Achieving the Dream selects 5 City Colleges of Chicago and 5 other colleges in 4 states (CA, IL, NM, NY) to launch new three-year economic and social mobility initiative
Achieving the Dream, a reform network of 300 community colleges across the nation, announced today that it has selected 10 colleges from four states to participate in the new three-year Accelerating Equitable Outcomes cohort. The aim is to implement comprehensive strategies to help more students, especially Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and students of color and from high-poverty backgrounds, earn postsecondary credentials, including occupational certificates and degrees and create pathways to jobs with living-sustaining wages, benefits, and potential for upward mobility.
Darrious Hilmon is on a mission with his work at CAN-TV
Darrious Hilmon has been the Executive Director of CAN-TV since April 2022. During that time, he has been motivating the staff there to bring their best selves to their work, and has been asking, “Are you finding joy in this work?” “I’m swinging for the fences … I’m telling my staff, fail bigly,” Hilmon said.
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT ANNOUNCES 12 RECIPIENTS OF $27 MILLION IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced today that 12 neighborhood businesses and nonprofit organizations are set to receive more than $27 million in Community Development Grants. Ranging from approximately $54,000 to $5 million, the grants will support neighborhood investments for local cooperative grocery stores, health centers, music education centers, and locally owned restaurants. Grants will be used to fund interior renovations, new construction, and other eligible costs.
Mentoring Youth Through Technology Announces New Board Leadership and upcoming 10-Year Anniversary Gala
“I am excited about the new leadership team,” said MYTT Nominations Chair Bruce Cook.” Each of them bring to MYTT a wealth of professional, business and management experiences gained through service in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Equally important, each shares a passion for MYTT and its mission to make opportunities in technology accessible to youth in underserved and under resourced communities through exposure, instruction and mentoring. MYTT welcomes its new leadership team and embraces the possibilities they represent for the organization and its stakeholders.”
Illinois Office of Tourism is Making Learning About Black History Easier and More Accessible
The Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) is helping make learning about Black history more accessible in Illinois as it recognizes the importance of celebrating the expansive African American communities that are part of our state.
PEPSICO EXCEEDS YEAR ONE GOALS IN WORKFORCE READINESS INVESTMENT INITIATIVES FOR YOUTH ON SOUTH AND WEST SIDES
One year into PepsiCo’s workforce readiness investment initiative focused on reaching Black and Hispanic youth on the South and West Sides, the company reports strong progress on all fronts and the need for additional investment in community-based organizations that directly impact workforce development. Launched in October 2021, Pathways to Readiness and Empowerment Program (PREP) is PepsiCo’s commitment to invest more than $5 million in local nonprofits with the aim to put nearly 3,000 young people from Chicago's South and West Sides on the path to high-quality careers by 2026.
High School Students Tour CPD 7th District Strategic Decision Support Center and Have Discussion With District Leadership on Policing & Safety Challenges
High school student leaders who co-founded a grassroots safety coalition recently toured the Chicago Police Department 7th District Strategic Decision Support Center and engaged in a candid discussion with local district leadership. The group requested the meeting to gain a better understanding of the strategies, tactics and technologies the Chicago Police Department uses to combat the epidemic of gun violence.
The Love, Unity & Values Institute to Take 80 CPS Students on Journey through Civil Rights
On Monday, Feb. 6, the Love, Unity & Values (LUV) Institute kicked off a six-week journey through civil rights for 80 Chicago middle school students attending Ariel Community Academy and the UChicago Charter School. Through videos, storytelling and a curriculum called “Choices in Little Rock,” students will view history through iconic stories and figures like The Little Rock Nine who famously integrated Central High School 65 years ago. The program culminates with a field trip to Little Rock, Arkansas, to tour historic sites, including Central and Little Rock National Park.
The Heart Condition Hiding in Plain Sight
The health of a community is often about connecting. Connecting with our neighbors, friends, and family to recharge our souls. Connecting with information that empowers us to make positive change. Connecting with information that empowers us to make positive change.
Chicago Urban League Names Lionel Kimble Jr., Ph.D., as Vice President & Executive Director of its Research & Policy Center
The Chicago Urban League has named Lionel Kimble Jr., Ph.D., as Vice President & Executive Director of its Research & Policy Center. Dr. Kimble, who also serves as Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies at Chicago State University, began the role in mid-January. He is responsible for developing and overseeing the League’s mission-aligned advocacy and research agendas, program development, and certain strategic project activities. He will report to the President and CEO and serve as a vital member of the executive management team.
Chicago Public Schools and Children First Fund Partner with Cabrera Capital Markets to Strengthen the Financial Literacy of Students and Families
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Children First Fund (CFF), CPS’ Foundation, today announced a new partnership between Lee Elementary and Cabrera Capital Markets to strengthen the financial literacy and planning skills of Lee students and their families. CPS CEO Pedro Martinez joined Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs and Cabrera Capital Markets Founder and CEO – and CPS alumnus – Martin Cabrera, Jr. and the firm’s president, and fellow CPS alumnus, Robert Aguilar, to observe a classroom budgeting lesson for Lee Elementary sixth graders as they celebrated the collaborative effort.
GOGO Charters Launches Fleet of Charter Buses and Shuttles in Greater Chicago
GOGO Charters®, the premier national charter bus and shuttle brand, announced its official launch servicing greater Chicago. GOGO Charters provides one-time and recurring group transportation services for a variety of trips, events and special occasions.
School District Superintendent wants support for educators and students
Thomas, who grew up on the West side of Chicago, worked for the Department of Children and Family Services for 4 years. He also worked at Hartgrove Hospital and at the Chicago Public Schools. He has been a school administrator for about 15 years. The last 11 have been as a school superintendent.
New Course at Malcolm X College Offers New Approach to Support Caregivers of Veterans, Firefighters, Police, and Others Suffering in Silence Due to Traum
The Chicago Caregivers Course, a two-day symposium to introduce a new approach to supporting caregivers of veterans, police, firefighters, first responders, and trauma victims in the city of Chicago, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 21-22 at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Street in Chicago.
ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW NAMED THE BENJAMIN L. CRUMP COLLEGE OF LAW
On Wednesday, Feb. 8, the College of Law at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, was named the Benjamin L. Crump College of Law. This will be the first law school in the country named after a practicing Black attorney. The only other law school in the country named for a Black person is named after Attorney Crump's personal hero, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Treasurer Frerichs Invites Nonprofits to Apply for $200,000 in Grants Available Through Charitable Trust Program
Small nonprofits that provide people with food or workforce and economic development assistance are encouraged to apply for funding through the Charitable Trust Stabilization Program, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said. Grant applications will be accepted through March 31.
Regal Mile Studios Breaks Ground on South Chicago Avenue
The Regal Mile Studios Campus 1, a 380,000 square foot, seven-acre media campus and soundstage, is set for South Chicago Avenue, west of Stony Island. On Monday, Feb. 6th, there was a groundbreaking for Regal Mile Studios. The project is sponsored by Loop Capital Real Estate Partners and includes a $100 million investment for the privately funded project.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Rodney Boyd Becomes Highest-Ranking Black, Officer of Color in Illinois National Guard History
Governor JB Pritzker announced that Brigadier General Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General – Army of the Illinois National Guard and the Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, has been promoted to Major General. This makes him the highest-ranking Black and officer of color in the nearly 300-year history of the Illinois National Guard.
