History

 

The Diamond Youth Foundation has provided scholarships and special assistance to youth in the Western Suburbs of Chicago since its establishment in 1976.  The mission of the foundation is to increase student awareness of potential career choices through exposure to a variety of disciplines and role models and to provide financial assistance to deserving individuals in the quest of higher education culminating in a four (4) year baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited institution.

 

Established as a private Foundation, the Diamond Youth Foundation, formerly known as the Maywood-Wheaton Youth Scholarship and Guidance Foundation, is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.  The objectives of the Foundation are as follows:

 

1. To help youth, especially those of high school age in their selection of courses leading to vocations compatiable with their aptitudes and personal goals.

2. To assist students in training and aid their progress in their chosen fields.

3. To afford the less fortunate youth a respite from the drudgery of the streets through sponsored entertainment and cultural enrichment.

4. To inform youth of the values of higher education and assist those in need in their educational pursuits by providing scholarships and grants.

5. To increase student awareness of potential career choices through exposure to a variety of disciplines and role models.

6. To provide financial assistance to deserving individuals in their quest of higher education culminating in a 4 year baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited institution. 

 

The Diamond Youth Foundation has provided scholarships of over $221,000 to deserving students based on academic performance, financial need, and community service.  On February 14, 1980, the Diamond Youth Foundation was established to continue to support the scholarship program and to manage other activities targeted to support youth in the area.  These programs include: 

 

• Career Awareness Workshops

• Summer Community Track and Field competitions

• Undergraduate Leadership Conferences

• Sponsorship of youth social, cultural, and educational events

 

To date there have been more than sixty scholarships awarded, moreover, the lives of literally hundreds of young people have been touched in a positive and encouraging way with these programs.