Leaders at Hollis Cobb’s Chicago office are involved with the College Bound Opportunities (CBO) organization which helps Chicago high school students fulfill their college dreams. Founded in 2006, CBO mentors, motivates and helps prepare underserved students from high schools in the Chicago area in their efforts to apply, gain acceptance and graduate from college. CBO has made a positive impact in Chicago by providing a six-year program to help low-income, first-generation students realize their college aspirations, stay in school, graduate and find employment in their fields.
One of the biggest annual fundraisers for CBO is the Tees for Degrees golf outing which took place last week at the Merit Club in Libertyville, IL. Hollis Cobb Associates served as an Eagle Sponsor for the event, and CFO, Ken Rubin, played in the tournament. Over 120 golfers attended the golf outing, which was sold out, and more than $100,000.00 was raised to support CBO scholars in Chicago as they pursue their college dreams.
Golfers participated in several 3-par challenges and lucky winners walked away with prizes including new wedges, golf balls, bags and a grand prize of a trip to the 2019 Masters in Augusta, Georgia. CBO is staffed by volunteers in the Chicago business community, and the golf outing was organized by volunteers dedicated to helping Chicago students make it to college.
The organization assists student scholars by providing ACT prep classes, laptops, assistance with applications and financial aid. The most successful component of the program is the mentoring relationships developed between student scholars and their assigned mentors. Mentors remain with their scholars for six years providing guidance to help the students make right choices in both their academic and personal lives.
The mentors help their scholars set goals, be accountable for actions, provide feedback and celebrate successes. Most of the students involved with CBO are the first in their families to earn a college degree. Once in college, mentors continue to be involved with their scholars until they graduate, and then the mentors assist with the job application and interview process. The friendships made during the six-year mentoring program last a lifetime. Hollis Cobb Associates is honored to be a part of the CBO organization, and their efforts to improve the lives of young people and their families in the Chicago area.
