Chicago Public Schools Scholarship

Sherlena Ammons Inaugural Scholarship

At the Gresham Community Center (GCC), we are committed to empowering the next generation through education. Both of our founders, Dwayne Williams & Kim Ammons, are a product of the Chicago Public Schools system, having attended multiple schools at every level, and understand firsthand the challenges faced by inner-city youth. They were fortunate enough to be raised under the wisdom of family matriarch - Sherlena Ammons. It is deeply important to them both to give back to the community that helped shape them, especially during a time when financial barriers prevent many students from continuing their education. 

Colleges and trade programs often come with hefty enrollment fees, and these upfront costs can prevent deserving students from securing a spot in their program of choice. In fact, nearly 40% of low-income students who are accepted into college do not enroll due to financial constraints, according to the National College Access Network.

By providing scholarships, GCC aims to eliminate one of the significant hurdles these students face, giving them the opportunity to move forward in their educational and professional journeys. This is not just about funding; it’s about giving inner-city youth the chance to better their lives and create lasting opportunities for success- A passion our founders inherited from Sherlena who advocates for her kin and her community to pursue enriching opportunities, even beyond high school. 

Through this scholarship program, Dwayne, Kim, and GCC are ensuring that young people in our community can access the education and training they need to build brighter futures—regardless of their financial background.