Wentcher Foundation

The Wentcher Foundation is the scholarship organization that creates equitable opportunities for high character, high-achieving Chicago-area students to earn a college degree and go on to positively impact their communities. Built on the legacy of Ernest “Ernie” Wentcher and his vision for empowering high-character individuals, the Wentcher Foundation supports its scholars to and through college and prepares them for success following graduation by: - Awarding renewable scholarships to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Oakton Community College students; - Offering hands-on support during college; and - Building a community of student and alumni leaders who are making a positive impact. Beginning with ten scholarship awards in 2002, the Wentcher Foundation has experienced significant growth, most recently awarding 99 new scholarships in 2020 across three programs. The Wentcher Foundation has supported more than 800 Scholars with over $13 million in scholarship funding to date. Today, the Foundation continues to grow and thrive. Each year, we select 80+ Chicago Public Schools seniors to receive renewable $10,000 scholarships to attend colleges and universities of their choice. In addition, Wentcher chooses ten students entering Oakton Community College for renewable $3,500 scholarships. Oakton Wentcher Scholars who continue to meet the Foundation's criteria also have the opportunity to apply for Wentcher's Oakton Transfer Scholarship, which provides up to $10,000 per year to help Oakton Scholars continue their undergraduate education at four-year universities.