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:
- Agriculture
- Engineering
- General Business
- Industrial Maintenance
- Logistics
- Sales
- Technology
- Transportation & Distribution
The PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship program is designed to support students in sustaining their enrollment in community colleges, attaining trade certificates or associate degrees, and subsequently gaining employment. This initiative is part of the PepsiCo Foundation’s commitment to increasing economic opportunity by empowering individuals through education and creating pathways to stable careers.
- The maximum scholarship award is set at a maximum of $2,000 per student.
- 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 may be 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).
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.
