When the days get shorter and the temperature drops, access to safe, structured opportunities after school often becomes more limited.
Through our role as a Lead Partner within Chicago Public Schools’ Community Schools Initiative, Urban Initiatives helps schools function as true community hubs. Campuses remain active before and after school, on weekends, and throughout the winter months, with programming that reflects what students and families want and need.
We begin with listening. Each year, we conduct a strengths and opportunities assessment with youth, families, and school staff. We identify interests, assess needs, and design service plans across five areas: Academic Support, Cultural and Social Enrichment, Social Emotional Learning, Health and Wellness, and Adult Engagement.
Then we put that plan into action.
UI Resource Coordinators and Site Managers are embedded within each school community. They build authentic relationships, coordinate partners and vendors, align programming to student interests, and maintain quality standards to ensure strong implementation.
One partner shared, “It brings school and community together and connects the two for a strong and positive school.” Another said, “The Resource Coordinator is a great support for each staff and student.”
This is the Community Schools model in practice.
Our youth survey data reinforces the strength of these environments.
When asked how fun the program was, 96 percent said it was fun or VERY fun.
When asked how included they felt, 99 percent said they felt included or VERY included.
These numbers reflect engagement and belonging. Youth are showing up. They are participating. They are building relationships.
Youth experience safe, inclusive spaces. They strengthen peer connections. They build relationships with positive adults. They grow in confidence and teamwork. They gain experiences they might not otherwise have access to.
Sixty-one percent of youth name a specific activity such as music, dance, or enrichment as their favorite part of programming. Programming is designed around those interests. Resource Coordinators and Site Managers ask what youth want and build service plans that reflect those priorities. Participation increases when programming feels relevant.
During the winter months, consistent, high-quality programming sustains connection and momentum. Schools remain vibrant centers of activity. Youth stay connected to peers and trusted adults. Families remain engaged.
Urban Initiatives is grateful to the 11 schools that selected UI as their Lead Partner agency and entrusted us to support their school communities this year.
