Program returns for its 13th summer in Chicago
Glenview, Ill. – The Western Golf Association’s (WGA) Caddie Academy is returning for its 13th summer, with more than 115 high school students from across the country selected to take part in the unique summer work program that begins in Chicago on June 15.
Caddie Academy provides work opportunities to promising high school students from underserved communities who ultimately hope to pursue the Evans Scholarship – a full tuition and housing grant to college.
“We are excited about the return of our Chicago chapter, which has grown from an inaugural group of 12 female caddies in 2012 to more than 115 participants today,” says Kara Chin, senior director of Caddie Academy and Scholarships at the WGA. “This special summer program allows participants to earn money, meet role models, explore career paths and learn important life lessons.”
Participants of the Caddie Academy – who come from regions across the country, from Los Angeles to Philadelphia and Atlanta – are selected during their freshman year of high school, based on outstanding academics, leadership and character. After successfully completing three summers on the golf course, they will become eligible to apply for the Evans Scholarship their senior year.
In 2024, the Caddie Academy has grown to include more than 150 participants across five regions nationwide. In addition to Chicago, there are chapters in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Columbus, Ohio; Seattle, Washington; and Washington, D.C.
In the Chicago chapter – the Program’s original site – nearly 90 female students will live together for seven weeks at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, while caddying at one of 15 participating clubs along Chicago’s North Shore. During the summer, they also have a chance to attend social and leadership events, health and wellness activities and college prep opportunities.
Participating clubs include Barrington Hills Country Club, Briarwood Country Club, Conway Farms Golf Club, Exmoor Country Club, The Glen Club, Glen View Club, Indian Hill Club, Ivanhoe Club, Knollwood Club, Lake Shore Country Club, Northmoor Country Club, Onwentsia Club, Skokie Country Club, Twin Orchard Country Club and Westmoreland Country Club.
A separate Chicago-area chapter for young men is returning for its eighth summer, with nearly 30 male high school students caddying at one of four participating clubs. Male students will live together for seven weeks at the Northwestern University Evans Scholarship House in Evanston. Participating clubs for young men include North Shore Country Club, Old Elm Club, Park Ridge Country Club and Sunset Ridge Country Club.
More than 175 graduates of the Caddie Academy have gone to earn the Evans Scholarship since the Program began in 2012. For more information on the WGA Caddie Academy, please visit wgacaddieacademy.org.