Ella French Scholarships are awarded annually to children of current or retired employees of the Chicago Police Department and other youth actively involved in police programming. They are intended as financial assistance to offset high school expenses such as tuition, supplies, and transportation. Scholarship recipients and their parents or guardians will be invited to a celebratory luncheon in Chicago on Sunday, September 15th, 2024.  

History 

On August 7, 2021, Chicago Police Officer Ella French was killed in the line of duty. She was incredibly well-liked and a role model with integrity in the department. Officer French personified the importance of being a Chicago police officer. She had a strong commitment to the community, children, and animals. Upon Officer French's death, Chicago business leader Allan Reich was moved by her story and wanted to create a vehicle for young people to have the opportunity to learn about Officer French and ensure her legacy and that of fellow fallen Chicago officers who died in the line of duty, would live on. In 2023, with the support of Officer French's mother, Ms. Elizabeth French, the Chicago Police Foundation created the Ella French Scholarship program.  

Award Amount 

Each student selected will be designated an Ella French Scholar and receive $2000 to be used for high school expenses.   

Application Deadline 

May 1st, 2024 

Award Notification 

Award recipient(s) will be notified by August 15th, 2024.  

Application Requirements 

Eligible applicants must be in grades 8 through 11 as of January 2024 (Grade 11 early graduates excluded. They must show proof of attending or about to attend high school (Grade 9), carry a 2.7 (or higher) GPA (or equivalent), and have a good attendance record.

To be eligible, applicants must also fit ONE of the following criteria: 

• A child or dependent of a currently active or former (retired) Chicago Police Officer  

• A child or dependent employee of the Chicago Police Department 

• A child or dependent of a fallen Chicago Police Officer 

• A high school student who is an active participant in a Chicago Police Department youth program, including: 

•Youth District Advisory Council 

•Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy 

•Police Explorers 

•Police Athletic and Arts League 

•Police Cadet Program 

Application Process 

Applicants who meet the listed qualifications must submit the following required documents with their application. 

• A 300-600-word essay about yourself and why Ella French inspires you.  

• One digital image of themselves. 

• Evidence of CPD youth program participation or the name of the qualifying parent. 

• A copy of a current government or school-issued photo ID and a current high school or 8th-grade incoming freshman transcript that includes a GPA (or equivalent) and shows attendance (if attendance is not listed, a note from a school counselor stating the applicant has good attendance will be accepted). 

• Two letters of recommendation from a non-family member.  

• All items must be submitted by the deadline application date as one digital PDF file to cpfscholarships@gmail.com; otherwise, the application may be denied.  

      *Scholarship Recipients will be required to provide a social security number for tax purposes. *