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Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson, CTA and CPS Announce New Scholarship Program to Help Students Pursue Education and Careers in Construction

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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS), have announced the launch of a new scholarship fund aimed at providing opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth to pursue careers in construction and engineering. The "CTA Elevating Futures Red Line Extension Scholarship Fund" is a partnership between the CTA, CPS, and Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners, the contractor for CTA's $5.7 billion Red Line Extension (RLE) project.

The $250,000 scholarship program will provide three students per year from 2026 to 2030 with $3,000 scholarships. Mayor Johnson believes that this fund is a powerful investment in both students and the development of the city's workforce. He stated, "This is why investments like RLE are so important to the future of our city. This critical support will propel high-achieving young people to pursue high-demand careers while strengthening our workforce."

Acting President of CTA, Leerhsen, also expressed his excitement about the scholarship program, stating that it embodies what the RLE project is all about - creating opportunities and unlocking potential for Chicago's future. He believes that this fund will not only provide financial aid but also create pathways to careers for the next generation of engineers and builders who will shape the city for years to come.

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CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King also emphasized the importance of this scholarship fund in easing financial burdens for under-resourced students who have dreams of pursuing a college education. She stated, "The CTA Elevating Futures Red Line Extension Scholarship Fund helps ease the burden so Chicago young adults can better support their dreams."

Michael O'Donnell, RLE Project Manager for Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners, expressed his pride in investing in students from Chicago's Far South Side who are interested in STEAM and construction engineering and management careers. He hopes that this program will help these young people become industry leaders and shape the city's future.

The scholarships will be administered by Chicago Scholars, a nonprofit organization that helps high-achieving, under-resourced, and first-generation students navigate the path to college. The scholarships are renewable for up to five years of college and will be awarded based on personal achievements and financial need. Applicants must live or attend high school in CTA Red Line Extension project zip codes and plan to pursue a degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or a similar field. The application deadline is May 31, 2026, and winners will be announced over the summer.

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The RLE project aims to build a 5.5-mile extension of the Red Line from 95th Street Terminal to the vicinity of 130th Street. It will also include four new accessible stations near 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue (near 116th), and 130th Street. These stations will have bus, bike, pedestrian, and parking facilities. Additionally, a new rail yard and related facilities will be built to improve operational efficiency for the entire Red Line and CTA system.

In 2024, CTA awarded a contract to Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners to design and build the RLE project. The extension and stations are expected to be completed and in service by 2030. For more information about the Red Line Extension Project or to apply for the scholarship program, interested individuals can visit Chicago Scholars' website or transitchicago.com/rle.

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