We deploy the power of sport and play and use evidence-based, healing-centered programming to:
- Help youth — pre-K-to-college and beyond — achieve academic success, develop critical social-emotional skills, and build social capital.
- Address systemic issues including economic inequity, poverty, racism, and violence.
- Strengthen Chicago’s future by building an enduring team of youth, coaches, families, schools, and neighborhoods.
Invest in quality coaches
Invest in quality coaches
Invest in quality coaches
Invest in quality coaches
Invest in quality coaches
Enlist support from diverse networks of families, schools, and community members
Enlist support from diverse networks of families, schools, and community members
Enlist support from diverse networks of families, schools, and community members
Develop social-emotional learning through play
Develop social-emotional learning through play
Develop social-emotional learning through play
Use our network to help students build social capital
Use our network to help students build social capital
Use our network to help students build social capital
Why We Do It
Sports Can Change Lives
Sports and play have tremendous impact. They bring joy to and build confidence in the youths who participate. They unite families, schools, and communities.
But the playing field isn’t level. Chicago families need increased free play and sports opportunities for their children — especially those in the UI style, with caring coaches trained to instill teamwork, empathy, and stress-management.
We believe that delivering this kind of programming not only supports kids as they learn and grow but helps make Chicago safer, more equitable, and more connected, which is exactly what our city needs now.
87%
of UI participants come from families qualifying as low income
50K
CPS students participate in UI programs.
80+
Chicago Public Schools across the city have UI programs
Sponsors
Latest News
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Building Community: UI Celebrates Our 20th Anniversary in New Video
Through its team sports and play, UI gives youth “a reason to matter,” UI alum Lizbeth Barajas says in the video, “and I feel like that’s really important for kids.”
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Making Students ‘Feel Seen, Worthy, and Important’ in Visits With Pro Teams
Visits to and from Chicago’s professional sports teams are inspiring kids and coaches at Urban Initiatives (UI) summer camps throughout the city.