Who is eligible to become a High Jump student?
- Students who are in the sixth grade at the time of application
- Students from the Chicagoland area
- Students who excel academically and possess the desire to learn
- Students from any cultural background
- Students with limited family income
High Jump helps to nurture the immense potential of Chicago’s most talented and motivated middle school students. Its work benefits not only our youth but all of Chicago. Through the organization’s innovative program to build academic and social skills and foster self-confidence, students increase their opportunities to attend the high school of their choice.
— Richard M. Daley
Mayoral Proclamation May 9, 2006
Shadow Day at High Jump
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit High Jump for the entire day. The student will be paired with a High Jump student whom they will follow through a typical day schedule. To schedule a visit and request a permission slip please contact the High Jump office: 312.582.7700. Visits are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis so please understand that your request for a visit is not guaranteed.
How to Apply to High Jump
A student’s application is complete when all of the following are submitted:
- Applications:
- Parent Questionnaire
- Student Essay
- Complete Financial Information Forms
- Proof of Income for all parents and guardians
- A complete copy of 2009 1040 Federal Tax form
- A complete copy of 2010 1040 Federal Tax form
- A copy of 2009 and 2010 W-2s and/or 2009 and 2010 1099/1099R Forms
- A copy of a Medicaid I.D. card (indicating candidate's coverage)
- Current Food Stamp Voucher
- Child Support Statement
- Copy of Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Public Aid- proof of public assistance from the Illinois Department of Health and
- Family Services
- Proof of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Proof of Special Population Group (i.e. Social Security)
- IDES unemployment notice/statement of unemployment
- Statement of Social Security Benefits 2009 and 2010
- Statement of foster care from Social Services
- Report Card from current year
- Report Card from 5th Grade (4th grade Report Card for Prep 6 applicants)
- Standardized Test Scores for 5th Grade (4th grade for Prep 6 applicants)
- Transcript/Cumulative Card (4th – 6th grades)
- Principal/Counselor/Homeroom Teacher Recommendation
- English/Math Instructor Recommendation Student Essay
