Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions we get about Green Halo Scholars
Who is eligible for Green Halo Scholars?
Green Halo Scholars serves first-generation and low-income students from the western suburbs of Chicago.
Eligible students must have a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and either be the first in their family to attend college or qualify for the Federal Free/Reduced Price Lunch Program.
Students must also attend one of our partner high schools.
How are students selected for Green Halo Scholars?
Most Green Halo Scholars are referred by their high school counselor, though students may also express interest in the program directly.
All prospective scholars complete an application and interview process. We look for students who have demonstrated academic potential, involvement (school, community, and family), and a commitment to making the most of the opportunities Green Halo provides.
How much does the program cost families?
Nothing! Thanks to the generosity of our donors and community partners, Green Halo Scholars is completely free for students and their families.
When do students join the program?
Students are nominated by their high school counselor during the second semester of their junior year. Following a comprehensive application and interview process, scholars are selected in the spring and officially begin the program in June before their senior year.
What is expected of scholars?
Green Halo Scholars are expected to actively participate in programming, communicate regularly with staff and mentors, attend workshops and meetings, and remain committed to their college and career goals.
What makes Green Halo Scholars different from school counseling services?
School counselors play an essential role in helping students prepare for life after high school, but they often serve hundreds of students each year. (The student-to-counselor ratio in Illinois is 522-to-1!) Green Halo Scholars works in tandem with school counselors to provide personalized, one-on-one support that extends beyond the school day – and beyond high school graduation.
Why doesn’t Green Halo just offer scholarships?
Financial aid is only one piece of college success. Research – and our own experience – shows that students also benefit from personalized guidance, mentoring, career preparation, and a strong support network. By investing in comprehensive, long-term support, Green Halo helps scholars not only enroll in college but graduate prepared for successful careers.
Do you help students choose colleges?
Absolutely! We believe every student deserves a college list that is academically, socially, and financially aligned with their goals. Our team works closely with scholars to build balanced college lists, compare financial aid offers, and ultimately choose the college that is the best fit for their future.
Do you offer scholarships?
Green Halo Scholars is not a scholarship organization. Instead, we focus on helping students identify colleges they can afford while providing wraparound support throughout their college journey. Depending on student needs, scholars may have access to resources such as textbook stipends, professional development grants, emergency assistance, and other college success supports.
How long do students receive support?
Green Halo Scholars begins working with students during the second semester of their junior year of high school and continues supporting them through the completion of their undergraduate degree. Our commitment doesn't end with a college acceptance letter – we're invested in helping our scholars graduate.
What kind of support does Green Halo offer to college scholars?
Our support doesn't end when scholars choose their college or move into their residence halls. Throughout college, Green Halo Scholars provides ongoing advising, regular check-ins with a dedicated college success coach, career development opportunities, and access to wraparound supports designed to help students persist through graduation.
Why do you continue to support scholars in college?
Getting into college is only the first step. Many first-generation students face academic, financial, and personal challenges that can make completing a degree difficult. Green Halo remains alongside our scholars because we believe success isn't measured by college acceptance – it's measured by college graduation.
How is Green Halo Scholars funded?
Green Halo Scholars is made possible through the generosity of individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and grant funding. Every gift helps remove barriers and create opportunities for first-generation students to earn a college degree.