What is the A-Team Scholars Program?
The A-Team Scholars Program opens doors to higher education by investing in students who consider college and their dreams to be out of reach. The goal of the program is to increase higher education opportunities for students in undeserved communities.
Students in grades 4-12 are awarded scholarship money based on scholastic achievement, character and integrity. They receive $50 for every "A" and $25 for every "B" earned per quarter in Reading, Math, Writing and Science.
Thanks to our partners, the funds are invested in 529 college savings plans, and are made available to students upon enrollment in a higher education or vocational program.
The A-Team Scholars Program is currently in six schools:
| Victor Herbert Elementary |
Chicago, IL |
| William Brown Elementary |
Chicago, IL |
| Sherman School of Excellence |
Chicago, IL |
| Gertrude Smith School |
Aurora, IL |
| Prince Chapman Academy |
Fort Wayne, IN |
| Glen Park Academy |
Gary, IN |
A-Team Scholars alumni are currently studying on college campuses across the U.S. Spanning from Illinois, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. to the Carolinas.
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Current A-Team Scholars and Alumni
Kenneth T.
7th Grade, Victor Herbert
"[The A-Team] gave me a possibility to travel....and meet new people."
Since joining the A-Team in 2006, Kenneth has grown both academically and personally. In 2008, Kenneth earned straight A's for the entire academic year, earning him and his family a trip to Disney World. His favorite subject is science. In 2009, he applied for and won a trip to the U.S. Space and Rocket Camp for the Aviation Challenge camp, and was popular with campers from all over the country. One day, Kenneth hopes to become a scientist.
Aundriana B.
Junior, North Central College
"The majority of my friends were on the A-Team with me, and [the program] helped motivate them. Without A-Team, they probably wouldn't have taken school seriously."
Aundriana has long demonstrated a passion for accomplishing personal goals. One of the first A-Team Scholars, Aundriana joined the program in 2001, while in fourth grade at Victor Herbert Elementary. Determined to win a United Family Dream Vacation to Disney World, an incentive forA-Team Scholars who demonstrate high academic achievement, she immediately began working harder in school. Her efforts paid off: Aundriana earned straight A's for two full years and went with her family to Disney World twice.
As an A-Team scholar, she is studying hard to pursue a career in forensic sciences and is now close to achieving her dream. After being introduced to forensic science while at a summer camp in eighth grade, Aundriana entered Kenwood Academy High School motivated to become a forensic pathologist. She registered for honors classes, enrolled in a nursing program and competed on the tennis team. Maintaining excellent grades, she was inducted into the National Honors Society, while still earning toward her college education through the A-Team program. Aundriana is currently a junior at North Central College in Naperville, IL. Majoring in biochemistry with a minor in criminal justice.
Shaquia J.
Freshman, Mississippi Valley State University
"Being apart of the A-Team, my grades became better because I strive for A's instead of settling for a B or C."
Shaquia joined the A-Team Scholars in 2002 as a fourth grader at Victor Herbert Elementary School. Event though Shaquia always earned either A's or B's in her classes, joining the A-Team encouraged her to strive for only A’s. Being a first generation college student, Shaquia knew nothing about college growing up. She always wanted to work in the “big buildings downtown,” but didn’t know how to get there. The A-Team showed her that college was the answer. She is currently attending Mississippi Valley State University planning to major in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration. Upon graduation she hopes to apply her talents working for a large technology firm such as Dell or Apple.
Wendy A.
Junior, West Aurora High School
“What I like best about the A-Team is being a part of the High School Executive Board. It has helped me to be more responsible and pushes me to reach my goals for the future. I had to step out of my comfort zone, speak to new people and make [new] friends.”
Wendy is one of the most motivated A-Team Scholars in the program. She joined the A-Team while a student at Gertrude Smith Elementary in Aurora, IL and is currently attending West Aurora High School. Wendy has a track record of improving her grades since she first joined the A-Team and now, as a result, considers B’s to be “unacceptable.” Not only has the A-Team experience raised Wendy’s expectations of her own academic performance, but it has also raised her parents’ expectations. This, Wendy says, “… [encourages] me to work harder to make them proud.”
Since enrolling in the A-Team Scholars High School Program, Wendy has wholeheartedly embraced the program’s leadership opportunities. Since the beginning of the school year, she has taken the initiative to work with her high school’s Activity Director to help her peers register for the A-Team program. Wendy is also a member of the first A-Team High School Executive Board – a group of A-Team high school students currently planning college access programming for the rest of the High School A-Team Scholars. We are very excited to see what Wendy and the rest of the Executive Board have in store for our High School A-Team Scholars.
YOU can Help a Child Do More Than Dream
A-Team scholars are eager to learn and inspired to succeed. Your financial contribution will help them to take their education and aspirations to the next level. Donate Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the A-Team Scholars Program work?
Students grades 4-12 are awarded scholarship dollars for scholastic achievement, character, and integrity. Students receive $50 for every "A" and $25 for every "B" in key subjects. Students' earned funds are then placed into a 529 fund that accumulate savings with tax-deferred growth.
When a student graduates from high school, they must use these funds toward higher education, including colleges and universities, trade schools and vocational programs. The A-Team Scholars program also helps them to identity the path best suited to their personal interests and goals.
Will I be able to check the progress of my fund?
Yes. Every A-Team Scholars supporter receives a quarterly statement of earnings.
Are there any risks to students gaining access to the funds before high school graduation?
Absolutely not. Students must formally request funds from us upon their successful enrollment in an institution of higher learning or vocational school.
Will I be able to check students' progress in the program?
Yes. In addition to receiving a quarterly statement of earnings, you will receive student portfolios, which include updates on students' achievements.
Can I invite friends to invest in my fund?
Yes. You can invite friends to invest in your personalized 529 account(s). Given the rising costs of college education, it generally takes an initial investment of $16,000 to send one child to college. Gathering friends to invest in your personalized account is a great way to increase your financial impact.
How is my donation invested?
The A-Team Scholars program utilizes FDIC-insured financial institutions and funds. Advised by five different financial institutions and funds., the A-Team 529 funds are invested conservatively to ensure the best possible return on students' earnings.