parents are supported through numerous programs to ensure they continue to have the opportunity to provide a Catholic based education for their children. St. Ann embodies what catholic education should be."

Our Schools

All of our schools aim to educate the child as a whole. Each school facilitates their own programs as well as participate in Big Shoulders Fund programs. To learn more about specific programs at individuals schools, browse through our schools and visit your school's website.