PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholars Program
at City Colleges of Chicago
The PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship Program offers students pursuing two-year degrees and professional certificate programs the critical success resources including financial assistance, student support, professional development and employer networking. The program’s goal is to help students gain access to high-skill, high-wage jobs in their communities including but not limited to opportunities in manufacturing, transportation, distribution, and logistics companies.
The PepsiCo Foundation has partnered with City Colleges of Chicago Foundation to offer qualified students support to pursue careers in high demand fields including:
- Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (TDL)
- Automotive Technology
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Information Technology
- Business
Students must be enrolled at CCC in an approved academic focus area. The full list of approved academic focus areas can be found here.
Students who are accepted into this scholarship program are expected to use their certificate/degree to seek employment opportunities at PepsiCo, as well as opportunities in manufacturing, transportation, distribution, and companies.
- Scholarship award amounts will vary as they are based on demonstrated financial need.
- Scholarship funds are applied to tuition, books and other education supports that will assist in the completion of credentials at CCC.
- Students will be required to remain in contact with their assigned success coach throughout the entirety of the program.
- Students will be required to participate in professional development opportunities, employer site visits, and in PepsiCo and PepsiCo Foundation Uplift events.
- Scholarships are renewable if students maintain the following criteria:
- Students in credit programs must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA or higher after the first semester at City Colleges of Chicago.
- Meet engagement benchmarks with the success coach
- Actively participate in professional development and employer engagement in professional development opportunities, employer site visits, and in PepsiCo and PepsiCo Foundation Uplift events.
Who Can Apply?
Qualified candidates must:
- Identify as a member of an under-resourced community.
- Be enrolled in an associate degree, basic or advanced certificate program.
- Be a current student at the City Colleges of Chicago. Both new and returning students are eligible.
- Be college-ready in Math and English.
- Complete a FAFSA or RISE form if enrolling in a credit program (degree or certificate).
- Complete the required supplemental questions in the application.
How recipients are selected:
Applicants will be evaluated and selected by a review committee on the basis of financial need, academic record, and the essay on goals and aspirations.
The number of scholarships awarded will be contingent on available funds. Additional information may be required from candidates upon request.
About the Pepsi Uplift Scholarship Program
The PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship Program seeks to break down barriers for students lacking access to financial support and professional development opportunities. To qualify for this need-based scholarship, students must identify as a member of an underserved community (i.e., not receiving enough help, products, or services) or otherwise meet one of the eligibility criteria listed in the application. Scholarships should be used towards the cost of attendance.
