CME Group Enriches Chicago Students' Futures with Star Scholarships

CME Group, a prominent name in the derivatives marketplace, has once again made significant strides in enhancing educational opportunities for the youth of Chicago. On May 21, 2026, the company proudly awarded 25 promising graduates from the City Colleges of Chicago with $5,000 scholarships each. This financial support is directed towards their pursuit of four-year degrees.

The Star Scholars program, which CME Group has partnered with the Mayor's office since 2017, has successfully contributed over $1 million to help graduates transition from community colleges to four-year institutions. This initiative, which originally began in 1986 as the CME Group Mayoral Award for Student Achievement, has expanded its reach over the years, providing millions in scholarships to high-achieving students from Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the program's impact, stating, "The Star Scholars program is an investment in the talent, determination, and future of young people across Chicago. Thanks to CME Group's longstanding partnership and commitment to educational opportunity, more students are able to access higher education, achieve their goals, and become the next generation of leaders shaping our city."

CME Group's Chairman and CEO, Terry Duffy, echoed this sentiment, expressing honor in contributing to the educational landscape. He emphasized that these scholarships enable students to explore higher education and unlock opportunities in various fields, particularly in finance and beyond. Chancellor Juan Salgado from City Colleges of Chicago praised the program as a transformative bridge for students, reinforcing the organization's commitment to nurturing the future leaders of the city.

The selection process for the scholarships was competitive, with recipients chosen from over 391 Star Scholars maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, all set to complete their associate degrees in spring 2026. Notably, all this year’s scholarship recipients plan to continue their education at one of the 26 Star university partners in fall 2026, pursuing their bachelor's degrees.

The award recipients were honored in a celebratory luncheon held at CME Group's headquarters in Chicago on May 20, 2026. The event included distinguished speakers such as CME Group's President and CFO Lynne Fitzpatrick and Deputy Mayor for Education and Youth Khari Humphries, reinforcing the importance of community and educational partnerships.

Since its inception, the Star Scholarship program has empowered around 20,000 CPS and Big Shoulders Fund high school graduates to pursue their associate degrees without the burden of debt. In the academic year 2025-2026, more than 1,000 Star Scholars reached this milestone, representing over a quarter of the graduating class for that year.

For those interested in learning more about the Star Scholarship at City Colleges of Chicago, further information can be found at www.ccc.edu/starscholarship.

As a leader in the derivatives marketplace, CME Group enables clients to engage in a variety of trading activities including futures and options, thereby empowering market participants globally to manage risks effectively and seek out new opportunities. CME Group continues to set the standard for educational support and community investment, fostering a brighter future for the young minds of Chicago.