Downers Grove Woman Earns Obama-Chesky Scholarship For Public Service

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A Downers Grove woman was one of 100 college students chosen to receive the inaugural Obama-Chesky Scholarship For Public Service. As one of the recipients, Ella Dennis, who attends the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, will receive up to $50,000 in tuition aid, along with $10,000 for a summer study trip and additional travel funds following graduation.

Dennis, who is majoring in psychology and global studies, dedicates her time to a long list of international and social justice activities, according to the University of Illinois website. She founded It’s On Us UIUC to help sexual assault survivors and has volunteered with the Alliance for Citizen Engagement and the United Nations (UN). Dennis's work with the United Nations involves helping the Tanzania Development Trust make GPS routes to aid rural Tanzanian children and women in finding shelters.

The Obama-Chesky Scholarship, also known as the Voyager Scholarship, offers $100 million in funds to students who are pursuing careers in public service. The scholarship is sponsored by President Barack Obama and Brian Chesky, who founded and serves as CEO of Airbnb.