The Chicago Football Classic (CFC) announced its annual Scholarship Fund at a press conference held at the Amazon Regional Office. The fund will award scholarships to incoming Chicago-area students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Amazon sponsored the event, providing laptop computers to each of the 20 scholarship recipients.

Central to CFC's mission is the Chicago Football Classic Scholarship Fund, which annually awards $5,000 academic scholarships to 20 incoming Chicago-area students attending HBCUs. To date, over $1 million has been granted to support students throughout their undergraduate careers. The event aims to influence students and parents to consider the academic opportunities provided by HBCUs.

According to WGN, Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke at the event on Friday. "When college is done, I trust you will bring those talents back to the greatest freaking city in the world," Johnson said. "As a former teacher, I believe strongly this next chapter of your life will transform you in what you want to be."

The Chicago Football Classic is set to celebrate its 26th anniversary with the theme "More Than Just A Game: Academics, Athletics, Arts," highlighting the cultural and educational experiences offered by HBCUs. This year’s event will feature a matchup between Kentucky State University and Morehouse College at Soldier Field on Saturday, September 21st at 3:30 PM. Rev. Jesse Jackson, Honorary Grand Marshal of the 2024 Game, will perform the coin toss. In addition to the football game, the weekend will include events such as the High School Band Sound Off, College Fair, and Teen Fest.

CFC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring African-American students by supporting programs and events that highlight educational opportunities. According to CFC's About webpage, its initiatives encourage students and parents to explore the academic and cultural offerings of HBCUs.