The Chicago Police Foundation Scholarships are awarded annually to children of current or retired employees of the Chicago Police Department and other youth actively involved in police programming. They are intended as financial assistance to offset high school expenses such as tuition, supplies, and transportation. Scholarship recipients and their parents or guardians will be invited to a celebratory luncheon in Chicago in September 2026 (date to be announced).

On August 7, 2021, Chicago Police Officer Ella French was killed in the line of duty. She was incredibly well-liked and a role model with integrity in the department. Officer French personified the importance of being a Chicago police officer. She had a strong commitment to the community, children, and animals. Upon Officer French's death, Chicago business leader Allan Reich was moved by her story and wanted to create a vehicle for young people to have the opportunity to learn about Officer French and ensure her legacy, and that of fellow fallen Chicago officers who died in the line of duty, would live on. In 2023, with the support of Officer French's mother, Ms. Elizabeth French, the Chicago Police Foundation created the Chicago Police Foundation Scholarship Program.

Each student selected will be designated a Chicago Police Foundation Scholar and receive $2,000 to be used for high school expenses.

May 15th, 2026

Award recipient(s) will be notified by July 31st, 2026.

Eligible applicants must be in grades 8 through 11 as of January 2026 (Grade 11 early graduates excluded). They must show proof of attending or about to attend high school (Grade 9), carry a 2.7 or higher GPA (or equivalent), and have a good attendance record.

To be eligible, applicants must also fit ONE of the following criteria:

**PLEASE NOTE: Applicants who received Chicago Police Foundation Scholarships in 2025 will not be eligible to apply for this year's 2026 scholarship program; however, all applicants will be eligible to apply the following year.

Applicants who meet the listed qualifications must submit the following required documents:

• A 300-600-word essay responding to ONE of the essay prompts listed below.
• One digital image of themselves.
• Evidence of CPD youth program participation or the name of the qualifying parent.
• A copy of a current government or school-issued photo ID and a current high school or 8th-grade incoming freshman transcript that includes a GPA (or equivalent) and shows attendance. If attendance is not listed, a note from a school counselor stating the applicant has good attendance will be accepted.
• Two letters of recommendation from a non-family member.
• All items must be submitted by the application deadline as one digital PDF file; otherwise, the application may be denied.

Please respond to ONE of the following prompts in a 300-600-word essay:

1. Officer Ella French was known for her dedication to her community, her compassion for others, and her commitment to making Chicago a better place. Who in your life inspires you to make a positive impact, and how do they influence the person you are becoming?

2. What does it mean to grow up in a law enforcement family?

3. Tell us about a time you had to show courage, resilience, or leadership in your own life.

4. How has your connection to the Chicago Police Department influenced your goals for the future?

Complete all fields or submissions may be denied.

I attest that the information I have provided is complete and accurate, and I agree that the Chicago Police Foundation Scholarship Committee/Chicago Police Foundation may verify this information. I agree that the Chicago Police Foundation may disclose the information contained in this application to any donors who assist with this educational scholarship. If the Chicago Police Foundation awards a scholarship to me, I hereby authorize the organization, on a royalty-free basis, to include my likeness and story as part of its publicity and fundraising initiatives.

Submit completed application as one PDF to michael@chicagopolicefoundation.org. Deadline: May 15th, 2026