CTA, Chicago Public Schools Announce RLE Scholarship Program

(Courtesy of CTA)

CHICAGO - Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Chicago Public Schools, and Mayor Johnson announced the "CTA Elevating Futures Red Line Extension Scholarship Fund" for those who seek to pursue construction and engineering-related careers.

This announcement is in partnership with CTA’s Red Line Extension design and construction contractor Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners and Chicago Scholars, a nonprofit that helps first-generation students who may not have sufficient resources for college. The $250,000 scholarship program provides three students a year with $3,000 scholarships from 2026-2030.

Those interested can apply via Chicago Scholars’ website by May 31, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on financial need and achievements. To be eligible, these students must live and/or attend high school in zip codes associated with the CTA Red Line Extension project and plan to attend a four-year college or university. Additionally, eligible recipients must be pursuing a construction management, engineering, architecture degree or similar.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said, “This scholarship is a powerful investment in our students and the development of our workforce, expanding access to the kinds of educational opportunities that open doors and change lives. . . 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.”

CTA Acting President Leerhsen said, “This scholarship program embodies what the Red Line Extension is all about: creating opportunity and unlocking potential for Chicago’s future. . . This fund is about more than financial aid. It will help to create pathways to careers for the next generation of engineers and builders who will help shape our city for decades to come.”

CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King said, “Many of our students are talented and hardworking but lack the financial resources to pursue their goals of a college education. . . The CTA Elevating Futures Red Line Extension Scholarship Fund helps ease the burden so Chicago young adults can better support their dreams.”

“Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners is proud to invest in students from the Far South Side of Chicago that are interested in pursuing careers in STEAM and construction engineering and management,” said Michael O’Donnell, RLE Project Manager for Walsh-VINCI. “Our vision is that this program will help young people from the project area become the industry leaders of tomorrow and shape Chicago’s future.”