Launched in 2001 by Jack Schuler and daughter Tanya Schuler Sharman, the Schuler Scholar Program (SSP) was originally conceived as a vehicle for the Schuler Family Foundation to provide college scholarship assistance to bright, motivated high school students in order for them to matriculate to selective, private colleges and universities.  Students at partner high schools in the Chicagoland area would be chosen in the spring of their freshman year to receive mentoring and college counseling while in high school and a scholarship award for college.

Waukegan High School was selected as a partner in 2002.  In an effort to jump start the program, in addition to selecting a group of freshman scholars, two college scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors.   Shortly thereafter the program evolved to include providing high school academic support and enrichment programs designed to prepare the scholars for the rigors of a selective college. In 2006 SSP partnered with Round Lake High School and in 2008 the first class of Schuler Scholars was selected at Warren Township High School.  Over the years a number of high schools competed in the rigorous SSP RFP process.  In 2009  scholars from Highland Park High School joined the program and in 2010 the partnership expanded to Maine East High School.

In 2009 in an effort to expand its impact on the young people served, the SSP modified its scholar selection strategy and began accepting applications from students in the spring of their 8^th grade year in school.  In the new model, the selected scholars receive an additional year of programming while in high school. 

With a growing number of Schuler Scholars on selective college campuses across  the country, it became clear that scholar support was also needed during the college years.  Today, a Schuler Alumni Outreach Coordinator serves as a liaison between the college scholars and staff and provides guidance to the scholars as they navigate life in a place far from home.   

Founder Jack Schuler, a Lake Bluff, IL resident, former Abbott Laboratories executive and Trustee of Carleton College, is straightforward when discussing the program’s rigor.  During an address to an incoming class of scholars, the SSP Founder cautioned, "Not all of you are going to make it. We will have zero tolerance for lack of effort."   

He advises college-bound students that they will become better people for having a drive to succeed. "We feel strongly that you must strive to go to the absolute best school to which you can be admitted." The Schuler Scholar Program awards each matriculating Scholar with a $2,500 annual college scholarship.

The Schuler Scholar Program is funded soley by the Schuler Family Foundation.  The Schuler Family Foundation does not accept requests for grants to other organizations.