Scholarship Application Letter Economist in United States Chicago – Free Word Template Download with AI

October 26, 2023

To the Esteemed Scholarship Committee,

With profound enthusiasm and intellectual commitment, I am writing to submit my application for the prestigious Chicago Economic Excellence Fellowship. As a dedicated economics student at DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business with an unwavering focus on applying rigorous analytical frameworks to real-world economic challenges, I seek this scholarship to advance my trajectory as a transformative Economist serving the United States through impactful work rooted in the dynamic urban ecosystem of Chicago.

The decision to pursue economics as a career crystallized during my undergraduate studies at Loyola University Chicago, where I volunteered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s economic impact assessment team. Witnessing firsthand how data-driven policy recommendations could alleviate food insecurity in neighborhoods like Englewood—a community facing persistent income inequality—solidified my conviction that economics must transcend theoretical models to address tangible human needs. This experience ignited my passion for applying econometric analysis to metropolitan challenges, making Chicago the ideal crucible for my professional development. The city’s unique position as a global financial hub housing the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, numerous multinational headquarters, and a vibrant academic community (including the University of Chicago’s Nobel Prize-winning economics department) provides an unparalleled laboratory for economic innovation.

My academic record reflects this commitment: I maintained a 3.85/4.0 GPA while completing advanced coursework in econometrics, labor economics, and urban policy. In my capstone project, "Analyzing the Impact of Small Business Loans on Neighborhood Economic Resilience in Chicago," I leveraged proprietary data from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to model how targeted capital infusion reduces unemployment rates by 12-15% in underserved communities. This research, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Elena Rodriguez at DePaul, was presented at the Midwest Economics Association’s annual conference—a testament to my ability to produce scholarly work with policy relevance for Chicago’s economic landscape.

The Chicago Economic Excellence Fellowship represents far more than financial support; it is an investment in cultivating the next generation of Economists who will shape equitable growth in our nation’s cities. I am particularly drawn to this scholarship because of its emphasis on community-centric economic solutions—a philosophy directly aligned with my work at the Pilsen Community Action Network, where I co-developed a microfinance initiative for immigrant entrepreneurs using Chicago-based credit data. This project, which secured $200K in seed funding from local foundations, demonstrated how localized economic strategies can generate measurable social returns. The fellowship’s support would enable me to further this mission by:

• Conducting field research on Chicago’s workforce development programs with the Office of Economic Opportunity
• Attending the National Bureau of Economic Research’s urban economics symposium in Chicago
• Partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to analyze regional inflation trends affecting low-income households

My vision extends beyond academic achievement. I aspire to become an economist whose work bridges the gap between statistical insight and community empowerment within the United States context. As cities like Chicago confront complex issues—from infrastructure modernization to housing affordability—I aim to develop policy tools that prioritize inclusive growth. For instance, my proposed research on "Algorithmic Bias in Chicago’s Home Mortgage Lending" will examine how credit-scoring models perpetuate racial disparities, with findings intended for use by the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing and Economic Development. This aligns precisely with the foundation’s mission to foster economic justice through evidence-based practice.

The significance of this scholarship cannot be overstated. Without financial barriers, I can fully engage in the rigorous coursework at DePaul’s Master of Science in Economics program while simultaneously contributing to Chicago-based research initiatives. The cost of tuition and research materials represents a substantial obstacle; this fellowship would alleviate that burden, allowing me to dedicate 100% of my energy to developing solutions for America’s economic challenges. I am deeply aware that the United States faces critical junctures in economic equity and innovation, and I am determined to contribute meaningfully as a professional Economist.

Chicago, with its rich history of labor movements, financial innovation, and cultural diversity, serves as both my inspiration and my testing ground. The city’s unique blend of academic institutions, policy makers, and grassroots organizations creates an environment where economists can translate theory into tangible community impact. My research on Chicago’s economic geography has revealed that neighborhoods experiencing the most significant job growth (such as the Near North Side) often lack complementary investments in affordable housing—a critical gap my future work will address.

I have attached all required documentation, including transcripts, a detailed research proposal titled "Economic Mobility Pathways: A Chicago Case Study," and letters of recommendation from Dr. Rodriguez and my supervisor at the Pilsen Community Action Network. My goal is to become an economist who not only analyzes markets but actively shapes them through compassionate, data-informed leadership—exactly the kind of professional this scholarship seeks to cultivate.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to contribute my skills in econometric analysis, community engagement, and policy development to Chicago’s economic vitality and the broader advancement of our nation. The Chicago Economic Excellence Fellowship would be instrumental in transforming my academic rigor into actionable change across the United States, starting right here in Chicago.

Sincerely,
Alex Morgan
Master of Science in Economics Candidate (Expected May 2025)
DePaul University, Kellstadt Graduate School of Business
Chicago, IL 60614
[email protected] | (312) 555-7890