New Ellison Excellence Award Rewards Freshmen for Strong Start to High School
At CICS, we believe that every student deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated from day one. That is why we’re proud to launch the Ellison Excellence Award—a new and unique initiative designed to inspire and reward incoming freshmen at CICS Ralph Ellison Academy.
Beginning this fall, all 9th grade students at CICS Ralph Ellison—the Class of 2029—will be eligible to earn up to $1,000 in recognition of their academic performance, strong attendance, and positive behavior.
Here’s how it works:
Freshmen who maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, achieve 90% or better attendance, and uphold the values in our CICS Code of Conduct will receive a $500 reward at the end of their first semester. Half of this reward will be given as a $250 cash incentive, and the remaining half will be invested in a 529 college-savings account in their name. Students who continue to meet the criteria will receive an additional $500 at the end of their second semester.
“Right now, more than ever, we have to act with urgency to guide our students toward brighter futures through quality options,” said Principal Jacob Morgan. “The Ellison Excellence Award is not just recognition—it’s a call to action. Showing students the direct connection between their decisions today and their quality of life in the future can never start too soon or be overstated.
This initiative reflects CICS Ralph Ellison’s ongoing commitment to supporting the whole student—academically, socially, and emotionally. We know that when students feel seen, supported, and celebrated, they rise to the occasion.
We cannot wait to welcome our next class of scholars and empower them to thrive.
Are you or someone you know ready to start strong at Ellison? Apply for CICS Ralph Ellison Academy on GoCPS: https://www.cps.edu/gocps/.
Please note that the Ellison Excellence Award was made possible by the incredibly generous support of a longtime supporter of our organization. We are deeply grateful for their belief in our scholars and commitment to their success.
