Every year the 2024 Chicago Marathon is a celebration of joy, community, and the power of play, drawing thousands of people out for the fun. Yet, in the very neighborhoods that host this iconic event, many Chicago youth and families still lack access to sports and play opportunities. This year, our Charity team is lacing…
In accordance with the application instructions from the Illinois State Board of Education, Urban Initiatives hereby submits this notice of our intent to apply for the FY25 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21stCCLC) grant. This application will be a joint application with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to serve the following schools: Chalmers…
Urban Initiatives’ youth leaders exemplify remarkable growth and skill development, leaving a lasting impact on schools and communities. To recognize their outstanding contributions, we annually present the Troy Cameron Team Captain of the Year award. This year, we our proud honoree was featured on WGN’s daytime Chicago. Laila, an 8th-grade student Kozminski Community Academy discovered…
Through its team sports and play, UI gives youth “a reason to matter,” UI alum Lizbeth Barajas says in the video, “and I feel like that’s really important for kids.”
Visits to and from Chicago’s professional sports teams are inspiring kids and coaches at Urban Initiatives (UI) summer camps throughout the city.
Elementary school students are polishing reading and math skills, studying the solar system, exploring STEM programs, and learning the fundamentals of a new sport each week during the Urban Initiatives (UI) Community Schools Initiative (CSI) summer program.
Through its team sports and play, UI gives youth “a reason to matter,” UI alum Lizbeth Barajas says in a new video, “and I feel like that’s really important for kids.”
The Connection Cup is a particularly impactful event because it allows us time to celebrate the diversity of communities we partner with.
Urban Initiatives seeks to make recess impactful for every student in our school communities. Our recess program creates genuine value during recess through improved physical activity, social emotional learning opportunities, and healing-centered community building.
Urban Initiatives’ (UI) first annual Community Cup was a complete success in celebrating the youth engaged in UI’s programs this year. The Community Cup was a month-long event, celebrating the resilience and strength of our youth throughout this difficult year.
Urban Initiatives’ most anticipated event of the year—the 2021 Soccer Ball presented by Allstate—was a great success! Despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic, we were still able to celebrate all of the challenges that we have overcome as a team, our incredible partners, awardees and friends and family who were able to join the…