Loyola Academy’s Bowman Scholars Program was established in 2020 to provide programming and assistance for high achieving, first-generation students. Every Bowman Scholar is given the opportunity to thrive and participate fully in the Rambler experience, equipped with the knowledge and skills to achieve college readiness, acceptance and success.

The Bowman Scholars Program also aims to address inequities within the Loyola Academy experience. The academic and social rigors of school can be challenging for many students but particularly impact our under-served students who may not have access to nor knowledge of the support available to help them reach their full potential as Ramblers. While the purpose of the Bowman Scholars Program is to develop a healthy, fulfilled and college-bound Rambler, the program dually addresses the systemic obstacles under-served students face.

Program Overview

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  • Qualification

    Qualifying students are identified during the admissions process and are invited to apply for the Bowman Scholars Program.
  • Program Goals

    Over the course of four years, the program aims to instill in the scholars a growth mindset through enhancing academic, executive functioning and social emotional skills and to provide a foundational knowledge of the college process and readiness for college and career success. This program combines an educational and formational approach rooted in Catholic, Jesuit tradition and spiritual values.
  • Participation

    Bowman Scholars will take part in the following:
    • Annual retreats and summer orientation
    • Programming tailored to first-generation students and families
    • Leadership training and opportunities
    • Loyola’s annual college fair with their Bowman Scholars cohort
    • Bowman peer mentorship
    • Individualized ACT preparation
    • College and career counseling
    • Quarterly Bowman Scholar review
    • Quarterly team-building activities
    • Capstone and service projects
    • Kairos retreats
    • Bowman Scholars graduation event (summer sendoff)

Sister Thea Bowman

Loyola Academy’s Bowman Scholars Program, established in 2020, is named for Sister Thea Bowman (1937–1990), an educator, missionary disciple and advocate for cultural awareness and racial harmony. Sister Bowman was a Roman Catholic religious sister, teacher and scholar who made a major contribution to the ministry of the Catholic Church and believed education to be an integral component to living the Gospel message.
 
"God is present in everything. In the universe, in creation, in me and all that happens to me, in my brothers and sisters, in the church—everywhere."
–Sr. Thea Bowman

Questions?

List of 5 members.

  • Photo of Sarah Bennett

    Ms. Sarah Bennett 

    Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    (847) 920-2514
  • Photo of Kelly Dutmers

    Mrs. Kelly Dutmers 98

    College Counselor
    (847) 920-2703
  • Photo of Gabrielle Feldman

    Dr. Gabrielle Feldman 

    College Counselor
    (847) 920-2524
  • Photo of Beatrice Shoular

    Ms. Beatrice Shoular 

    Safety Officer
    (847) 920-6000
  • Photo of Beth Stanton

    Mrs. Beth Stanton 

    Administrative Assistant
    (847) 920-2510

Sequencing of Supports

Academic Skills

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  • Freshman

    • Asks questions and/or make inferences
    • Engages in class and class materials through note-taking, discussion and annotating
    • Engages in the learning and relearning process
    • Creates and implements SMART goals
  • Sophomore

    • Synthesizes class material and information to make meaning
    • Sharpens public speaking skills
  • Junior

    • Applies logic and reasoning to research questions or problems
    • Demonstrates understanding of a topic by taking and defending a position
    • Continues to sharpen public speaking skills
  • Senior

    • Draws logical conclusions using data presented in a table, graph or diagram
    • Identifies socio-historical themes within texts or current events

Executive Functioning Skills

List of 4 items.

  • Freshman

    • Identifies aspects of different learning styles and understands one’s own learning style
    • Knows the various academic resources available at Loyola
    • Prioritizes and organizes class material and information
  • Sophomore

    • Reflects, analyzes and learns from mistakes
    • Balances time commitments
    • Continues to explore various academic resources available to Loyola students
    • Refines organization skills
  • Junior

    • Habituates successful organizational strategies and practices
    • Comprehends the importance of understanding one’s own learning style
  • Senior

    • Evaluates organizational strategies for independent living
    • Demonstrates self-advocacy, self-efficacy and self-regulation

College Knowledge

List of 4 items.

  • Freshman

    • Comprehends the importance of effort and performance in the classroom
  • Sophomore

    • Formulates an early college awareness
    • Participates in test prep
  • Junior

    • Takes part in financial literacy education and career exploration
    • Participates in test prep
  • Senior

    • Prepares for academics and social transition to college

Social/Emotional Skills

List of 4 items.

  • Freshman

    • Makes connections to the community and building community relationships
    • Identifies stress management skills
    • Monitors and reflects on emotions
  • Sophomore

    • Recognizes healthy and unhealthy relationships
    • Explains the consequences of different forms of communicating one's emotions
    • Analyzes how time management might improve decision making
  • Junior

    • Understands and recognizes the importance of team-building and affinity groups
  • Senior

    • Demonstrates an ability to express emotions in a healthy manner
    • Demonstrates an ability to make informed decisions

Spirituality

List of 4 items.

  • Freshman

    • Participates in spiritual reflection, led by campus minister
    • Completes 10 service hours
  • Sophomore

    • Participates in spiritual reflection, led by campus minister
    • Completes 10 service hours
    • Attends retreat
  • Junior

    • Participates in spiritual reflection, led by campus minister
    • Completes 10 service hours
    • Attends retreat
  • Senior

    • Participates in spiritual reflection, led by campus minister
    • Completes 10 service hours
    • Attends retreat

Loyola Academy

1100 Laramie Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091-1089  |  847-256-1100
Loyola Academy admits students of any race, color and national origin or ethnic origin.
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