PURSUE SCHOLARS HOSTS 6th ANNUAL FUNDRAISING WALK ACROSS CHICAGO

PURSUE SCHOLARS HOSTS 6th ANNUAL FUNDRAISING WALK ACROSS CHICAGO

Non-profit seeks to raise $150K to invest in holistic development of Chicago’s future leaders.

(CHICAGO, IL – May 27, 2025) To support and unite invest in the future leaders of Chicago, Pursue Scholars will host their sixth annual Pursue Unity Walk across the length of Chicago on June 14, 2025.

The faith-based nonprofit is set to bring a group of current scholars, parents, alumni, and supporters together to walk 24 miles across Western Avenue to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the students in their programs.

Founded in 2007, Pursue Scholars holistically invests in emerging urban leaders from Chicago in their pursuit of higher education. With a vision of a network of college-educated community leaders driving change, Pursue Scholars provides financial scholarships, social support through community and networking, and spiritual formation to help students navigate their academic and career paths.

“This fundraiser is important because it ensures that the next generation of leaders have everything they need to make sure they are fully equipped [for college] and surrounded by a good support system,” said Nneka Jones, a Pursue Alum.

“Pursuing Unity’ in my mind is a reminder that to achieve goals you can’t do it on your own and that you need others to support you on your journey,” said Robert Rivera, a Pursue Unity walker. “This walk represents a metaphor for that journey. There are going to be times when we feel like we want to give up. But the idea of unity comes in where we are all encouraging one another to continue and finish the walk.”

Completing the difficult journey on Western Avenue specifically uses the longest street in Chicago to connect all “walkers” through a variety of neighborhoods, cultures, and Chicago staples - a core component of the Pursue Scholars mission. This year’s walk will culminate at Rogers Elementary School in Rogers Park. Community members are encouraged to cheer on and encourage walkers at various support stations along the route to the finish line festival.

“We don’t want students to walk alone, we want to walk with them and build a support network around them,” said Clive Craigen, Executive Director of Pursue Scholars.

The Finish Line Festival in Rogers Park celebrates our Walkers’ accomplishments and will have food, live music, and different vendors from the community, affording an opportunity to support the businesses that partner to invest in Chicago’s great leaders.

Support Station Route 6:00 a.m. Walgreens on 119th & Western; 7:30 a.m. St. Rita’s High School; 9:30 a.m. McKinley Park; 11:30 a.m. Roberto Clemente High School; 1:30 p.m. Welles Park; 2:30 p.m. Rogers Elementary School (Celebratory Festival).

Since its inception, Pursue Scholars has awarded over $4,000,000 in scholarships and supported over 150 Scholars and alumni, fostering persistence and leadership development among young Chicago leaders.

For more information, visit the Pursue Scholars homepage or follow on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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