Karen GJ Lewis Scholarship Award

Karen GJ Lewis Scholarship Award

Purpose: Honor Karen GJ Lewis's immense contributions to labor, education, social justice and community engagement by promoting and encouraging the next generation of Black servant leaders in Chicago's public education system.

Award Type: One-time, non-renewable $10,000 education scholarship

Funding: The Chicago Teachers Union and the American Federation of Teachers each pledged $100,000 to fund this scholarship program.

Eligibility

• Black individuals who are:
- Chicago Public School students entering college, OR - Adult non-traditional new or transitioning students - Pursuing a career in education

Support Provided

• $10,000 financial award
• Mentorship from CTUF Quest Center Director to navigate being an educator of color
• Access to three (3) free Quest Center classes once recipient becomes a CPS teacher and CTU member
• Academic and socio-emotional support from a mentor

Background

Karen GJ Lewis was a National Board Certified Teacher elected president of the Chicago Teachers Union in 2010. Through her bold leadership, she changed the narrative around public education in Chicago and the United States. She was a longtime high school chemistry teacher and daughter of two CPS educators.

Geographic Scope

• Chicago, Illinois
• Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

Contact Information

• Email: carmencuret@ctuf.org
• Phone: 312-329-6285
• Address: 1901 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago, IL 60612-2401

Organization

• Funder: Children & Teachers Foundation of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTUF)
• Tax Status: 501(c)(3) exempt organization
• EIN: 46-5340132