A High 5 for Chapman and Cutler.

Finance Law Firm Becomes Direct Supporter of High 5's Five-Year Scholarship Program

CHICAGO -- Scholarship Chicago announced today that the law firm of Chapman and Cutler LLP has agreed to become its newest High 5 Partner. The announcement is an exciting development for both Scholarship Chicago and Chapman and Cutler, which have confirmed their commitment to education and diversity in the legal profession. Although Chapman has contributed regularly to Scholarship Chicago since its inception, this is the first time the law firm has become a High 5 partner.

Scholarship Chicago's High 5 Program provides a unique opportunity for local companies to get involved in the development of Chicago's youth. As High 5 Partners, companies donate $55,000 over 5 years, effectively sponsoring 5 students through Scholarship Chicago's entire College Bound Program. As a part of that program, which begins in a student's senior year of high school and runs until their college graduation, students are given a year of college preparatory programming, access to a 3-tier mentoring system, 4-year "gap" scholarships of up to $2,500 a year, and exclusive internship opportunities. It is a program that works - College Bound students have a graduation rate of over 95% - and it is unique in its dedication to the overall success of its students.

"High 5 is a unique scholarship program, giving Chicago-area businesses a chance to play an active role in supporting promising students through what may be the most formative period of their lives," said Chapman and Cutler Chief Executive Partner Richard Cosgrove. "Young people undergo a lifetime of learning and personal development that runs from their senior year in high school through their college graduation - to complete that journey truly is a 'High Five' experience and we are proud to continue our direct support of this wonderful educational initiative. Especially rewarding is the reinforcement that the program provides for advancing higher educational opportunities for a highly diverse student population, something that can only enhance our country's workforce. Naturally, we hope some of our High 5 recipients remember to return to Chicago when they're ready to join the professional ranks."

As the primary supporters of the College Bound program, High 5 Partners play a major role in the program's success. In fact their involvement, which goes far beyond the financial, is slowly changing the scholarship culture in Chicago, as well as the way companies and industries improve their diversity.

As the newest High 5 Partner, Chapman and Cutler is helping to lead that change. Together with three other High 5 law firms, they have recognized the ability of the College Bound program to produce diverse, well-educated, young professionals who can enter the workforce and make important contributions. As a result they have given their full support to the College Bound program and essentially created a high school-to-college-to-work "pipeline" that benefits students looking for jobs as much as it benefits companies looking to increase their diversity

While the law field has been the first major industry targeted by Scholarship Chicago's High 5 Program, others sectors are not far behind. Already the financial services and energy industry are represented by partners like Cole Taylor Bank, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Loop Capitol Markets, Mesirow Financial, Nuveen Investments and People's Energy.

As the High 5 Program continues to grow and other industries begin to come on board, the benefits for everyone in the City of Chicago will only multiply.

A ten-year-old 501(c)(3) organization, Scholarship Chicago strives to help underserved students graduate from the college of their choice and transition into productive careers. Along with financial assistance, students receive college preparatory programming, mentoring, summer internships and career networking opportunities. Ultimately, the goal is to produce a valuable group of future leaders and make Chicago an even better place to live, work, learn and raise a family.