Photo credit: Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune
Once again, Chance the Rapper has taken his philanthropic efforts to support arts education programs in Chicago Public Schools to another level.
On Friday, the 24-year-old Grammy-winning musician announced that his non-profit organization Social Works has raised $2.2 million that will be divvied out to 20 Chicago Public Schools (CPS). During the press conference, where he decided to show up dressed as Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to present updates, Chance also discussed some of his organization's other initiatives such as its OpenMike program, an open mic night for Chicago Youth, and Parade to the Polls, an initiative "to help millennial voters navigate the election space."
In March, Chance announced his first donation (which was $1 million dollars) to Chicago Public Schools and gave $10,000 to 10 CPS schools. Since then, the Chicago Bulls have matched his donation, and as a result, Chance was able to give out another set of $10,000 donations to 12 more CPS schools.
"As a parent and proud product of CPS, I’m committed to helping Chicago's children have quality learning experiences that include the arts,” Chance said. "Over the past month, I’ve crisscrossed the city, from Chatham to Chinatown, Humboldt Park to Hyde Park, visiting students and one thing is clear: if we invest in Chicago’s children, we’ll change the world."
According to the Chicago Tribune, Chance explained that "the schools were chosen based on CPS ratings and how much the schools were affected by budget cuts... But the 'most important' criterion, was the amount of 'determination and vision' school principals displayed for their arts programming."
Here is a list of the 20 CPS schools that will receive $100,000 over the next three years from the New Chance Fund.
Photo credit: Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune
Ambrose Plamondon Elementary
Mireles Elementary Academy
C.E. Hughes Elementary
Edmond Burke Elementary
Edward White Career Academy
Esmond Elementary
Corliss High School
Aldridge Elementary
Fiske Elementary
Greenleaf Whittier Elementary
Beethoven Elementary
Mahalia Jackson Elementary
Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School
Ninos Heroes Elementary
Orr Academy High School
Oglesby Elementary
Robert A. Black Magnet Elementary
Dett Elementary
Spry Community Links High School
W.K. New Sullivan Elementary
Here's another round of applause for Chance the Rapper for his commitment to his city and arts education.