What we do

CME Group Foundation helps today’s students keep pace with dramatically evolving technology, creating a workforce for the future that is equipped with the skills to meet tomorrow’s global challenges. By bringing together the brightest minds in education to generate fresh approaches to math, computer science and personalized learning, we are sparking system-wide change that benefits all students, from cradle to career.

They will shape the future of the world’s most important industries, including our own, so we give them the tools they need to achieve their full potential.

Our Goals

As part of our work at CME Group Foundation, we strive to achieve the following goals:

  • Empower innovative partners
  • Create change through collaboration
  • Work to transform systems

Kindergarten Readiness

CME Group Foundation seeks to improve kindergarten readiness by increasing the KIDS assessment scores for Black, Latinx and low-income children in Illinois. After investing $11.7 million in early math education over the past eleven years, the Foundation Board decided to expand our early childhood education focus to include all three domains measured by the KIDS assessment.

Unfortunately, many children don’t get the help they need to build a strong foundation for learning, as indicated by the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) administered annually by teachers across the state. In the fall of 2019, only 35 percent of our state’s white kindergarteners were deemed to be starting kindergarten ready in all three areas observed: early math, language and literacy, and social emotional development. Yet that was still 12 points higher than the figure for Black children and 18 points higher than that of Latinx youngsters.

We believe that all young children should have access to vibrant, playful and supportive educational experiences that affirm who they are and prepare them to thrive as they continue their education. While Illinois has made substantial gains over the past several years in universal Pre-K, the KIDS assessment scores still need improvement so that all young children are kindergarten ready in all three domains.

Early Math Education Initiative

The Foundation’s Early Math Initiative (2009-2020) was designed to provide educators with the knowledge, confidence and tools to teach and inspire children from infancy through elementary school about the world of mathematics. Over a decade, Early Math Education Initiative funding totaled $11.3 million. The initiative bolstered professional development for teachers of young children, improved family engagement in the learning of young children and influenced early childhood mathematics policies. For more about the initiative, see the 2019-20 report below.

A Decade in the Making: Early Math Education Initiative Seeks Broad Impact

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Early Childhood Education Grants

2022–2023 Early Childhood Education Initiative

CME Group Foundation seeks to ensure that all of Illinois’ young children are kindergarten-ready and prepared to thrive as they continue their education.
The work we support seeks to close gaps in kindergarten readiness that disproportionately impact Black and Latinx communities and families with low incomes.

K-12 Education Program

The Foundation helps prepare K-12 students for success in college and careers by using technology to personalize learning and assist with computer science education.

CME Group Foundation is the largest private funder of Chicago Public Schools’ Computer Science 4 All (CS4All) initiative. The Foundation is pleased to support several other organizations providing research and data analysis for CS4All and out of school time computer science programs.

In addition to K-12 computer science education, the Foundation supports professional development for school leaders and teachers on improving student outcomes by using technology to personalize learning.

Finally, CME Group Foundation is working with Chicago Public Schools and other organizations to improve K-12 financial education ‒ in order to equip students and families with the knowledge, skills, habits and tools that promote their long-term financial health.

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Computer Science for All (CS4All)

The Fund


2022–2023 K‒12 Innovation Initiative

The CME Group Foundation’s K-12 grants help prepare students to succeed in 21st-century careers by supporting innovative programs focused on school leadership, violence prevention, financial education, and computer science.
To learn more about the impact of its computer science grants, please see the computer science [CS] dashboard.


2022–2023 Computer Science Portfolio

This year, the Foundation invested significantly in out-of-school time programs in Chicago’s computer science (CS) deserts, while continuing to support programs in Chicago Public Schools that build pathways for K-12 students to pursue CS in high school and college.

College and Career Success Program

In 2019, CME Group Foundation launched its Foundation Scholars Program. Twenty-five students received a scholarship of up to $20,000, renewable for three years. Now adding 15 or more new students a year and with approximately 35 students in the program annually, the program is open to low-income, historically disadvantaged, and underrepresented students in finance, computer science, information technology, math, cyber security, data science, statistics, accounting, or financial engineering. For university partners with 4+1 programs (bachelor’s degree in a technical field and a one-year master’s in finance), students can apply for three years of support in junior, senior, and master’s years.

While many scholarship programs are aimed at helping freshmen start college, the CME Group Foundation Scholarship Program works to ensure that sophomores, juniors, and seniors can finish their four-year degrees. Scholars can reapply for up to three years of support, for a total of $60,000 in financial assistance. Since its 2019 launch, this program has awarded more than $3.1 million in scholarships to 87 talented college students

"CME Group Foundation is pleased to play a role in driving equitable growth opportunities for under-represented students in our state by providing financial assistance for high-quality education and career development opportunities," said Terry Duffy, CME Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of CME Group Foundation. "This scholarship program can help our students earn college degrees debt free, while simultaneously opening new possibilities to explore careers at CME Group and other world-class organizations."

Read more about the impact of the program: Opening Doors for Diverse STEM Students.

View 2023-24 recipients

In addition to the Scholars Program, the Foundation provides grants to direct service nonprofit organizations that work with Chicago students from low-income and historically disadvantaged communities who are underrepresented in the fields of finance and technology. These organizations ensure postsecondary degree or certification attainment and a transition to a strong first job in each student’s chosen field. Additionally, the Foundation supports organizations with a track record of success in providing research that is needed and utilized by the field and/or successful policy work that has advanced priorities of the postsecondary and career success fields with a lens of equity for all students

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Meet the New CME Group Foundation Scholars

On August 14, 2023, CME Group Foundation announced that 18 rising underrepresented students majoring in finance, technology, and related fields at partner colleges and universities in Illinois have each been awarded $20,000 in scholarships, resulting in a total of 33 CME Group Foundation Scholars with new and renewing students. On August 15, CME Group Foundation hosted its annual Day of Recognition and Market Education for the new 2023-24 Foundation Scholars, as well as interested renewing Scholars. The all-day event, held at CME Group, provided Scholars with valuable information about the financial services industry, as well as internship and career opportunities at CME Group. Scholars learned from and networked with CME Group employees, who served as keynote speakers, panelists, breakout session speakers, and networking participants throughout the day.

CME Group Foundation’s 2023-24 partner schools are:

  • DePaul University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • National Louis University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
  • St. Xavier University
  • Stevens Institute of Technology
  • University of Illinois-Chicago
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Wilbur Wright College

The application for the CME Group Foundation Scholars program will open again in February 2024. Please check here for updates.


CME Group Foundation Scholar Michael King connects with keynote speaker Phyllis Lockett, CME Group Board Member and CEO of LEAP Innovations.


CME Group Foundation Trustee Howard Siegel collaborates with Foundation Scholar Joshua Sanchez Bustos during a get-to-know-you activity.


Moses Garcia and other CME Group Foundation Scholars mingle during an activity.


CME Group Foundation Scholars listen to an afternoon panel featuring CME employees discussing their leadership perspectives.


CME Group Foundation Executive Director Eva Giglio moderates a panel with Somya Bhagwagar, Chelsea Alexis and Sandra Valtierra, CME employees and members of CME’s Employee Resource Groups.


CME Group Foundation Scholars pose for a group photo with Foundation Executive Director Eva Giglio at the close of the Scholars' Day of Recognition and Market Education.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Nube Aguilar will be a junior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Finance. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Von Steuben Metropolitan High School. Her interests include dance, cooking, budgeting, reading, and travelling. Her career goal is to work in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

Azizat Balogun will be a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Finance. She plans to pair her finance background with her future pursuit of a JD degree, with the intent to practice international finance law.

Johnny Barrios will be a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Accounting and Finance. He grew up in Cicero and graduated from J. Sterling Morton East High School. His interests include real estate. His career goal is to innovate the financial services industry to create a world of prosperity for all.

Mya Bragg will be a junior at DePaul University, majoring in Computer Science. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Christ the King College Prep. Her interests include drawing, writing, and music. Her career goal is to become a Software Engineer specializing in Artificial Intelligence.

Emmanuel Buabeng will be a junior at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Computer Science.

Rakayla Campbell will be a senior at Loyola University Chicago, majoring in finance and marketing. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lincoln Park High School. Her interests include 90s hip hop, cooking, and sci fi novels. Her career goal is to work at a VC firm.

Aiko Castrejon will be a graduate student in the Masters of Finance program at the University of Illinois Chicago. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Northside College Prep High School and University of Illinois Chicago undergrad. Her interests include baking, spending time with her two dogs, and hiking. Her career goal is to work in Asset Management.

Francisco Chavez will be a senior at Illinois Institute of Technology, majoring in Computer Science. He grew up in Joliet and graduated from Joliet Central High School. His interests include fishing and movies. His career goal is to become a software engineer specializing in artificial intelligence.

Camila Crespo will be a sophomore at Stevens Institute of Technology, majoring in Business & Technology. She grew up in North Bergen, NJ and graduated from Paramus Catholic High School. Her interests include bowling, traveling, and learning new languages. Her career goal is to be able to become a consultant and work abroad.

Issac Deleon will be a junior at DePaul University, majoring in Finance. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lincoln Park High School. His interests include basketball, football, biking, and running. His career goal is to become a personal financial advisor.

Ebuka Egbunam will be a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in computer science. He grew up in Lagos and graduated from City Pride School. His interests include HIIT workouts, teaching and coding. His career goal is to eventually be a leading computer scientist and an educator.

Moses Garcia will be a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Information and Decision Sciences (IDS). He grew up in Glenwood and graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor. His interests include going to the gym, reading books, and spending time with his family. His career goal is to one day have a data analytics role where he could not only make a positive impact in a business, but also make a positive impact in others to help them grow and succeed.

Leslie Gonzalez will be a sophomore at Northern Illinois University, majoring in Computer Science. She grew up in Montgomery, IL and graduated from Oswego High School. Her interests include running, gaming, and reading. Her career goal is to become a software developer.

Michael Gonzalez will be a junior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Finance and Business Analytics. He grew up in Orland Park, IL, and graduated from Carl Sandburg High School. His interests include working out, watching sports, and spending time with friends and family. His career goal is to work as a banker.

Monica Guzman will be a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Accounting and Finance. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from John Hancock College Preparatory High School. Her interests include being active and spending time with her family and friends. Her career goal is to work towards personal development and to be an inspiration to other first-generation Latino students.

Feisal Hassan will be a junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Computer Science. He graduated from Innovations High School in Chicago. His interests include software engineering, economics, and sports. His career goal is to solve problems as a software engineer.

William Ileka will be a sophomore at DePaul University, majoring in Computer Science. He grew up in Lynwood, Illinois and graduated from T.F South High School. His interests include programming, robotics, and gaming. His career goal is to become a software engineer.

Klever Inga will be a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago, double majoring in Accounting and Finance. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Northside College Preparatory High School. His interests include playing soccer, playing the saxophone, and the piano. His career goal is to open up his own tax practice and provide tax preparation services to underrepresented communities.

Nataly Jimenez-Cruz will be a sophomore at Stevens Institute of Technology, majoring in computer science. She grew up in Lodi, New Jersey and graduated from Lodi High School. Her interests include programming, listening to music, crafting and working out. Her career goal is to become a machine learning engineer.

Michael King will be a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Accounting. He grew up in the East Garfield Park neighborhood and was homeschooled through high school. His interests include music, reading, exercising, and studying the Japanese language. His career goal is to work as an audit accountant and eventually to transition to financial consulting for small businesses.

Daniel Martinez will be a junior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Finance. He grew up in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood and graduated from Noble ITW David Speer Academy. His interests include bowling, running, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. His career goals are to explore paths in consulting or finance to help serve clients in a growing business world.

Jari De Jesus Mejia will be a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Accounting and Finance. He grew up in South Chicago and graduated from Carver Military Academy. His interests include exploring new places to eat around Chicago and being a practicing nail artist. His career goal is to work at one of the big four accounting firms, pass the CPA exam, and work his way up to becoming a partner in the future.

Na’im Muhammad will be a fifth-year student at the Illinois Institute of Technology, majoring in Computer Science and Information Technology Management with a specialization in Computer & Information Security. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy. His interests include tinkering with technology hardware and educating others on how best to utilize new technologies in their daily and professional lives. His career goal is to help revolutionize diversity and representation in technology-related fields, setting the standard for how to best include more underrepresented gender and racial identities in the conversations surrounding our technological advancements.

Noah Munoz will be a sophomore at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, majoring in finance and information systems. He grew up in Streamwood, IL and graduated from Elgin High School. His interests include going to the gym. His career goal is to find fulfillment somewhere within the finance field working with technology.

Brianna Negron will be a junior at University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Information Decision Sciences with a concentration in Business Analytics. She is also pursuing a minor in Economics and a minor in Math. She grew up on the southwest side of Chicago and graduated from John Hancock High School. Her interests include writing, traveling, and all things film industry related. Her career goals are to use her data analytics and research skills to measure mental health patterns in hopes of finding the most effective treatments for patients and to run her own business one day.

Anthony Olavarria will be a graduate student in Finance at the University of Illinois Chicago. He grew up on the northwest side of Chicago and attended Lane Tech College Prep. He is a part of the UIC Business Scholars Program and Honors College and is currently working as a Financial Reporting and Analysis Intern at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.

Sandra Opakunle will be a senior at Loyola University Chicago, majoring in Computer Science. She grew up in Chicago, born in Nigeria, and graduated from Whitney Young. Her interests include reading, working out, and anime. Her career goal is to be an application/software developer.

Natalie Ramirez will be a junior at University of Illinois Chicago, double majoring in Accounting and Finance. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Thomas Kelly College Prep. Her interests include photography and spending time with friends and family. Her career goal is to become a CPA and work at a Big Four public accounting firm.

Juan Rodriguez will be a junior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Accounting and Finance. He grew up in Streamwood and graduated from Streamwood High School. His interests include soccer, running, and film. His career goal is to become a CPA and work for one of the big 4 accounting firms and hopefully move up in the company over the years. Additionally, he would also like to start his own businesses in order to have more financial freedom.

Joshua Sanchez will be a senior at University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Accounting. He grew up in Cicero, Illinois and graduated from J. Sterling Morton East High School. His interests include running, swimming, biking, dogs, dancing, soccer, American football, and playing chess. His career goal is to become a CPA to work at a firm and/or create his own business afterwards.

Jackie Santiago will be a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago, double majoring in Information Decisions Sciences and Management. She grew up in Mexico but came back to the States in 2016 and graduated from Farragut Career Academy High School. Her interests include exploring new places and tasting new foods. Her career goal is to work for a big tech company as a product manager or a business analyst.

Emmanuel Thompson will be a junior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Computer Science.

Gretel Trejo will be a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Accounting and Finance. She grew up in Mexico and graduated from Morton East High School. Her interests include traveling and running. Her career goal is to become a CPA and in the long run have her own business.


2022–2023 College and Career Success Portfolio

The CME Group Foundation’s College to Career Success grantee partners help students from Chicago’s underrepresented communities and families with low incomes enroll and succeed in post-secondary education, and transition to a strong first job. The Foundation also supports research and policy organizations that advance priorities of the post-secondary and career success fields.