Category Archive
Last Thursday, Take the Lead participants earned themselves a day off from school to learn more about service learning projects and the impact they each can make by volunteering. We Day is an annual celebration of service learning that takes place all over the US, Canada, and UK. 15,000 youth from the Chicagoland area gathered…
United’s team of Corporate Coaches joined Work to Play teams from Faraday, Marquette, and Morrill Elementary for Game Day at Chicago Indoor Sports on April 29. Coaches and players took the field full of enthusiasm for an afternoon of soccer, fun, and friendship. The volunteers and the players from Morrill kicked things off by warming…
In preparation for We Day Illinois, Jahn Take the Lead Team Captain Leo joined Allstate C.E.O. Tom Wilson and We Day founder Craig Kielburger on television and radio. Leo spoke about the impact he is making at his school with WCIU’s You & Me This Morning, Fox’s Good Day Chicago, and WGN Radio’s Steve Cochran…
On April 15th, Urban Initiatives’ spring volunteer season kicked off with an enthusiastic team of Corporate Coaches from ComEd. As teams from Davis, Jackson, and Jahn Elementary arrived to Chicago Indoor Sports, it was hard to tell who was more excited—our eager group of volunteers, or Team Jackson as it was their first Game Day…
Stevenson, one of UI’s newest schools, and Lee Elementary’s Work to Play teams celebrated the opening of the latest Cruyff Court with members of the Johan Cruyff Foundation and IMC Financial Markets. This celebration was packed with games, food, and FUN in Rainey Park. As coaches, parents, and players gathered together at the park on…
Urban Initiatives in partnership with the Garfield Park Conservatory and the Chicago Park District hosted the inaugural Embrace Chicago Cup on Saturday, April 9th. Six Urban Initiatives partner schools from four Chicago communities gathered for a day of exploration at the Garfield Park Conservatory, soccer games, and lunch at the park district. The Embrace Chicago…
The rain and snow surely did not stop Team Captains from enjoying an engaging day at the Allstate Headquarters in Northbrook this past Friday. Fifth thru eighth graders from all around the city woke up early, embraced the unexpected weather, and brought their energy for a day full of interactive activities. The fourth Take the…
This field trip truly showcased the consistent dedication present amongst players on the Urban Initiatives’ team at Nixon Elementary. This special group of 3rd graders game to the school on a cold and snowy Saturday afternoon to attend the Chicago Fire soccer game at Toyota Park. Despite the uncovered seating, there were no complaints from…
Coach Michelle Ramos dedicates her career to enhancing the sports experience for the youth she serves at Palmer, Lloyd and Barry Elementary Schools. Last year, Michelle started working at Palmer as a part-time Coach Across America and has since taken on a regular position facilitating recess during the school day and soccer-based youth development programming…
Urban Initiatives is happy to share with you an update from our three newest Work to Play Schools! Mahalia Jackson Elementary: Jackson is the Work to Play Team and Urban Initiatives’ 41st partner school. In the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, the Jackson WTP team is excited to join the UI soccer family. Jackson participants, like Tayshaun and Marqise have already started…
