CTA Partners with Chicago Public Schools to Launch Scholarship Program

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) partnered with Chicago Public Schools to launch a new scholarship program to help economically disadvantaged Chicago students pursue college degrees and careers in construction, engineering, and related fields.

The CTA Elevating Futures Red Line Extension Scholarship Fund was created in partnership with Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners, the contractor for CTA’s historic $5.7 billion Red Line Extension project. Administered by Chicago Scholars, the fund will provide three students each year from 2026 through 2030 with $3,000 scholarships, renewable for up to five years.

Eligible students must live in or attend high school within project-area ZIP codes and plan to attend a four-year college or university to study engineering, architecture, construction management, or a similar field.

“This scholarship program embodies what the Red Line Extension is all about: creating opportunity and unlocking potential for Chicago’s future,” said CTA Acting President Leerhsen. “This fund is about more than financial aid. It will help to create pathways to careers for the next generation of engineers and builders who will help shape our city for decades to come.”