A Better Chicago

Last week, we hosted a panel discussion on Chicago's ongoing challenge with chronic absenteeism in schools. Check out full conversation at: https://lnkd.in/gP8a5G-T

A big thank you to John William of WGN Radio AM 720 for having A Better Chicago’s CEO Elizabeth Swanson on a recent segment. They discussed our mission to lift youth out of poverty, the organizations we support, and insights from our latest Youth Survey. Listen to the segment starting at 23:37 here: https://lnkd.in/g2caWKdw

Chicago's youth face significant challenges, from mental health struggles to community violence, but their resilience and optimism remain strong. Together, we can make a lasting impact by funding and scaling programs that empower youth to succeed. Donate today and help Chicago’s youth thrive against all odds: https://lnkd.in/gvgjcQsE

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning for our panel discussion on Chicago’s Chronic Absenteeism Challenge. We are committed to keeping these critical issues at the forefront and working toward evidence-based solutions to keeping youth connected to their learning environment. A special thank you to our outstanding panelists: Dr Monica B., CEdO Bogdana Chkoumbova, and Jasmine Gilstrap Hunter, for their invaluable insights and contributions.

Sixty-four years ago today, on November 14, 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first Black student to attend the previously all-white William Frantz Elementary School, escorted by federal marshals through a crowd of violent protesters. A Better Chicago honors Ruby Bridges, whose courage helped pave the way for desegregation in American schools. Her bravery serves as a powerful reminder that progress toward equality is achieved by daring to challenge injustice. 📷:  Anonymous/AP

According to data released in the Illinois Report Card on Oct. 30, state test scores for Chicago Public Schools show mixed results. While there have been some improvements, many students remain well below grade level. Chronic absenteeism continues to rise, contributing to the challenges in student performance. At A Better Chicago, we believe more must be done to support our youth and address the growing absenteeism crisis. To learn more about the testing data, read this piece from Illinois Policy: https://lnkd.in/gsPF_Dbm

A big thank you to Lourdes Duarte and WGN-TV for speaking with Onel Abreu, our Director of Data and Impact, and Jonathan Chaparro from Braven about the results of our recent Youth Survey. Watch the full segment at: https://lnkd.in/ggeYEd2q

Only a few seats remain! Join us for an engaging discussion on chronic absenteeism and explore promising, evidence-based solutions to address this growing crisis. Don’t miss ‘Missing Out: Chicago’s Chronic Absenteeism Challenge’, hosted by A Better Chicago and the University of Chicago Education Lab, on Nov. 19. RSVP at: https://lnkd.in/gSn2m_N2

Here are more of our findings from our Youth Survey which we conducted to uncover new findings about how young people feel they are faring in Chicago. Learn more about our survey results at: https://lnkd.in/gnPWYFbP 

Thank you, WGN-TV, for featuring A Better Chicago’s Director of Data and Impact, Onel Abreu, and Braven’s Executive Director of Innovation and Head of Chicago Region, Jonathan Chaparro, to discuss the results of our recent Youth Survey. Don’t miss the segment on WGN’s Adelante this Saturday, Nov. 2, at 6:30 a.m.!