Exciting New Partnerships for CYC: Motorola Solutions Foundation, Bright Promises Foundation, Get IN Chicago, Field Foundation, and Northwestern University
/Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) is honored to partner with four new organizations—and a new project with a returning partner—for the 2016-2017 program year. Together, these organizations have given or pledged nearly $160,000 to support CYC's programs that surround Chicago’s children with the tools and resources they need to discover their unique skills and forge a path out of poverty. We are excited to announce the following partnerships:
Motorola Solutions Foundation
Chicago Youth Centers is proud to be a 2016 recipient of Motorola Solutions Foundation's Innovation Generation grant. We were one of 83 organizations selected nationwide. This grant will support CYC’s Maker Lab program, which develops students’ interest, skillsets, and experience in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, and cultivates 21st century skills youth need to succeed. CYC currently operates Maker Labs at CYC-Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center in South Shore, CYC-Elliott Donnelley Youth Center in Bronzeville, and CYC-ABC Polk Bros. Youth Center in North Lawndale. We are excited to partner with Motorola to empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, designers, and innovators.
Motorola Solutions Foundation’s support of the CYC Maker Lab program has been featured by Yahoo Finance, Telecompaper, and T.H.E Journal.
Bright Promises Foundation
We are excited to launch a two-year partnership with Bright Promises Foundation to expand CYC’s highly successful Family Engagement Program that teaches families how to cultivate positive youth development and prevent violence. CYC was one of three Chicago organizations selected for the Bright Promises Foundation's Social Emotional Learning at Home Initiative. In the first grant year, we will expand this program to reach families of middle school students at CYC-Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center in South Shore, which builds upon our work with families of teens who are already enrolled in the program. In year two, we will implement the program at CYC-ABC Polk Bros. Youth Center in North Lawndale.
Since launching the program in 2014, parent participation at CYC-Rebecca K Crown Youth Center has quadrupled and parents of teens have reported improved behavior in their teens as well as increased grades, school attendance, and overall motivation. Bright Promises Foundation allows us to reach even more children and families to have a greater impact.
Get IN Chicago
CYC is proud to partner again with Get IN Chicago—this time to support summer programming at CYC-ABC Polk Bros. Youth Center in North Lawndale. We first partnered with them last year at our Center in South Shore. This year, we were one of ten Chicago organizations selected for their 2016 Summer Cohort. Their investment will keep 25 teens safe and engaged throughout the summer, and help them develop critical social emotional skills. Through daily structured activities, such as sports and recreation, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) projects, and service learning opportunities, teens will increase their ability to think critically and creatively, collaborate, communicate effectively, make positive choices, and become community leaders.
The Field Foundation of Illinois
The Field Foundation of Illinois supports CYC’s Summer Enrichment Program at CYC-Elliott Donnelley Youth Center in Bronzeville. The program brings children from all six of CYC’s communities together for math and reading enrichment, swim instruction, recreation, and culturally-immersive field trips to places like the Museum of Science and Industry and Ravinia. Thanks to the Field Foundation, this year’s Summer Enrichment Program features robust STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) curricula that develop children’s interest and experience in the growing STEAM fields.
In 2015, students in the Summer Enrichment Program increased their reading and math scores by 50%. We are excited to see our children’s progress in 2016.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University’s "Learning Philanthropy: Engaging in the Study and Practice of Giving" class selected Chicago Youth Centers as one of their six 2016 grant recipients. The class studied philanthropy first-hand and selected grantees by exploring non-profits’ impact frameworks, approaches, and outcomes. Their gift provides scholarships for Chicago children to attend CYC's Summer Enrichment Program. Thanks to Northwestern University, we are closer to reaching our goal of doubling the number of children served this summer.
Thank you, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Bright Promises Foundation, Get IN Chicago, Field Foundation of Illinois, and Northwestern University for supporting the programs that help our children become the last generation to live in poverty and violence.