Category Archive
The Urban Initiatives team joined Chicago community leaders at the Laureus Town Hall to collaborate on advancing play equity through strategic discussions on public space activation, girls’ sports engagement, and coach development.
Urban Initiatives hosted DePaul University’s Hay Scholars for an immersive visit that bridged the gap between academic leadership and the nonprofit sector through sport-based play, speed networking, and candid conversations about purpose-driven career pathways.
Urban Initiatives’ Offsite Huddle at Adams Street Partners showed student captains how the teamwork and leadership they build through play are the same skills needed to lead in a professional boardroom.
Urban Initiatives’ Coach Apprenticeship Program is building a local leadership pipeline in North Lawndale, with 40% of participants transitioning into new jobs or education within three months of completing this “learn-and-earn” sports mentorship.
We are thrilled to announce that Urban Initiatives has been selected as a Young Futures Innovator (YF Innovator) and grant recipient of the Oops!… AI Did It Again Challenge!
Urban Initiatives celebrated five years of health and community with Faces of Fitness by bringing a high-energy cardio boxing clinic to Jensen Jaguars students, giving 3rd–5th graders a powerful first experience in movement, rhythm, and the confidence that comes from mastering a new challenge.
Chicago civic leaders, researchers, and athletes gathered at the Cubs Executive Offices to champion the idea that universal access to play and consistent adult mentorship are essential forms of civic infrastructure that build the mental health, resilience, and life skills necessary for a thriving city.
Urban Initiatives serves as a Lead Partner for 11 Chicago Public Schools, transforming campuses into vibrant year-round hubs where student-led enrichment and a deep sense of belonging keep 99% of participants feeling included and engaged through the winter months.
Urban Initiatives transforms the “indoor recess scramble” into a high-impact season of play by using proactive game plans, age-appropriate curriculum “remixes,” and deep integration with school staff to ensure Chicago students stay active and connected all winter long.
Drawing on insights from Gerald Zaltman’s Dare to Think Differently, this post explores how “serious play” acts as essential developmental infrastructure, helping Chicago’s youth build the cognitive flexibility, resilience, and decision-making skills needed to navigate life far beyond the field.
