OUR VISION
A level playing field.
We envision generational transformation in the Western Suburbs of Chicago and a mindset shift on college campuses nationwide. First generation and low-income students complete college at their best match and fit schools without the burden of unreasonable debt and find supportive community in careers where their unique voices and talents are celebrated and cultivated.
OUR MISSION
We aim to change what people think is possible.
Green Halo’s mission is to support, mentor, and expand opportunities for motivated and committed first-generation and low-income students in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. Through college counseling, financial guidance, and career resources, we stand with our Scholars as they apply to college, navigate campus, and pursue their postgraduate dreams.
A Message from
Sally Guglielmo,
Co-Founder
Having guided three children over the years through the college admissions process, I realized how hard that process is. A Herculean task under normal circumstances becomes that much more so when high school students do not have the support and guidance to help make the right choices to get to the right college. A decision that could change a student's life for better or for worse is a choice all high school students should have a right to make.
I’ve always been passionate about college education for the under-resourced communities; after volunteering with Chicago Scholars, it became apparent to me that there was a great need for this same support in the western suburbs of Chicago.
I have to believe the ‘Green Halo Scholars Foundation’ was meant to be! I met Vandana in November of 2017, and the rest is history. We are both equally committed and passionate about wanting a bright future for all west suburban high schoolers to a well-deserved college education!
A Message from Vandana Bahl, Co-Founder
When I lost my son Varun in May of 2015, I could not have imagined that life would have gone on and that I would be part of a nonprofit that would help me keep his memory alive. What started as a memorial scholarship has grown into something much greater.
In November of 2017, I met Sally, a fellow volunteer at Chicago Scholars. Here was another mom with the same passion and mission to make a difference. Together we founded the ‘Green Halo Scholars’ to assist motivated underrepresented high schoolers from the Western Suburbs with the admissions process and to help them transition and succeed in college.
The name of the nonprofit is yet another tribute to Varun’s memory; Varun’s favorite color was green and the halo is a representation of the angel that he was and is.
Varun, in his quiet way, is still making an impact.
Varun Mark Bahl had many gifts to share with the world—extraordinary memory, a knack for languages, contagious laughter, warmth, and charm—but he also had many obstacles to face, including significant challenges to his health. When Varun stepped foot on his college campus for the first time, we saw him flourish in a way we had never seen before. Varun taught us the importance of finding a school that just "fits" and the transformative value of an education that embraces one's unique needs and champions their gifts. Though his time in college was cut short, we carry on Varun's joy and appreciation for education and community.
OUR INSPIRATION
Learn more about our team and our scholars.