CHICAGO (WLS) — Local students are trying to be the first in their families to go to college.

A forum in the South Loop Friday pairs those students with recruiters.

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Chicago Scholars hosts annual on-site college and leadership forum for 17th year.

It gives high school students the opportunity to meet with recruiters one-on-one.

Inside the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Kenwood Academy senior Wisdom May was excited to talk with recruiters from her dream colleges.

“I’m just here to impress them honestly and learn more about the mates,” May said.

He will be the first in his family to go to college.

“It’s exciting. I feel like it’s not just a stepping stone for me, but for my family, my brothers and themselves, because I get to be able to show them that they can do this too,” May said.

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More than 500 Chicago high school students from underserved communities meet with recruiters from hundreds of colleges and universities on Friday.

“I was really glad I was able to take advantage of this opportunity, especially since I’m from the South Shore and I’m on the South Side of Chicago. We don’t have a lot of connections when it comes to that,” South Shore International senior Leah Smith said.

They often receive immediate same-day admissions.

That’s what Smith hopes.

“If I’m admitted in person, I feel like they’re admitting me for me, not just because of my SATs, or my grades, or anything personal. All this is very important to me, but when it is an individual thing. a conversation, I think it means more,” Smith said.

Last year, Chicago Scholars students received 774 offers of admission on the same day.

Organizers expect this year to be even bigger.

“Fifteen hundred admissions, and that number was $60 to $70 million in merit aid awarded. So we expect more for this class,” said Jeffery Beckham, CEO of Chicago Scholars.

They also have banking partners, the city clerk who helps students get their REAL ID, and a room for parents to review financial aid and planning.

This is all to make the college admissions process easier.