At Wintrust Arena, 16 Coach Interns ages 14 to 24 launched this year’s Coaches Lab Project, led by Lead Director of Workforce Development Chanquel Johnson alongside UI staff Andy and Elyse.
The program treats athletic coaching as a hands-on workforce learning lab, helping young adults navigate formal onboarding, task organization, follow-through, and clear professional communication.
Supported by volunteer UI Coach Mentors, interns trained on foundational Coach Behaviors to establish emotionally safe, supportive, and engaging environments for elementary students. The session gave interns space to test sideline management and group dynamics before stepping into schools:
“It was supper fun and it was a hands on experience!”
Setting their goals for the upcoming season, another intern framed their priority: “To show up and to be able to give support and learn.”
The cohort represents Urban Initiatives’ developmental continuum in action: 20 of the 25 current interns were once participants in UI programs themselves. Now hired to work in Chicago Public Schools within their own communities, they return as local mentors and relatable adult leaders.
How to Get Involved
Urban Initiatives is expanding professional networks for our Coach Interns as they explore future careers across athletics and related industries:
- Guest Speakers: We are seeking professionals working across sports operations, coaching, and management to discuss career pathways at Retreat 2.
- Mentors: Volunteers are invited to attend upcoming retreats to support interns with professional communication and workplace problem-solving.
If you or someone in your network would like to support these emerging leaders, reach out to partnerships@urbaninitiatives.org
