Announcing the New InSPIRE Scholarship Program for Graduating High-School Seniors

March 18, 2024

by Megan McNichols Mahon

The CYC Foundation is thrilled to announce a new scholarship program for Chicagoland high school seniors who have participated in any Foundation initiative. The Foundation’s new InSPIRE Scholar Program, funded through a bequest of more than $1 million from longtime CYC member Dr. Jean-Paul Spire, will offer scholarships for graduating seniors entering college, junior college, or trade school. The inaugural scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, will be awarded in May 2024. 

“We have the opportunity to make a tremendous impact on young lives through this new scholarship program and we’re excited to spread the word,” said Erin Mitchell, chair of the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. “At this early stage, we want to award as many scholarships to qualifying applicants as possible. And we want to continue to work with our scholarship recipients as they transition to the next phase of their lives.” 

The Foundation’s growing array of high-impact programs—from the immersive “Lead HER Ship” program to a new swimming education program to multiple sailing camps across the city—are designed to offer transformational on-the-water experiences to children from underrepresented communities in Chicagoland. Now, through the generosity of Dr. Spire’s bequest, the Foundation can extend its impact and help young people who have participated in Foundation programs achieve their post-secondary education goals. 

“The InSPIRE program is really a game-changer,” said CYC Foundation President Greg Miarecki. “I’m not aware of any Foundation in the boating world that has a program like this and I think it is a fantastic way to engage more youth in our sport. The scholarships are a very tangible example of the positive impact boating can have on a kid’s life.” 

Beyond the fun and adventure of being on the water, the Foundation’s youth programs teach children a range of important life skills from teamwork to discipline to adaptability. “The new InSPIRE scholarships will help our kids put those life skills to work as they pursue advanced education,” Miarecki added.

The application process for the InSPIRE scholarship includes a 500-word essay on how applicants are inspired to make boating a part of their lives. Applications are due by the end of March and recipients will be notified in early May and recognized at the Foundation’s annual donor appreciation dinner on May 16. 

The potential reach and impact of the new InSPIRE Scholar Program is both “unbelievable and limitless,” Mitchell said. “As we expand our programs to reach more kids and build out more programs for the high school segment, we expect our applicant pool for scholarships to grow exponentially. And there are so many opportunities to tap into the expertise of our members to mentor our kids as well. Between the new scholarship program and our donors’ support, we can make a huge difference in the lives of so many young people.”