CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GEMS World Academy Chicago is launching a merit scholarship program for incoming ninth grade students to kick off GEMS’ first U.S. high school, based in Chicago. Currently a pre-K through middle school located in the city’s Lakeshore East area, the school will offer up to 10 partial and full scholarships. The deadline for students to apply is April 3, 2017 and scholarship recipients will be notified by May 1, 2017.
GEMS World Academy Chicago offers the International Baccalaureate® (IB) curriculum with a strong focus on language learning and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education through a new partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Community Robotics, Education and Technology Empowerment Lab (CREATE Lab). With schools across 19 countries including Dubai, Singapore and Switzerland, GEMS provides students with an international perspective to expose their learning to diverse cultures and to become true global citizens.
All GEMS World Academy Chicago 2017-2018 scholarship recipients will be chosen from a group of candidates who consistently earn good grades, show excellent leadership and, importantly, demonstrate outstanding civic participation and a commitment to learning.
“Every aspect of our curriculum, from social studies to STEAM, encourages high-level thought and a design-thinking approach to solving problems,” said Kim Wargo, GEMS Chicago Head of School. “That is why, when developing the scholarship program, we wanted to award students who demonstrate great leadership skills in their schools and exhibit an exemplary attitude toward learning, so they can continue their studies in the challenging IB program at GEMS.”
Students applying must complete an application, which includes two qualifying essays written by the student and two letters of recommendation. As a GEMS education is rooted in culture and exploration, students may also supplement their application by including a creative component, such as a short video, a piece of art or a piece of writing that will add to the committee's understanding of the type of contributions they would bring to the school’s first class of high school students.
For more information on applying for the scholarship, please go to www.gemschicago.org/scholarships. Finalists will be chosen for an in-person interview at the school with the GEMS Scholarship Committee.
“Our mission is to put quality education in the hands of every child, so we are thrilled to be able to offer our first merit scholarship program in the country in Chicago,” said Denise Gallucci, Chief Executive Officer, GEMS Education – Americas. “Through participation in the program, these scholars will enrich the school with their talents and receive the greatest resources to develop their potential further and for preparing them to enter a truly diverse and global society.”
All merit-based scholarship awards are renewable through senior year at GEMS as long as the recipient maintains satisfactory academic performance, relevant participation in the fields covered by the scholarship, and conduct. Students who earn the GEMS Scholarship and qualify for additional need-based aid can also be awarded additional financial assistance.
Non-GEMS students must apply to both the school and the scholarship program to be considered. Admission and scholarship recipient decisions are made concurrently.
About GEMS Education
Founded in 1959, GEMS Education is the world’s leading education company and through its thought-leadership and network of world-renowned experts, GEMS continues to be at the forefront of PK-12 educational innovation. GEMS has a global network of award-winning international schools spanning four continents, educating more than 250,000 students from 115 countries, and employing 20,000 education professionals. With countless opportunities for interactive studies with their peers around the world, GEMS students expand their knowledge and broaden their experiences with other cultures. This new partnership will leverage global interactions at a scale and pace.
