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Civil Rights Scholars

Facilitated by the Office of Student Protections and Title IX Training Team, the Civil Rights Scholars consist of high school students from across the district with an opportunity to expand their leadership capabilities, build community across the District, and shape Chicago Public Schools' response to bias-based harm.

How to Apply

Applications are closed for the Summer 2025 Civil Rights Scholars Program.

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Program Details

There are two signature programs for Civil Rights Scholars facilitated by the Office of Student Protections and Title IX.

Civil Rights Scholars Program (CRSP)

Taking place over the summer, a group of 20 rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors take part in a 3-week summer program focusing on civil rights through a social justice lens. All program expenses are covered by the Office of Student Protections and Title IX and feature 5 free field trips across the city. On days we are not on field trips, students will be engaging in lessons, group discussions and reflection time.

All sessions will start and dismiss at the Chicago Public School Near West Office at 110 N. Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60612. Lunch will be provided. CTA transit passes are available upon request.

Throughout the program, students will:

  • Develop skills for promoting social justice by engaging in both independent and collaborative processing activities (civil discourse, self-reflection, hold multiple truths at once).
  • Broaden their understanding of civil rights and how our identities intersect through experiential learning opportunities across Chicago.
  • Build community with peers across Chicago by engaging in practice of storytelling, relating the content to their own lives and experiences.
  • Identify personal values, passions and aspirations through these experiences that expand their understanding of themselves as an individual, Chicagoan, and global citizen.

Civil Rights Scholars Advisory Council (CRSAC)

Selected from previous Scholars that have participated in the Civil Rights Scholars Program, the Advisory Council is a group of students that have demonstrated a commitment to civil rights and desire to continue their learning.

To expand on the skills and knowledge gained as a Scholar, the Civil Rights Scholar Advisory Council will work together to educate, advocate, and engage students across the district through a student-produced podcast. Students will dive deeper into Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Action through storytelling, developing skills in public speaking, research, and community building.

Take a listen to the podcast!

Episode 1: Identity

Tune into the first episode of the Civil Rights Scholars Advisory Council Podcast, featuring Michii, Irene, Jalyn, and Rahael Anne. In this episode, Scholars share their reflections on the impact of the Civil Rights Scholars Program and what identity means to them.

After listening, think about the following questions:

  • What does “Identity” mean to you?
  • How would you describe your own identity?
  • How has society shaped your identity and how you see yourself?

Episode 2: Diversity

In this series of episodes, the Advisory Council takes on new perspectives by interviewing guests about their diverse range of expertise!

2.1 We Each Belong ft. Andrew Hong

Irene interviews their guest, Andrew Hong, about social emotional learning and restorative justice using streetwear and education to combat healing deserts.

2.2 Sexual Health Education ft. Ainna Flaminia

Rahael Anne interviews their guest, Ainna Flaminia, about sexual health education and how young people can navigate health information safely.

2.3 Children’s Advocacy ft. Mayra Castillo

Jalyn interviews Mayra Castillo about their career and work with Chicago’s Children Advocacy Center.

2.4 Project Vision ft. Sabrina Woo

Michii interviews Sabrina Woo about Project Vision (PV) engaging youth in Chicago’s Chinatown and building cultural bridges.

Qualifications to be a Civil Rights Scholar

Eligible students must meet the following qualifications to be a Civil Rights Scholar:

  • Be a rising freshmen, sophomore, junior, or senior enrolled at a CPS high school (district, managed, charter, options, or contract)
  • Curious about the diverse communities throughout Chicago
  • Have a desire to make meaningful change in their community
  • Interested in learning about equity, inclusivity, belonging, and public policy
  • Thrives on a mix of collaboration and independent work
  • Timely and communicative with others

Program Schedule and Location

The Civil Rights Scholars Program is a three-week summer program, July 7th to July 24th between 9AM and 1PM. Sessions take place 4 times a week between Monday and Thursday. Scholars are expected to be in attendance for each session.

Sessions are in-person. Arrival and dismissal will take place at the Chicago Public Schools Near West Office at 110 N. Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60612.

Students that are selected for the Advisory Council commit for one school year. The Civil Rights Scholars Advisory Council meets twice a month throughout the school year, starting in October and ending in May. This is a hybrid program. One session per month is in-person at the Chicago Public Schools Near West Office at 110 N. Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60612 and the other is hosted virtually via Google Meet.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Civil Rights Scholars Program, email osptraining@cps.edu for more information.