62. Jeffery Beckham, CEO of Chicago Scholars, on Helping First-Generation College Students Achieve Their Dreams

How do you change life outcomes for promising students who aren’t necessarily college-bound and desperately need a chance? What’s really working to help students navigate high school and college successfully?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jeffery Beckham Jr., CEO, Chicago Scholars. Jeffery discusses:In Chicago, there can be up to a 30% life expectancy gap between zip codes. Chicago Scholars believes that your zip code should not determine your life’s outcomes.Chicago Scholars’ 7-year model that pairs students with mentors starting in their junior year, until they finish college and land their first job.How Chicago Scholars currently serves over 5,000 students in their program (550 juniors join every year), with the help of 200 mentors, 50 staff, 400 volunteers, 25 part-time counselors, 30 Board members, 30 associate Board members, and alumni.How Jeffery had to develop the skills he needed to be an effective CEO, including fundraising and storytelling.How Chicago Scholars accepts 550 juniors each year, but there are close to 5,000 college-ready students who could be/should be scholars.On October 24, Chicago Scholar is holding its 6th Annual Onsite College and Leadership Forum, during which 140 colleges will interview Chicago Scholars for admission into their programs. Last year, they conducted over 3,300 interviews, which resulted in 1500 admittances and $85M in aid given.Jeffery’s alter ego as a renowned artist, and how his art gives him time to think creatively about problems at work, as well as celebrate his students.References:Chicago Scholars websiteOnsite College and Leadership ForumArt by Jeffery Beckham website