Celebrate the 10th Annual ELS GIVE100 Scholarship Drive!

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the entire PLAN4SUCCESS team, I am thrilled to announce and honor our 10th Annual Edna Lee Stewart GIVE100 Scholarship Drive! This milestone celebrates a decade of dedication to educational equity and empowerment for underserved students by awarding 215 scholarships. Through our comprehensive 6-pillar program, PLAN4SUCCESS offers wrap-around services for college students, integrating access to a national peer leader network , mental health, and wellness, and professional career development opportunities. These pillars work in harmony with Educational Empowerment, Leadership Development, and Civic Engagement, ensuring students are holistically prepared to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

The Edna Lee Stewart Scholarship holds a special place in our hearts. Named after my late Aunt, Edna Lee Stewart, it continues the legacy of Edna’s Restaurant—a beloved Chicago institution that served countless dignitaries and icons, from Martin Luther King Jr. to then-Senator Barack Obama. Her soul food nourished hearts and bridged communities, and her spirit of service now lives on through this scholarship program, helping young people succeed in education and beyond.

This year, we are calling on YOU to help us reach even greater heights. Your donation to our 2025 #PLANTOGIVE campaign will make a lasting impact by providing scholarships to students striving to cover essential college needs such as books, transportation, and basic living expenses.

What is GIVE100?

GIVE100 is a powerful fundraising campaign designed to bridge financial gaps for underserved college students. We ask 100 donors to give $100 toward scholarships, but any amount you can contribute is deeply appreciated. Together, we can ensure that these students begin their school year equipped for success!

What is GIVE LEGACY?

Do you want to honor a loved one’s memory by establishing a scholarship in their name? The GIVE LEGACY option allows you to create a scholarship that celebrates your family’s legacy while directly supporting a student’s future. A minimum $1,000 donation sponsors a full Legacy Scholarship, making a meaningful and lasting tribute.

Join EAARA Chicago and Intuit in Partnership with PLAN4SUCCESS

We’re proud to partner with the Exelon African-American Resource Alliance (EAARA), and Intuit African American Ancestry group whose mission aligns with our values of diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment. We welcome any other partners to join us in a day of giving to invest in the future of our youth. Scholarships help students pay for books, travel, and miscellaneous expenses.

Whether you donate, start your own team, or sponsor a Legacy Scholarship, every contribution is a step toward transforming lives and honoring the legacies that inspire us. Let’s make this 10th anniversary our most impactful yet!

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to empowering young people to thrive.

With gratitude,
Nicole (Nickie) Brookens
Executive Director, PLAN4SUCCESS PLAN4SUCCESS Board of Directors

PLAN TO GIVE

Scholarship Drive