National Louis University and Hope Chicago to provide debt-free higher education for future Eagles

National Louis University announces a formal partnership with Hope Chicago, opening the door for the first of many Hope Scholar and Hope Parent Scholar cohorts to pursue their higher education goals debt-free

(CHICAGO: June 13, 2022) – National Louis University is partnering with Hope Chicago, an innovative two-generation college scholarship program committed to investing $1 billion in postsecondary scholarships to Chicago Public School students and their parents over the next decade. NLU and Hope have announced a formal partnership to support this year’s incoming Fall 2022 inaugural Hope Scholar cohort.

“A college education remains the most powerful way for individuals to positively impact themselves, their families, and communities,” said Aarti Dhupelia, Dean of the Undergraduate College and Vice President for Undergraduate Education at NLU. “Through this partnership with Hope Chicago, we will accelerate our mission to drive access and equity in higher education, capitalizing on an already strong connection with Chicago Public Schools to empower our local students and communities.”

As a Hope Chicago partner university, incoming Hope Scholars to NLU will be eligible for the full suite of comprehensive supports Hope Chicago offers including scholarships paying for all college expenses—not just tuition and traditional dormitory life, but also transition support, academic and social/emotional supports, and exclusive access to dedicated support staff on campus. 

“We know the transition for any scholar into a new postsecondary setting is a critical moment in time. That’s why we are so excited to have such deep relationships in place with our partner universities that ensure a deep bench of support for our first cohort of Hope Scholars enrolling this Fall.” shares Hope Chicago’s Chief Program Officer, Michele Howard. 

Back in February of 2022, Hope Chicago visited five CPS high schools on the city’s South, Southwest, and West Sides promising 4,000 students and one parent/guardian of each student access to debt-free higher education. With future cohorts in the works, the partnership with Hope Chicago opens the door for more CPS graduates and their families to experience the world-class education that NLU has to offer.  

“We know a college degree is the most powerful tool one can use to maximize their career opportunities,” says Hope Chicago’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Janice Jackson. “That’s why we aim to change the game and redefine the college experience for our scholars in collaboration with our partner institutions.” 

To get more information on NLU’s mission to expand access and advance equity in higher education, contact Jamie Merchant, Director of Marketing-Communications and PR: jmerchant@nl.edu, or 312-261-3051.

For more on Hope Chicago, visit hopechicago.org or contact press@hopechicago.org or 312-477-3170. 

#  #  #

About National Louis University: National Louis University is a nonprofit, non-denominational university focused on preparing the diverse workforce of tomorrow and widening access to quality educational and career opportunities for all learners. NLU offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the fields of education, business, computer science and information technology, management, human services, social work, counseling, public policy, culinary, hospitality and other fields in career and professional development. NLU serves approximately 10,000 students annually at locations in Illinois and Florida as well as online. Visit nl.edu for more info.