As Marquette Bank celebrates 80 years of neighborhood banking, we reflect on the Bank’s commitment to education and investing in the next generation of students who will become our future civic leaders, teachers, professionals and local entrepreneurs.
The Marquette Bank Education Foundation awarded 64 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in 2025. Founded in 1968, our Scholarship Program came from humble beginnings, with 12 participating local high schools and a scholarship amount of $500. Today, through the Marquette Bank Education Foundation, we give a total of $160,000 in scholarship money each year to local graduates and have a total of 64 participating schools.
Education is also one of the four needs (along with hunger, shelter/housing and health/wellness) that make up the Marquette Neighborhood Commitment initiative. This includes monthly volunteering and service projects that help local organizations and nonprofits address these critical needs in our communities.
Congratulations to this year's recipients!
This year’s scholarship recipients had plenty to say when we asked them what the scholarship meant to them. Here is a selection of their responses:
"This scholarship means so much to me. Being a first-generation student my parents came to America for a better education and knowing that it has become a goal of mine to pursue a higher education." – Jozef from Oak Forest High School
"It certainly makes me feel recognized and special. Winning this scholarship signifies an opportunity to pursue a new chapter in my life and my family's life." – Cynthia from Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School
"It means I have the opportunity to study and a chance to achieve my dreams. It also shows me that hard work pays off and gives me a chance at a better future." – Michelle from Infinity Math, Science & Technology High School
"Winning this scholarship will allow me to attend my top dream university and means so much to me.” – Alina from Hubbard High School
"As someone who is both a first-generation college student and neurodivergent individual this means a lot as I work my way onto my post-secondary education. I can focus on my studies without worrying about the financial part.” – Camila from Hancock High School
"This scholarship will provide me an opportunity to obtain a degree in education and make a difference in my community. With this scholarship, my mind is more at ease knowing that I don't have to worry about the financial burden of college." – Fatima from Argo Community High School
"To me, this scholarship shows that I can accomplish amazing things despite challenges. I was able to prove to myself that my hard work is worth every struggle and hardship throughout my academic and personal life." – Samantha from Reavis High School
"This scholarship means a lot, not just to me but also my parents as well. To take money off their shoulders makes me incredibly relieved and feel secure for the years to come." – Helen from Richards High School
"This scholarship is important to me because it unlocks doors that I would not have otherwise had access to. With this scholarship I have the opportunity to attend school without having to sacrifice time spent working to earn more." – Irma from Mansueto High School
"Winning this scholarship means a step towards a brighter future for not just me but my family." – Tony from Air Force Academy High School
"To me this scholarship represents more than just financial support, it is validation of my hard work, potential and dedication to my goals." – Katia from Benito Juarez Community Academy
"This scholarship means a lot to me because it represents all the effort I've put in and how much I've grown in school. I'm proud to be able to give my family one more reason to be proud of me." – Alyson from Gage Park High School
"It helped me reach my goal of going to my dream school. It allows me to get a great education for my future career. Overall made me feel proud of myself." – Caylie from Shepard High School
The Marquette Bank Education Foundation scholarship signifies a pivotal moment in their lives, marking the beginning of new chapters filled with hope, ambition, and the promise of a brighter future. Since 1968, the program has awarded $4+ million in scholarships helping over 2,000 students from Chicagoland neighborhoods.