Scholarship Program
On Track to Success - Apply Today
Chicago Chapter Scholarship Program
The Chicago Chapter is proud to offer scholarships that support the educational goals of students. These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of corporate contributors and sponsors, and individual donors. Each year, the chapter awards three scholarships of $1,000 each. Recipients are selected through the application process, and winners are announced in May.
Jacobi Morton
"Receiving a scholarship from the Chicago Chapter of NARBW has been an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone in my academic journey. This support not only lightens the financial burden of pursuing my degree in Business IT, but also affirms my hard work, dedication, and potential in the field. It’s inspiring to be recognized by an organization that values education and community impact, and it motivates me to keep striving toward my goals. I’m truly grateful for the investment in my future and the encouragement to continue growing both professionally and personally."
Madison Manley
"Receiving a scholarship from the Chicago Chapter of NARBW has been an incredibly meaningful experience. It is an honor to be recognized by an organization that uplifts students who are passionate about their futures. This award has reinforced that I am not alone on my journey—there are people who genuinely believe in me and my aspirations. Being part of NARBW fills me with pride and fuels my motivation to push forward, embrace opportunities, and make the most of every step toward my goals."
Selection of Recipients
Recipients are selected based on academic record, professional and internship experience, relevant volunteer experience, educational and/or professional recommendations, and an essay that includes a statement of character, career and educational aspirations and goals. See specific eligibility guidelines.
The Scholarship Award is open to all students meeting the criteria below. However, additional consideration is given to applicants who are STEM and rail industry or related majors and who have experience in the rail industry.
The NARBW Chicago Award Committee will select the recipients of the award based on the above qualifications and grading rubric with a point system. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.
Eligibility
-
Post-Secondary Education students enrolled in an accredited college, university or program.
-
All academic majors are eligible to apply
-
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and rail industry applicants are strongly encouraged to apply
-
Application
-
Completed application form
-
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation should include a character reference, statement of the student’s potential, and their need for financial aid.
-
One from a current employer/industry professional mentor
-
Once from an educator or a NARBW Member
-
-
A 500-word essay: Essay/autobiography should have the following details:
-
Family
-
Work Experience
-
Community Service
-
Hobbies
-
Future Goals
-
Accomplishments
-
-
Certified Academic Transcript: We will accept a current, complete, official transcript including student name, school name, grade point average, grades and credit hours for each course and term in which each course was taken.
Application Deadline
The NARBW Chicago Chapter Scholarship application must be submitted and postmarked by Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
Application Submission
-
Online Applications Only
-
Please complete the form below to apply.
Award Recipient Responsibilities
-
Recipients will be informed via a phone call and email if they have received an award.
-
Recipients will be given award acceptance instructions and a deadline to accept the award.
-
If recipients do not formally accept their awards by the deadline specified in their offer letters, the funds may be reallocated to other applicants.
-
Recipients may be asked to attend an event or events honoring them.
-
Recipients may be asked to deliver brief remarks at relevant events or provide written remarks for electronic posts.
2025 NARBW Chicago Chapter Scholarship Form
Michael Kattner
"The NARBW scholarship from the Chicago Chapter has enabled me to focus on projects and research during my time at college. It has freed up worry about tuition payments and if my research stipends can be used for tuition or improved school materials such as bags, textbooks, and an upgraded laptop. I can now allocate my time to math research and projects, such as the open-source text books I am on the team of, is invaluable in expanding my skill-set beyond my coursework and in networking for my dream career of being an academic. College creates such an opportunity rich environment in the formative years of one’s adult life that any added free time is precious. This scholarship has given me more time to use those opportunities to further my career and learning in a subject I love."
Kirsten Manley
"Receiving a scholarship from the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Railway Business Women has been an incredible honor and a tremendous support in my journey toward becoming a pediatric nurse. As a nursing student at Winston-Salem State University, I am passionate about making a difference in children’s lives through compassionate care and medical expertise. This scholarship has not only eased my financial pressures but has also reinforced my confidence in pursuing my dream. I am truly grateful for this organization’s commitment to uplifting and empowering women, and I look forward to using my education to give back to my community in meaningful ways."
