This National School Counseling Week, we aren’t just celebrating the incredible work of school counselors; we are celebrating the partnerships that make their work possible.
At the heart of the CFF’s Sponsor-a-School program is a simple philosophy: partnerships should be tailored to meet the specific needs of a school community. Sometimes that looks like a new library or an arts program. For Talcott Performing Arts and Museum Academy in West Town, the greatest need was clear: more boots on the ground to support students’ social and emotional well-being.
Talcott is a vibrant dual-language school serving around 450 students (Pre-K through 8th grade), with a population that is 61% economically disadvantaged and 57% English Learners (cps.edu).
Historically, Talcott had only one counselor for the entire building. This solo counselor was responsible for the emotional well-being of every student while simultaneously managing the complex high school placement process for 8th graders. The sheer volume of work meant less time for direct student connection.
Through the Sponsor-a-School program, Alta Futures stepped in to bridge this gap. After close communication with the school leaders, Alta Futures decided to invest directly in the long-term success of the students by funding an additional school counselor.
The results of this partnership have been immediate and transformative. The addition of a second counselor has allowed the school to significantly expand its reach and deepen the support available to students:
- Expanded Reach: The counseling team has divided and conquered. The new counselor focuses on Pre-K–5th grade, allowing the veteran counselor to focus on Middle Grades and the critical high school application process.
- Targeted Support: The team launched the “Student Voice Committee,” empowering student leaders to guide school culture. They also coordinate a “Rainbows” group, providing essential grief and trauma support for students coping with loss—including the tragic loss of a teacher this year.
- Academic Integration: Counselors serve double duty as both academic and social-emotional guides. They are better able to work directly with students to create plans to get them on track with their learning, specifically tailoring support for those below grade level.
- Newcomer Welcome: With more capacity, the team is providing robust support for newcomer students, helping them acclimatize to a new country and school environment.
What Success Looks Like
The partnership has shifted the atmosphere at Talcott. The school’ principal notes that having an outside partner like Alta Futures invest in their well-being felt like “winning.”
”It felt like we were able to rise to the occasion to meet a need that was so necessary. We know that social and emotional factors affect academics, so being able to focus on those needs has had a positive impact on student achievement.
Elva Bahena, Talcott Principal
A Partner’s Perspective
”When the tireless leaders in our schools have the support they need, students don’t just get through the day, they grow into leaders who believe in their own voice and potential. We're grateful to support the Talcott counseling team doing the real work, showing up for the whole community and investing in the kids who make Chicago’s future stronger every day.
Jessica Sieja, Founder & Principal, Alta Futures
Join In to Invest in Chicago’s Future Leaders
Alta Futures recognized that a thriving business community relies on a thriving school system. By “sponsoring a school”, your organization builds a strategic, mutually beneficial partnership that addresses critical needs within the Chicago community.
Whether the focus is mental health, technology, or the arts, your corporate investment has the power to change the trajectory of a school year and shape the next generation of talent.
Ready to make a difference? Contact us today to learn more about the Sponsor-a-School program.
