The Ella French Scholarship: Supporting Future Generations in Chicago
The Ella French Scholarship, established by the Chicago Police Foundation, serves as a tribute to the life and legacy of Chicago Police Officer Ella French, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty on August 7, 2021. This scholarship provides financial assistance to children of current or retired Chicago Police Department employees and other youth actively involved in police programming.
The Chicago Police Foundation's Commitment
Founded in 2014, the Chicago Police Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization led by local business leaders. The Foundation's mission is to enhance officer wellness, supply critical equipment and upgrades, support youth development through academic scholarships, and build mutual trust through expansive community engagement programs.
The Chicago Police Foundation Scholarships are awarded annually to children of current or retired employees of the Chicago Police Department and other youth actively involved in police programming. They are intended as financial assistance to offset high school expenses such as tuition, supplies, and transportation.
The Foundation achieves its goals through various initiatives, including fundraising events like the True Blue Gala and the First Responders Mental Wellness Fishing Initiative.
The Story of Ella French
On August 7, 2021, Chicago Police Officer Ella French was killed in the line of duty. She was incredibly well-liked and a role model with integrity in the department. Officer French personified the importance of being a Chicago police officer. She had a strong commitment to the community, children, and animals.
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French joined the Chicago Police Department (CPD) in 2018 after working for the Cook County Sheriff's Office (CCSO). On the evening of August 7, 2021, French, along with officers Carlos Yañez Jr. and Joshua Blas, pulled over a gray Honda CRV for an expired license plate near 63rd Street and Bell Avenue in West Englewood.
During the traffic stop, a confrontation ensued, and Officer French was fatally shot. The incident also left Officer Yañez critically wounded.
The Creation of the Scholarship
Upon Officer French's death, Chicago business leader Allan Reich was moved by her story and wanted to create a vehicle for young people to have the opportunity to learn about Officer French and ensure her legacy and that of fellow fallen Chicago officers who died in the line of duty, would live on. In 2023, with the support of Officer French's mother, Ms. Elizabeth French, the Chicago Police Foundation created the Chicago Police Foundation Scholarship Program.
Allan Reich, a local business leader who is on the board of the Chicago Police Foundation, was "moved" by French's story and wished to create a way for young people to learn about her and to "ensure her legacy and that of fellow fallen Chicago officers who died in the line of duty" would be remembered. Alongside her mother, Elizabeth French, the Chicago Police Foundation created the Ella French Scholarship. In its first year, the scholarship had $30,000, with the expectation that the fund would grow every year.
Scholarship Details
Award Amount
Each student selected will be designated a Chicago Police Foundation Scholar and receive $2,000 to be used for high school expenses.
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Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must be in grades 8 through 11 as of January (Grade 11 early graduates excluded).
Application Deadline
The application deadline is May 15th, 2026.
Award Notification
Award recipient(s) will be notified by the end of July.
Celebratory Luncheon
Scholarship recipients and their parents or guardians will be invited to a celebratory luncheon in Chicago on Sunday, September 13th, 2026.
Remembering Officer French
A vigil was held at both the site of the shooting and at the hospital where the two officers were taken, with dozens of CPD and CCSO officers in attendance. The streets near the hospital were "lined" with squad cars. The day after the shooting, dozens of officers standing at attention lined the street outside of the Cook County medical examiner's office as the procession transporting French's body moved slowly towards the office. A memorial service was hosted for French on August 17 outside of the 10th district's Ogden precinct. A public visitation took place the following day at St.
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In addition to the scholarship, Officer French's memory has been honored through other tributes, including a statue and a dog park named in her honor.
The Impact of Officer French's Death
The loss of Officer French deeply impacted the Chicago Police Department and the community. As of August 9, 2021, over 2,100 people had been shot in Chicago, an increase of 12% when compared to the same time frame in 2020; there had also been a 2% increase in homicides, with 464 recorded in 2020 and 474 recorded in 2021.
The man convicted of killing Officer French was sentenced to life in prison. Another individual, who supplied the weapon used in the shooting, received a prison sentence for his involvement.
Supporting Officer Wellness
The Chicago Police Foundation is committed to enhancing officer wellness through expanded access to mental health services, supplying critical equipment and upgrades, supporting youth development through academic scholarships, and building mutual trust through expansive community engagement programs.
The Chicago Police Foundation is honored to serve as the event sponsor, supporting an initiative that aligns directly with our mission to enhance officer wellness and strengthen the relationship between Chicago's police and the communities they serve.
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