Our Impact – Transforming lives through education.
Empowering Chicago’s youth with scholarships, mentorship, and unwavering support to overcome systemic barriers and achieve academic excellence.
Breaking Barriers, Creating Opportunities
Systemic inequities in education prevent many students from reaching their full potential. While only 9% of low-income students earn a bachelor’s degree, targeted support—like DMSF’s scholarships, programming, and community—makes them 3x more likely to graduate, unlocking economic mobility.
DMSF’s Impact
%
High School Graduation Rate
%
Murphy Scholars have graduated, or are on track to graduate, with a Bachelor’s degree, within six years.
Murphy Alumni
Median income of a Murphy Scholar family.
Current Scholar Racial/Ethnic Representation
Our current 509 Murphy Scholars represent the following communities:
Education is a powerful tool for change. With college graduates earning nearly $1M more over their lifetimes, DMSF is investing in Scholars’ futures, leveling the playing field for first-generation students and ensuring they have the mentorship, resources, and support to thrive.
More than a High School Scholarship
DMSF goes beyond financial aid. We provide a comprehensive support system that empowers Scholars from high school through college and beyond. Our programs ensure that Murphy Scholars don’t just access opportunities but have the tools, mentorship, and resources to succeed.
Through personalized mentorship, leadership development, community building through affinity groups, and college readiness training, we help Scholars persist, graduate, and thrive in their academic and professional journeys. By addressing systemic barriers head-on, DMSF is transforming potential into lasting success.
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Sources:
Charities.org. (n.d.). Providing youth in under-resourced communities the opportunity to reach their full potential. Charities.org. Retrieved April 1, 2025, from https://www.charities.org/news/blog-providing-youth-under-resourced-communities-opportunity-reach-their-full-potential-through
Center for Strategic and International Studies. (2020, July 9). Investing in quality education for economic development, peace, and stability. Center for Strategic and International Studies. Retrieved April 1, 2025, from https://www.csis.org/analysis/investing-quality-education-economic-development-peace-and-stability
Sources:
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Education and earnings. Social Security Administration. Retrieved April 1, 2025, from https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/research-summaries/education-earnings.html
McCarron, G. P., & Inkelas, K. K. (2016). Strengths and struggles: First-generation college-goers persisting at one predominantly white institution. The Journal of Higher Education, 87(6), 933-960. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319471414_Strengths_and_Struggles_First-Generation_College-Goers_Persisting_at_One_Predominantly_White_Institution
Make a difference today! Your support can transform lives. Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders and making a lasting impact on our community.
