Our Scholars become lawyers, teachers, engineers, nurses, entrepreneurs, social workers, and community organizers. Many have chosen to return to North Lawndale– to inspire and lead others in the community where they got their start.
Visit our Honor Roll of successful graduates, dating back to the very first class of Phoenix Pact Scholars in 2002.
April Birge
NLCP Class of 2010
BA in Exercise Science, Indiana State University 2014
MA in Occupational Therapy, Indiana State University 2020
“If Mr. Lewis were here today, I would just say ‘Thank you– and I hope that I am making them proud. You’re making my dreams come true.’"
Crystal Adams
NLCP Class of 2009
BA in Educational Studies, Knox College 2014
10th Grade Math Teacher, 11th Grade Student Advisor
“A lot of times students see teachers and think that you've graduated from college, you have this job, but…you don't know what it's like to be them. But no… We're only here to show you that you can make it– to show you that you can not only get to where we are– but go beyond that."
Dinitia Robinson
NLCP Class of 2003
AA, Harold Washington College 2013
North Lawndale Community Organizer
Lake County United, Community Organizer
“The RBL Scholarship and Phoenix Pact have given my family a college graduate and a professional working woman. I can be an example in my community now. Not only of a college graduate and professional but of what it looks like to fight for what’s right.”
Christopher Frills
NLCP Class of 2009
BA in Psychology, Carleton College 2013
Founding Principal of KIPP Wonder Academy
“We have to change the narrative that we ‘make it out of our community.’ We have to think of it as empowering ourselves to stay in and lead our community.”
RBL Scholars
Why are Phoenix Pact scholarship recipients called RBL Scholars?
Phoenix Pact first first took shape in 2001 as the Roberta Bachmann Lewis Scholarship Fund, named in memoriam for the wife of Irv Lewis, a long-time supporter of North Lawndale College Prep High School and its students.
What began as an effort to assist just 10 students per year has grown to a dynamic organization of students, mentors, and supporters– that now sends fifty or more students to colleges throughout the country each year.
In recognition of the mission and vision of Mr. Lewis, the students who become part of the Phoenix Pact family will forever be referred to as RBL Scholars. Along their personal journey to and through college, they become mentors and leaders; fulfilling Irv’s belief that each one has the ability to Change the World for the better.