Local News
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.
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 Southland School Districts partner with UNCF for fundraising event
The Superintendent’s Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity will host the “Investing in Our Future” Gala at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 1st, at the Tinley Park Convention Center, located at 18451 Convention Center Drive.
Course teaches young people entrepreneurship through hands-on experience
Chris Brown watched his parents working to better communities. His grandfather owned a business on the West side and he himself started some businesses. One of the businesses was a fitness boot camp. He was creating t-shirts for the boot camp business and created a t-shirt company.
21st Ward Candidate Responds To Allegations Ahead Of Election Day Tuesday, February 28th
Our interview with Ronnie Mosley, candidate for 21st Ward Alderman, was done before we learned about the allegations surrounding whether or not he graduated from Morehouse College. After we learned about the allegations, we reached out to his campaign and asked him to address the allegations.
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.
Chicago Public Schools Partners with NASCAR and the Chicago Street Race to Engage Students Through STEM/STEAM
As excitement builds for 2023 Chicago Street Race Weekend, NASCAR and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today announced a collaborative initiative that will engage and inspire more than 22,000 students with racing-themed STEM and STEAM learning experiences and curriculum. The partnership was announced by CPS and Chicago Street Race officials today at the Field Museum in downtown Chicago with the help of 2023 DAYTONA 500 champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr., fresh off the driver’s victory at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday.
Reminder: First Installment Cook County property taxes are due April 3
The due date for Tax Year 2022 First Installment property taxes this year is April 3. Nearly 1.8 million tax bills will arrive in mailboxes by early March. They are currently available online at cookcountytreasurer.com.
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.
