In 1977 a small group of civic leaders in Chicago, Illinois, met at the Casino Club with a mission. In the shadow of the cold war, and realizing the importance of scientific excellence in the United States, these women went on to start the Illinois Chapter of ARCS Foundation in an effort to encourage the development of young scientists. Initially focused on the United States space exploration program, the ARCS Illinois Chapter worked to ensure that the nation remained scientifically competitive. Over time the Chapter has grown to support excellence in a broad variety of scientific study.

Since its founding, the ARCS Foundation Illinois Chapter (originally named ARCS Chicago) has provided members with the opportunity to participate in a wide range of scientifically oriented programs. These programs include interacting with the region’s top researchers, visiting laboratories and scientific facilities throughout the state, and meeting many of the talented students and faculty of the Chapter’s five academic partners. By the start of its forty-first year, the Illinois Chapter had cumulatively awarded $3,183,900 to 476 scholars, and Sarah Tucker, Illinois Chapter president, looks forward to the future: “The Illinois Chapter would not be where it is today without the work of so many incredible and influential women, and I hope to continue its work and lead the Chapter into the future upon the great foundation that’s been built.”

Photo: ARCS Illinois Chapter President Sarah Tucker (right) with Illinois Chapter Founding Member Jocelyn Stoller (left)