Silas Purnell Alumni Outreach Form

Did Silas Purnell send you to college?

Click Here to Join Our Contact List and receive updates on how his legacy is continuing to inspire young African American students.

Silas Purnell is the legendary founder of our acclaimed College Preparation & Placement Program. For several decades, at our offices in the basement of the Dearborn Homes housing development project on Chicago’s south side, he opened a critical door of opportunity for African American students to receive a post-secondary education. Leaders and professionals locally and throughout the country credit Mr. Purnell for placing them on the path to a promising future. Students left his office with moral support, an advocate for their success, and the financial resources they needed to afford and attend college. His approach was personable, inspiring and persistent. He served as director of our Educational Services program from 1966 until his retirement in 2000.

Mr. Purnell founded our College Preparation & Placement Program in the 1960s, and it continues to thrive.

We have now placed more than 75,000 African American high school students in over 400 colleges and universities throughout the United States, many of whom have been first-generation students.
We have helped secure over $100 million in grants and scholarships over the last seven years alone, including $10.5 million for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021, despite the pandemic and the challenges it presented.
The program has expanded to provide early intervention to 1,700 elementary and high school students annually through field trips, college tours, workshops, living and learning resources, mentorship, and academic support.
View recent news stories about Silas Purnell and our College Preparation & Placement program.

If Silas Purnell helped you attend college, or you are an alum of the College Preparation & Placement Program that continued after his tenure, we invite you to fill out the form below to receive news and updates on the current work of the program and how you can support this legacy.

Did Silas Purnell Send You To College? Stay in Touch with Us.

First Name*
Last Name*
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How did you learn of this opportunity to reconnect with the Silas Purnell legacy and learn how his work has continued at Ada S. McKinley?*
- News Story
- Social Media
- Friend/Colleague
- Ada S. McKinley website
What year(s) did you receive college support from Silas Purnell and/or Ada S. McKinley's College Preparation and Placement Program?*
What best describes your interaction with the program?*
- I received support directly from Silas Purnell.
- I received support from the program, but worked with another counselor.
If you obtained a degree(s), please provide the years and field of studies below.
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How did you first hear about the work Silas Purnell was doing and/or the college support program at Ada S. McKinley?
Describe your experience with Silas and/or the program. Share your memories.
Any comments you would like to add regarding the legacy of Silas Purnell?
Please indicate your interest in remaining connected to and supportive of the Silas Purnell legacy.*
- I would like to receive updates on the continued work of the College Preparation and Placement Program.
- I am interested in giving back by making a donation to program.
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