Hope Chicago Rallies New Public-Private Support for Chicago Families

Hope Chicago Rallies New Public-Private Support for Chicago Families

“Hopecoming” fundraiser reaches $4.85M in support of narrowing the racial wealth gap for Chicago families in a night full of surprises

CHICAGO – Hope Chicago, the two-generation economic mobility and gap-closing scholarship program, convened more than 500 supporters Wednesday evening at The Salt Shed for its annual Hopecoming fundraiser to showcase a movement of growing public-private support behind the organization’s mission.

Business leaders, philanthropists, civic leaders, and entrepreneurs enjoyed a night filled with surprises, including an opening performance by the Morgan Park High School marching band, videos from Governor JB Pritzker and House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, as well as surprise entertainment by The Dirty Thirty, Bruno Mars' house band, and singer-songwriter Gavin Turek.

During the live auction, Chicago Bears’ Defensive Back Kyler Gordon announced a surprise gift of $200,000 to support Hope Chicago on behalf of Bears Care.

Event honorees, Monique and Melvin Rodriguez, founders of Mielle Organics, were recognized for their outstanding commitment to expanding opportunities for young people. Melvin is co-chair of Hope Chicago's Board of Directors and Monique is a member of Hope Chicago's Executive Leadership Advisory Board.

“After my 22 years in classrooms and leading Chicago Public Schools, I’ve seen Chicago students do all the right things to prepare for their futures, only to be thwarted by systemic barriers like the rising cost of college, which then changes the course of their lives,” said Dr. Janice K. Jackson, CEO of Hope Chicago. “With Hopecoming, we celebrate the collective efforts of Chicago's business, philanthropic, and civic leaders, who are helping Hope Chicago turn these dreams into reality. Like us, our supporters understand that education beyond high school—whether it’s a degree, career training, or an apprenticeship—is the key to unlocking economic independence, and by extension, building stronger communities and a more resilient economy.”

In the three years since its launch, Hope Chicago has become a transformative force in Illinois’ higher education landscape, dedicated to breaking down barriers faced by low-income families in underserved neighborhoods. With a mission to provide access to debt-free degrees and professional certifications for two generations within each family (students and parents/guardians), Hope Chicago has enrolled more than 1,800 Scholars in higher education institutions and workforce programs across Illinois. By focusing efforts in five high schools on the South and West Sides of Chicago, the organization is building a supportive ecosystem that empowers students and their families to pursue educational aspirations without the barrier of student loans.

Wednesday evening marked a new milestone for Hope Chicago with significant new and renewed investments by Chicago’s business community, including:

$1 Million donation from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

$1 Million donation from BMO

$1 Million donation from McDonald’s USA

These early investors join a growing list of individuals, foundations, and businesses committing to Hope Chicago’s Promise Fund, a public-private partnership to address the growing need for postsecondary education and training, especially among low-income Black and Latino students. The initiative will help 4,000 students and 1,000 parents access and complete higher education debt-free over the next five years. Through strategic partnerships and evaluation by the University of Chicago, the program aims to reshape the accessibility and success of higher education for underrepresented communities.

“Hope Chicago strengthens the fabric of our hometown city and brightens its future, and McDonald's is proud to join the growing coalition supporting debt-free access to higher education for Chicago students,” said Michael Gonda, Senior VP and Chief Impact Officer at McDonald’s USA. "This model is deeply connected to our purpose of feeding and fostering community, and we know that its impact will drive meaningful outcomes for multiple generations."

"Investing in Hope Chicago directly expands access to higher education, career advancement, upskilling, and good jobs – for two generations of Chicagoans at a time,” said Stephen Harris, President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. “By empowering families in this way, we’re strengthening their futures and building healthier, more resilient communities. When people have the resources to thrive, everyone benefits."

“Working to help eliminate generational, systemic barriers to education and workforce opportunities for Chicagoans is an investment that drives real financial progress for our Chicago community,” said Eric Smith, Vice Chair, BMO. “BMO was Hope Chicago’s first corporate partner in 2021 and we’re proud to continue our support, to help strengthen the community we serve, aligned to BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.”

This month, Hope Chicago released its Year 3 Impact Report, highlighting significant progress in the implementation of its model:

Hope Scholar’s first cohort (Class of 2022) has produced a 66% increase in the number of students enrolled through two full academic years when comparing the Class of 2021.

The percentage of CPS students enrolling in postsecondary education pathways grew from 51% (prior to Hope Chicago) to 74% (after the first cohort). This figure rose to 78% in 2023 and 81% in 2024 with the subsequent cohorts.

Latino student enrollment in the program surged from 31% before Hope Chicago to 85% in 2024.

Black student enrollment increased from 55% to 70% in Hope's first year, with 75% of Black CPS students at partner high schools now enrolled in postsecondary pathways.

In its inaugural year, the Parent Scholar program enrolled 135 parents, with 85% persisting in their program pathways and showing progress by the following year.

The economic implications of increasing postsecondary education access are profound. A recent Georgetown University study projects that by 2030, 72% of jobs in the U.S. will require postsecondary education or training. Yet, currently, only 54% of adults earn a credential after high school. In Chicago, the situation is even more alarming, with just 27% of graduates from neighborhood high schools expected to obtain a credential.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

A.L. Smith - Harold Washington Legacy Committee