Schuler Education Foundation
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $6.5 million (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Applications currently closed
- Grant Range: $5,000 per year for 4 years ($20,000 total per scholar)
- Geographic Focus: Illinois (Chicago area and northern suburbs)
Contact Details
- Website: www.schulerprogram.org
- Email: info@schulerprogram.org
- Address: PO Box 556, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
- Phone: Not publicly listed
Overview
Founded in 2001 and tax-exempt since 1997, the Schuler Education Foundation operates the Schuler Scholar Program, which equips bright, motivated youth with the support they need to gain access to and succeed at highly selective colleges. With total assets of approximately $1.08 million and annual charitable disbursements of $6.5 million, the foundation focuses on supporting first-generation college-bound students, students of color, and students from low-income families throughout the Chicago area and northern suburbs of Illinois. The foundation employs 51-200 people and provides comprehensive support including scholarships, mentoring, and college preparation services.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Schuler Scholar Program: $5,000 per year for 4 years - Comprehensive scholarship and support program for high-potential students selected at the end of freshman year in high school. The program includes financial support, academic advising, college preparation, and professional development throughout high school and college.
Priority Areas
- First-generation college students
- Students of color from underrepresented communities
- Low-income families
- Academic achievement and college readiness
- Long-term educational and professional development
What They Don't Fund
- Students outside of partner high schools
- Graduate education
- International students
- Students not planning to attend highly selective colleges
Governance and Leadership
Key Personnel:
- Jack Schuler - President & Secretary
- Tanya Schuler Sharman - Vice President
- Therese Schuler Hoffman - Vice President
- Jason Patenaude - Executive Director ($210,664 compensation)
- Joanne Bertsch - Managing Director ($118,797 compensation)
- Susan Kamp - Director of Finance ($118,528 compensation)
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
The foundation does not have an open public application process. The program currently works exclusively with 14 partnership high schools in the Chicago area and northern suburbs. Students are identified and selected through these partner schools at the end of their freshman year. The program is currently not accepting new student applications. Interested parties should contact info@schulerprogram.org for questions about future opportunities.
Partner Schools
The program operates in select Illinois high schools including:
- Highland Park High School
- Maine East High School
- Waukegan High School
- Round Lake High School
- Warren Township High School
- Additional partner schools in Chicago and northern suburbs (14 total)
Decision Timeline
Selection occurs at the end of freshman year for students in partner schools. Specific timeline details are not publicly available.
Success Rates
Not publicly disclosed
Reapplication Policy
Not applicable due to the school-based selection process
Application Success Factors
Since the Schuler Scholar Program works through partner schools rather than accepting direct applications, success factors focus on:
- Being enrolled in one of the 14 partner high schools
- Demonstrating strong academic potential by the end of freshman year
- Meeting the program's target demographics (first-generation, low-income, students of color)
- Showing motivation to attend highly selective colleges
- Commitment to maintain program requirements throughout high school and college
- Willingness to engage with the comprehensive support system including advisors and mentors
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The Schuler Education Foundation operates a closed scholarship program through partner schools only - there is no public application process
- Focus is exclusively on high school students transitioning to highly selective colleges
- The program provides substantial long-term support ($20,000 over 4 years plus comprehensive advising)
- Geographic limitation to Illinois, specifically Chicago area and northern suburbs
- Strong emphasis on supporting underrepresented students in higher education
- The foundation maintains significant financial resources with $6.5 million in annual disbursements
- Organizations seeking partnership opportunities should contact info@schulerprogram.org directly
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Schuler Education Foundation Profile (accessed December 2024)
- GuideStar Profile for Schuler Education Foundation, EIN 36-4154510 (accessed December 2024)
- Schuler Scholar Program Official Website: www.schulerprogram.org (accessed December 2024)
- LinkedIn Company Page - Schuler Scholar Program (accessed December 2024)
- CauseIQ Organization Profile - Schuler Education Foundation (accessed December 2024)