Chicago Connected

Chicago Connected is a nationally recognized model bringing together businesses, community groups, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations to provide no-cost internet access to over 200,000 students to eliminate internet accessibility as a barrier to digital learning. Partners who supported this citywide effort through CFF directly include the Obama Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and Chicago Community Trust.

CPS Alumnus Chance the Rapper & SocialWorks

Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper has supported dozens of CPS schools through his nonprofit foundation, SocialWorks. In support of Arts, Computer Science and Advanced Literacy, funding from SocialWorks has provided resources to expand programming, upgrade facilities, provide experiential learning opportunities and support teacher training. With a major assist from the Chicago Bulls—another longtime champion of CPS—and a number of other partners, the New Chance Fund for Arts and Literature helped 20 schools build innovative and sustainable performing and visual arts programming. SocialWorks doubled down on that commitment, pledging an additional $2 million over three years, this time with the support of Google, to fund new computer science programming at 20 CPS schools. Most recently, SocialWorks has provided funding to 10 schools to enhance their advanced literacy initiatives.

Salesforce Foundation

The Salesforce Foundation initially partnered with CFF and CPS to become Solorio High School’s Early College STEM Schools partner. Over the past several years, the partnership has expanded beyond Early College STEM Schools to include additional funding in support of district priorities such as leadership development, the Chicago Roadmap, and the Healing-Centered Project.

Baxter International

In 2008, Baxter International joined Linblom Math and Science Academy in creating a new program to support teacher training and student development in health sciences. Over the past eight years, the program has grown to include a fully equipped Innovation Lab, a competitive robotics team, Baxter Box lab Kits, and more. With Baxter’s support, Linblom has become the #11 high school in Illinois, renowned for its STEM programs, and the health sciences program has been adopted by a number of CPS high schools, reaching more than 174,000 students and more than 2,000 teachers.

CME Group Foundation

The CME Group Foundation has been a stalwart partner supporting computer science education in Chicago for nearly a decade. They have funded work toward Computer Science (CS) curriculum development, supported CS teachers with professional learning and coaching, and provided resources for schools to begin their own computer science or robotics club. CS is an important skill in the 21st century workforce and can open up career possibilities, yet today many groups are underrepresented in CS fields. With the support of partners like the CME Group Foundation, CPS is working to offer CS education for all.

The CME Group Foundation has also supported a number of district priorities including financial literacy, early childhood education, violence prevention, and the Chicago Roadmap.