LANSING, Ill. (October 4, 2023) – The Infinite Scholars Organization and Developing Our Youth Association hosted a free scholarship fair at Thornton Fractional South High School on Wednesday, September 27 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Over 400 students came prepared with their transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, college essays, letters of recommendation and resumes, as some colleges granted on-the-spot admission. Seniors from TF North, Thornwood High School in South Holland, and Simeon High School in Chicago attended the fair in addition to TF South students.
Purdue University, Chicago State University, Northeastern University, and University of Illinois at Springfield were among the colleges present at the fair.
This is the second year the fair was held at TF South. It had originally been held at TF North High School in Calumet City.
“We are grateful for the Infinite Scholars Organization for partnering with [us] to host the Infinite Scholars Fair at TF North when I was there and now here at TF South,” said Angela Shama, Professional School Counselor at TF South. “This partnership allows every 12th grade student in our school an opportunity to attend the fair, talk to college and career reps, and potentially receive on-the-spot acceptance and scholarships.”
“Every year the Infinite Scholar Fair brings millions of dollars of scholarship dollars in our community,” she said.
“Since [2003] we have assisted at least two hundred thousand youths throughout the nation secure at least two billion dollars in scholarship offers,” said Kevionda Woods, Promise Program Coordinator at the Infinite Scholars Organization.
$6.5 million in scholarship money was awarded at last year’s fair, said organizers.
“[This event] allows [students] to be exposed to schools they may have never heard of,” said Ben Webb, Regional Admission Counselor at University of Illinois at Springfield. “[The University of Illinois-Springfield] caters to a more individual and personalized experience.”
Various organizations such as the U.S. Military and UPS were also present at the event.
“There are a variety of majors and post-secondary opportunities [at the fair]. We have people here that offer jobs to pay for college,” said Shama. “We want each student [after] they graduate to have a plan.”
TF South’s highest scholarship award winners
Thought many students were awarded some type of scholarship or acceptance at the event, the following were the highest dollar amounts awarded:
- Zamyah Holmes – 12th grade – was awarded over $200,000
- Jisel Alvarez – 12th grade – was awarded over $180,000 and accepted into Grand Canyon University
- Antoine Lee, Jr. – 12th grade – was awarded over $190,000
TF South High School is located at 18500 Burnham Ave in Lansing.
