At our February Town Hall, we discussed a critical concept shaping our impact: Urban Initiatives as a Protective Factor. For the 100,000 students we serve, UI provides a stable, trusted buffer that supports well-being and a sense of belonging amidst the challenges facing school communities.
Dr. A, Principal at Nobel Elementary, noted that our coaches are trusted figures who provide a safety net, allowing students to feel secure and prepared to thrive in the classroom.
Driving Attendance and Engagement
One of the most significant outcomes of this work is its impact on student attendance. By providing joyful, engaging activities, we create an environment where students feel a strong desire to be in the building every day.
Operational Excellence and Systems-Level Impact
From an operational standpoint, we are performing with high discipline. We reached our operating fundraising goal early this January, allowing us to maintain a stable foundation.
To support schools navigating budget constraints, we have evolved our Recess model by training school-based staff. This shift maintains high program quality while significantly reducing costs for our partner schools.
Our work is also receiving national recognition. UI was recently selected for the Local Innovator Award from the Society of Behavioral Medicine. This award affirms that our integration of physical activity and social-emotional learning is an evidence-based model for improving public health.
Community Dialogue and Future Outlook
The Q&A session highlighted key areas of focus and community interest:
- Mental Health Integration: We discussed formalizing referral protocols and escalation pathways for students requiring additional mental health support.
- High School Leadership: There is strong interest in creating more opportunities for high school students to serve as mentors and coaches.
- Citywide Collaboration: We shared updates on our large-scale partnership with CPS to support sports infrastructure across the city.
We are currently midway through our Bridge Strategy, focusing on strategic alignment as we prepare for the long-term work ahead.
We invite you to see this impact in action by signing up here to volunteer at our Community Play Cup on May 30th!
