Apply for a chance to win $5,000!
The application deadline is Thursday, March 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Are you a former participant in the Carole Robertson Center for Learning’s Early Childhood Education program at a flagship site (North Lawndale, Little Village or Albany Park) or microcenter, or have you participated in the Center’s Youth Development programs or the Albany Park Community Center? If so, you are eligible to apply for a chance to win $5,000 toward college expenses.
If you have questions or would like support with completing any part of the application, please reach out to us at communications@carolerobertsoncenter.org.
The scholarship winner will be recognized at the E3 Gala on May 7, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements:
Student and family must be able to verify that at least one of these is true:
- Participation in one of the Center’s flagship site’s or microcenter’s Early Childhood Education programs for at least one (1) year.
- (Visit the programs page of our website to see the list of microcenters at www.carolerobertsoncenter.org/programs/)
- Participation in the Center’s Youth Development (formerly Out-of-School-Time) program or the Albany Park Community Center for at least one (1) year.
- Participation in both programs, with a combined time of one year in Early Childhood Education and Youth Development.
Student must be currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior.
Student must have plans to pursue postsecondary education at a two- or four-year college or university.
Note: You do not need to be enrolled in one of our programs at the time of this application.
Application Requirements:
A completed essay (250-500 words) that describes your life journey, starting with your time at the Carole Robertson Center (or Albany Park Community Center). Focus on the experiences that have shaped you, the lessons you’ve learned from those experiences, and what you hope to learn from your future studies.
If you are an applicant interested in workshopping your essay, please email communications@carolerobertsoncenter.org before Monday, March 9.
One yearbook style photo or professional headshot (JPG or PNG). Please email your photo to communications@carolerobertsoncenter.org.
OPTIONAL — BONUS POINTS WILL BE GIVEN: One letter of recommendation from a non-family member, such as a coach, teacher, mentor, or employer.
“The Carole Robertson Center for Learning was a community where education was encouraged, and uniqueness was valued. The classrooms were filled with laughter, chatter, and music. Beyond ABCs and 123s, we learned about empathy, creativity, and resilience–lifelong skills that I use every day.”
Eden Morales
2025 Scholarship Award Winner
