Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago Public Schools have launched a new scholarship program tied to the city’s massive Red Line Extension project, aimed at helping economically disadvantaged students pursue careers in construction, engineering and related fields.
Announced Monday, the “CTA Elevating Futures Red Line Extension Scholarship Fund” was created in partnership with Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners, the contractor delivering the $5.7-billion Red Line Extension (RLE) project. The program will provide three students annually with $3,000 scholarships from 2026 through 2030, for a total commitment of $250,000.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the scholarship program will help create educational and workforce opportunities for students across the city.
“This scholarship fund is a powerful investment in our students and the development of our workforce, expanding access to the kinds of educational opportunities that open doors and change lives,” Johnson said. “This is why investments like RLE are so important to the future of our city. This critical support will propel high-achieving young people to pursue high-demand careers while strengthening our workforce.”
“Many of our students are talented and hardworking but lack the financial resources to pursue their goals of a college education,” said Dr. Macquline King, chief executive officer of CPS. “The CTA Elevating Futures Red Line Extension Scholarship Fund helps ease the burden so Chicago young adults can better support their dreams.”
Michael O’Donnell, RLE project manager for Walsh-VINCI, said the initiative is intended to encourage students from the Far South Side to enter the construction and engineering sectors.
“Our vision is that this program will help young people from the project area become the industry leaders of tomorrow and shape Chicago’s future,” O’Donnell said.
The scholarships will be administered by Chicago Scholars, a nonprofit organization that supports high-achieving, under-resourced and first-generation students pursuing post-secondary education. The awards are renewable for up to five years of college study.
Recipients will be selected based on academic achievement and financial need. Eligible students must live or attend high school within Red Line Extension project zip codes and plan to attend a four-year college or university pursuing degrees in engineering, architecture, construction management or similar fields. Applications are open until May 31, with recipients expected to be announced this summer.
The Red Line Extension project will extend Chicago’s Red Line by 5.5 miles south from the 95th Street Terminal to near 130th Street. The project includes four new accessible stations at or near 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue near 116th Street and 130th Street, along with bus, bicycle, pedestrian and parking facilities.
The project also includes construction of a new rail yard and related infrastructure intended to improve operations across the entire CTA rail network. Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners was awarded the design-build contract in 2024, with the extension expected to be completed and operational by 2030.
