CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS CELEBRATES CONCLUSION OF INAUGURAL SUMMER FOR CHANGE PROGRAM

Chicago Public Schools recently celebrated the end of their first Summer for Change program which was designed to keep at-risk students safe for the summer. Photo credit: Chicago Public Schools
Chicago Public Schools recently celebrated the end of their first Summer for Change program which was designed to keep at-risk students safe for the summer. Photo credit: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Conclusion Of Inaugural Summer For Change Program

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

Over the last six weeks, 400 young people participated in Chicago Public School’s first Summer for Change program which provided at-risk youth with individualized mentoring, group-based therapy, educational opportunities, enrichment opportunities, and a small stipend. The Summer for Change program recently concluded with a culminating celebration for the students at Chicago State University.

“When Mayor Lightfoot was elected, one of the things that we talked about was how we were going to ensure that children were safe this summer. She came to many of us and asked us for ideas. One of the key ideas we shared was the need to get programming in place for youth, particularly from the most vulnerable situation which are our students from the options schools,” said Jadine Chou, chief of safety and security for Chicago Public Schools.

Before Summer for Change came to fruition, there was a similar program called Choose to Change which Chicago Public Schools adapted to create the new summer program. The program was free for students and their families and each participant received a $200 stipend per week and a free lunch every day.

Throughout the six-week program, students received individualized mentoring for four hours per day, group-based trauma informed therapy multiple times a week, and enrichment activities such as field trips, community service projects, and recreational activities. Chicago Public Schools was assisted by Youth Advocate Programs and Children’s Home and Aid in delivering these resources to students during the summer program.

“This program taught me how to communicate. I had to call them, I had to let them know that I was coming, I had to let them know when I was leaving and that I was okay. I had to communicate with other peers too and that was a lesson for me but now I can communicate with my sister and my daddy better,” said Kayla, a Summer for Change student. “There is a lot of stuff that was unhealthy for me that I don’t want to do anymore because I know there are other things I could be doing with my time that can bring me income.”

Students who participated in the Summer for Change program were able to stay engaged with the school system and stay safe during the summer, meet new people, gain exposure to new ideas and potential pathways, and learn life skills that they will be able to utilize for years to come.

“This program was good, it kept us safe, it kept us going, we had field trips, we did a lot of fun things to help us, and I met a lot of new people that I’m cool with now. Going to this program this summer kept me out of a lot of trouble because I was busy with myself during the daytime. I really appreciate them coming up with this program and it was really truly a blessing,” said Donte, a Summer for Change student.

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