George M. Pullman Educational Foundation — Pullman Scholarship

The Pullman Foundation supports young people in Cook County who are beginning college. Its 2027 application opens November 1 and closes February 1. Unlike a state grant, eligibility depends on county residency, demonstrated financial need, academic requirements, and enrollment. The foundation provides activities and guidance to scholars during college, so the process does not end with an award letter.

The official criteria require applicants to be high-school seniors and Cook County residents, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0, and file the FAFSA. Students must begin in fall, full time, their first bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year institution in the United States that is eligible for Title IV aid. Students already attending college or community college or holding a degree are excluded; the foundation says dual-enrollment classes taken as high-school seniors do not count as prior college attendance for this rule.

First-year awards may be up to $10,000 depending on financial need. The scholarship may renew for up to four years or eight semesters of full-time bachelor’s study while the scholar remains in good standing. The foundation reviews FAFSA alongside federal, state, institutional, and other aid, so the published maximum does not mean everyone receives the full amount. Students may apply before college admission arrives, but finalists must verify acceptance and submit their financial-aid package.

The online application includes three essays and information about GPA, family income, high-school courses, and activities. Two recommendations are required: one from a teacher and one from an adult able to discuss the student’s abilities, growth, or achievements; family members and personal friends are not accepted. The application opens November 1, 2026, and closes February 1, 2027. Further deadlines follow for transcripts, interviews, FAFSA summaries, and acceptance letters; monitor email and the application portal for later steps.

The foundation typically awards 25 to 30 new scholarships each year, depending on available resources, and expects to notify new scholars in mid-May. Recipients sign an agreement and take part in required activities, including the annual symposium. Contact recommenders before the application opens and save confirmation for every document. The program is administered from Chicago but is limited to Cook County residents; the program director’s listed email is astretz@pullmanfoundation.org.

Who it serves and what it can cover: Cook County seniors beginning a first full-time bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. institution eligible for Title IV aid. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA, file the FAFSA, and demonstrate financial need. Awards are up to $10,000 and may renew for up to four years based on need, available funds, and good standing with the foundation.

How to apply or get help: The 2027 application opens November 1, 2026, and closes February 1, 2027. The foundation lists astretz@pullmanfoundation.org for program questions and 312-422-0444 as its main phone. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information