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Educational Outreach Program

Partnership with Chicago Public Schools
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The Award Towards Excellence

About our Outreach Program

For almost 25 years, our scholarship program has offered after-school enrichment to motivated students from diverse Chicago Public Schools. Over the course of two school years, students meet weekly for high-quality classes taught by native French speakers certified to teach French as a second language.

At the end of the program, qualifying students can compete for a scholarship trip to France or an intensive immersion stay at the Concordia Language Villages. Learn what our students had to say about recent scholarship trips!

Program Outcomes

Our rewarding program empowers students by refining their French language skills, encouraging global perspectives, and opening new doors to educational and cultural experiences.

Outreach alumni often continue their French journey at the Alliance by taking French classes, joining our Professionals Group, volunteering, attending cultural events, and more. Some have even been elected to our Board of Directors!

Our students demonstrate:

  1. Overall academic improvement
  2. Enthusiasm for French language and culture
  3. Appreciation for cultural diversity
  4. Increased self-esteem
  5. Great potential: 90% of students from our Outreach Program go on to college, often the first in their families to pursue higher education

Nyariak's Story

Each of our alumni have a unique story to tell. Hear from Nyariak, a 2020 graduate of the Educational Outreach Program currently in college to become a doctor — félicitations, Nyariak!

Our Community Impact

We are proud to have received considerable acclaim from the Chicago Public Schools administration as well as participating students, families, and teachers.

From Arne Duncan, Former U.S. Secretary of Education and Former C.E.O. of Chicago Public Schools:

“This program enriches what students learn at school by offering a ‘beyond the classroom’ experience, increasing their mastery of French, and positively impacting their overall academic achievement.”

Support Outreach

Ceremony & Travels

Each year, we proudly celebrate the accomplishments of our Awards Toward Excellence students. Ten to fifteen high-achieving scholars are awarded immersion trips to Paris or the Concordia Language Villages.

Students are selected based upon their achievements in the program, individual essays, and interviews conducted by the Educational Outreach Committee.

Click here to see some great shots of recent trips!

We are 100 percent funded by private donations

Our rewarding and life-changing program is made possible by the generosity of the Alliance Française de Chicago community. To you, we say « merci beaucoup ! »

We never forget our alumni, and we love to keep in touch!

Please fill out this form to tell us what you’re up to and how we can stay in contact. Tu nous manques !

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