Hyde Park Citizen4-19-2023

and Transformation Chicago was founded in 2018 by Richard Wallace, with the goal of upliting the voices of Black people in Chicago who engage in the informal economy.

FLOWERS PASSES CERTIFICATION BILL TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF CARE AT MENTAL HEALTH AGENCIES

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Deputy Majority Leader Mary E. Flowers, D-Chicago, passed a bill on Wednesday, April 5, to improve the quality of mental health care by requiring community mental health or developmental services to renew their licenses more frequently.

“We continue to see that some community mental health facilities are falling short of acceptable standards, and mental health deficiencies continue to be an issue across Illinois,” Flowers said. “Yet, in many cases, these facilities continue to retain their certification for years, despite low quality and compliance scores. That’s why my bill shortens the licensure period for these facilities. When facilities must certify more frequently, they must pay closer attention to their standards of care.”

Since 2018, community mental health agencies have been subject to a quality scorecard system administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Under Flowers’ House Bill 1032, more frequent licensure examinations would enable IDHS to increase scrutiny of deficient mental health agencies. The bill would also permit additional sanctions including freezes on admissions or license revocation for agencies based on low compliance scores.

“Tolerating noncompliance with mental health treatment standards is a choice,” Flowers said. “We owe vulnerable people in our state a well-regulated mental healthcare system. When agencies or facilities fall short of standards, it is not enough that they eventually face accountability. The harm that can result to already troubled individuals when conditions like this aren’t rectified quickly is too serious.”

Flowers’ office can be reached at 773471-5200 or tsnow@hds.ilga.gov.

CPA ENDOWMENT FUND OF ILLINOIS ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

CHICAGO – The CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois, the charitable partner of the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS), is proud to announce its board of directors for the April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, fiscal year. This year, the board welcomes new ICPAS President and CEO Geoffrey Brown, CAE, and ICPAS Board of Directors Immediate Past Chairperson Mary K. Fuller, CPA, as ex-officio directors.

“I am privileged to work with a group of accomplished professionals who truly have a passion for ensuring a diverse and vibrant future for the CPA profession,” says Kimberley A. Waite, CPA, partner at Marcum LLP in Deerfield, Ill. “Thanks to the invaluable generosity of our donors, we can offer scholarships and programs that change the lives of accounting students and young professionals. I look forward to expanding the reach and impact of our programming and continuing to provide desperately needed financial relief to motivated and deserving aspiring CPAs across Illinois.”

During the last fiscal year, giving by more than 1,040 donors aided the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois in awarding more than $320,000 in scholarships and providing specialized programs to approximately 400 diverse and deserving accounting students and future CPAs.

Chairperson Kimberley A. Waite, CPA | Marcum LLP

Vice Chairperson

Jason Parish, CPA | Plante Moran PLLC

Treasurer Jeffery P. Watson, CPA | Miller Cooper & Company Ltd.

Secretary Martrice Caldwell, CPA | Chicago Fire FC

Immediate Past Chairperson

Howard I. Blumstein, CPA | BDO USA LLP (Retired)

Equity and Transformation wants to build Black equity

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Equity and Transformation Chicago was founded by Richard Wallace in 2018, with the goal of uplifting the voices of Black people in Chicago who participate in the informal economy – economic activities, enterprises, jobs, and workers that are not regulated or protected by the state.

What does that mean? The bucket boys, the person who sells bootlegged DVDs, the person who sells loose cigarettes, the commercial sex workers are all part of the informal economy. Equity and Transformation launched the Chicago Future Fund, a guaranteed income program for people who are impacted by the system and/or formerly incarcerated, primarily in West Garfield Park, Austin and Englewood. Those who are eligible receive $500 a month. In the first iteration of the pilot program, there were 30 people from West Garfield Park, in the second there were 100 people from West Garfield Park, Austin and Englewood.

“He really wanted to create a program where, instead of excluding people based on their background, that is the eligibility criteria,” said Rachel Pyon is a research coordinator at Equity and Transformation and Chicago Future Fund Manager. EAT was involved in the legalization of cannabis legislation. Pyon said the organization believed it was really important to acknowledge the harm done by the War on Drugs. The vision for the Chicago Future Fund is that it can be the start of a form of reparations.

Pyon said, right now, even though cannabis is legal in Illinois, there are still thousands of people who are still incarcerated because of a cannabis-related charge. And, once they are released, they aren’t getting their records expunged, which causes them to face barriers in facets in their life.“As one of the forms of reparations, not saying that direct cash payments is an end-all-be-all solution, but one of the things we can do to start to win reparations in the State of Illinois

is to advocate for direct cash payments for system-impacted people,” Pyon said. The criteria for eligibility is that they have to be system-impacted, have to live in West Garfield Park, Austin and Englewood, make less than $20,000 a year and are aged between 18-45.

While EAT is based on the West side, it works throughout the city to pass policy and do community events. West Garfield Park, Austin and Englewood communities were chosen because they have the largest Black communities. “We are really trying to change the narrative around deservedness and hopefully use the results of our program to eventually support the Big Payback Campaign,” Pyon said.

EAT’s Big Payback Campaign is a comprehensive campaign to win reparations for the War on Drugs. The War on Drugs has and continues to have devastating effects on the communities that EAT works with. EAT wants to use the United Nation’s five conditions for reparations. Those include satisfaction, compensation, restitution, rehabilitation and guarantees of non-repetition.

“I think the Chicago Future Fund is a great way to capture people’s stories and understand how this money is impacting their lives and how this money could be beneficial if we were to have something like this statewide and not just privately funded and run by us. But, really a permanent fund for survivors of the War on Drugs,” Pyon said. Pyon added, as Guaranteed Income Programs are launched throughout the city, county, state and country, there is a movement to organize and gather the people and power to make the pilot programs permanent.

For more information about Equity and Transformation Chicago, visit www.eatchicago.org. For more information about the Chicago Future Fund, visit eatchicago.org/Chicago-future-fund-1.

Chicago Public Schools Teachers Named Yale National Fellows

CHICAGO – Six Chicago Public Schools (CPS) teachers have been selected to participate in a national program to strengthen teaching in public schools. Recently recognized as Yale National Fellows, these educators will participate in a series of intensive seminars to develop their leadership and curriculum development skills through the Yale National Initiative. The six CPS educators selected to participate in this professional development initiative are among a select group of only 44 public school teachers from 14 school districts nationwide who will participate in the program.

“Ensuring our teachers have access to opportunities for long-term professional development improves the quality of education in our schools and the District at large,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “We want every teacher, in every neighborhood, to have the resources and training they need to provide our students with a high-quality education that helps our students build fulfilling and meaningful lives.”

The CPS educators participating in the Yale National Fellows program in Connecticut this summer are:

Kathie Ang, Walter Payton College Preparatory High School

Brandon Barr, Mark Twain Elementary

Nancy Ibarra, Seward Communication Arts Academy

Adriana Lopez, Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School

Jessica Mason, Anna R. Langford Academy

Ricardo Moreno, Richard Edwards Dual Language Fine and Performing Arts IB School

“Intentional and targeted professional development helps

our teachers feel connected, engaged, and challenged in their roles,” said CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova. “Ultimately, our students benefit when teachers are actively improving their skills in an effort to connect and provide students with the best possible educational experience they can offer.”

Brandon Barr, a product of CPS, has worked for the District for 17 years. He has served as a teacher at Mark Twain Elementary School for the past eight years and as a Yale Fellow for the past nine years, where he currently serves as a seminar coordinator.

“Going to Yale each year feels like a homecoming with my teacher family,” said Barr. “Everyone is there to improve their practice, tap into the resources that Yale has to offer us and work together to support one another with feedback and encouragement. After many years teaching, this type of community is needed to sustain my practice and to keep me thriving in the classroom.”

CPS’ Yale National Fellows will attend seminars focused on high-quality professional development that foster leadership skills and a deeper knowledge of the subjects they teach. Participants will write a curriculum unit to use in their classroom and Yale will make it available to other teachers. The curriculum units developed by our staff will align with CPS academic standards and assist teachers in engaging and educating their students.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to all students, beginning with the District’s free full-day preschool programming for four-year-old

Announcing 2023 Chicago City Markets

CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is pleased to announce the 2023 summer season of Chicago City Markets. Presented by Humana, the Chicago City Markets sell fresh seasonal produce, flowers, unique Chicago-made products and rare finds – at Chicago’s longest running farmers market on Daley Plaza and a dozen more community markets in neighborhoods across Chicago. The historic Maxwell Street Market returns to its home at 800 S. Desplaines St. every Sunday from May through October in alignment with the Chicago City Market schedule. A complete list of city-run markets, dates and times are listed below and at chicagocitymarkets.us.

“Chicago City Markets provide access to fresh and healthy food to residents across dozens of neighborhoods, support local vendors and farmers, and offer some of the best street food in the city,” shared DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey.

The Maxwell Street Market (800 S. Desplaines St.) is a Chicago tradition celebrating and supporting cultural diversity and entrepreneurism for more than 100 years. This year, the historic market returns from May 28 through October 29, every Sunday from 9am – 3pm with an eclectic mix of foods and finds—including fresh produce, authentic street food, furniture, clothing, tools, garden plants, collectibles and rare finds. Vendor applications for Maxwell Street Market are now open; visit maxwellstreetmarket.us for more information.

The official kickoff of the Chicago City Markets summer season will take place on Thursday, May 11 at the Daley Plaza City Market. Programming info to be shared in the coming weeks.

Chicago City Markets take place in neighborhoods across the city from Division Street to Roseland, downtown to Austin. Many markets serve communities with limited access to fresh produce and areas designated low-income, low-access by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA).

For a complete list of all Chicago City Markets, visit chicagocitymarkets.us. Join the conversation on Facebook at Chicago City Markets, on Instagram @ChicagoCityMarkets and on Twitter @ChicagoDCASE (#ChicagoCityMarkets).

The Chicago City Markets are presented by Humana, produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and sponsored in part by Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

2023 CHICAGO CITY MARKETS

City-run community and farmers markets- schedule subject to change

WEDNESDAYS

Pullman City Market

11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

July 5-October 25 (17 weeks)

7am-1pm

THURSDAYS

Daley Plaza City Market

50 W. Washington St.

May 11-October 26 (25 weeks)

7 am-2 pm

Austin Town Hall City Market

Chicago Public Schools

scholars and continuing through neighborhood, magnet and selective-enrollment elementary schools that provide a rigorous K-8 education with schools that specialize in the fine arts, world language and culture, dual language, STEM, International Baccalaureate (IB) , classical programs, and more. CPS is home to some of the best high schools in the state and nation with neighborhood school programming that helps students explore career pathways, gain industry-recognized certifications, take early college coursework and gain credits, up to and including an associate’s degree, as well as the opportunity to earn an IB diploma, and the Illinois Seal of Biliter-

5610 W. Lake St.

June 8-October 26 (21 weeks)

1-6pm

SATURDAYS

Division Street City Market

100 W. Division St.

May 6-October 28 (26 weeks)

7am-12pm

Mercado de Colores

4345 W. 26th St

June 3-October 7 (19 weeks)

11am-3pm

West Humboldt Park City Market

3601 W. Chicago Ave.

June 3-October 7 (19 weeks)

10am-2pm

SUNDAYS

Bronzeville City Market

4700 S. King Dr.

July 9-October 15 (15 weeks)

10am-2pm

Maxwell Street Market

800 S. Desplaines St.

May 28-October 29 (23 weeks)

9am-3pm

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city—to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city—serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/ DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

Continued From Page 2

acy. The rising District-wide freshmenon-track and high school graduation rates reflect the hard work of the CPS community, including families, staff, and students across 635 schools. CPS celebrates the diversity of its more than 322,000 students who cite 182 home languages. Nearly half (46.5 percent) of our students identify as Hispanic or Latinx, 35 percent are Black or African American, 11 percent are White, four percent are Asian, with the remaining students identifying as multiracial or other racial identities. Learn more about CPS at www.cps.edu and connect with CPS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Johnson’s Chicago For The People transition team to bring together leaders from across the city to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on Tuesday announced the leaders of his Chicago For The People transition team. Mayor-elect Johnson named Jessica Angus as transition director, Jason Lee and Amisha Patel as senior advisors, Erica Bland-Durosinmi and DJavan Conway as intergovernmental advisors, and Maria Virginia Martinez as legal advisor.

“Our work is already underway to bring together Chicagoans from all across the city in order to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago,” said Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson. “Our transition is about uniting Chicago and I’m confident these dedicated, experienced leaders will bring collaboration, compassion, and competence to our work in delivering a Chicago for the people.”

“Mayor-elect Johnson’s Chicago for the People transition team is already hard at work to bring in voices from all corners of the city and provide a smooth mayoral transition,” said Transition Director Jessica Angus. “As a proud Chicagoan raising two kids in our city, I’m honored to serve on this team, unite Chicago and build a stronger city for all of us.”

Jessica Angus, Transition Director: For over 25 years, Jessica Angus has dedicated her career to uplifting causes that empower underrepresented communities. She has helped lead the 90,000-member SEIU Healthcare Illinois as Vice President and Chief of Staff since 2008. In this senior leadership role, Angus has led the organization through tremendous growth, including by expanding SEIU Healthcare Illinois’ membership and collective power as the fastest-growing care workers’ union in the Midwest. She is a founding member of United Working Families and serves on the organization’s Party Committee. Prior to that, she spent 10 years leading political and ballot-initiative campaigns across the country on a variety of issues that prioritize investing in people and communities. Angus is a proud Chicago Public Schools parent.

Jason Lee, Senior Advisor: Jason Lee most recently served as senior advisor for the Brandon Johnson campaign for Mayor of Chicago. Lee has managed a variety of campaigns at the local, state, and federal level, including Brandon Johnson’s 2018 campaign for Cook County Commissioner. Lee has worked for several progressive labor and community organizations including AFSCME International, For Our Future, and United Working Families. Prior to that, he worked in corporate finance and investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Lee graduated with honors from Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in economics and a Masters degree in Politics, Ethics, and Religion.

Amisha Patel, Senior Advisor: Amisha Patel, a Chicago native, brings nearly 30 years of experience organizing for economic, racial, and gender justice to the transition team. Patel served as Executive Director of Grassroots Collaborative and Grassroots Illinois Action, organizations dedicated to building power with Chicago’s working families to secure fully funded resources for public schools, social services, and affordable housing for the past 15 years. Prior to that, she spent six years organizing hospital and Head Start workers with the 31,000-member SEIU Local 73, and worked in coalition with community organizations to fight against school closings. Patel began organizing at the age of 19, fighting against a toxic waste facility located in East Palo Alto, CA. She graduated from Stanford University and has received numerous recognitions for her work, including Crain’s Chicago Business 40 under 40 award, Chicago Freedom School’s Champion of Justice, and an Asian Emmy award for best documentary.

Erica Bland-Durosinmi, Intergovernmental Affairs Advisor: Over the past two decades, Erica Bland-Durosinmi has built and fostered dynamic networks across all levels of government, connecting decision-makers, community advocates and industry voices to fight for and lift up the needs of working people. As Executive Vice President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois, she grew the power of the 90,000-plus workers the union represents to drive–and achieve–a game-changing legislative platform achieving major wins in minimum wage, and paid leave for all at the state and city levels. Her leadership has been a key force in making SEIU Healthcare the fastest-growing care workers’ union in the Midwest advocating for the needs of healthcare and child care workers across four states. As a founding member of United Working Families, she helped to center a working-family-friendly approach in city politics, influencing the make-up and direction of city hall. Bland-Durosinmi has contributed dynamic vision and leadership to the city as president of Grassroots Collaborative. Her vision and leadership garnered her both the Ida B. Wells Award from Illinois Democratic Women and the Billie Paige Advocacy Award from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.

DJavan Conway, Intergovernmental Affairs Advisor: DJavan Conway brings over a decade of experience working in Illinois politics advising businesses and organizations as president of Conway Consulting Group, advancing solutions for technology, transportation, energy, entertainment, labor and manufacturing firms. Prior to founding Conway Consulting Group, he served as an Illinois House Democratic Leadership staffer, liaising with organizations including the Business Leadership Council. In addition, Conway has over 14 years of experience running campaigns for Democratic candidates across the state. Raised by teachers, Conway has lived in Chicago for over a decade and understands the value of investing in education. He has served on the board for Africa International House and on the Associate Board for Renaissance Social Services.

Maria Virginia Martinez, Legal Advisor: Maria is a lawyer at Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres, where she advises clients on Government Affairs and Regulatory Law. Prior to joining the firm, Maria was Senior Legislative Counsel to Mayor Lori Lightfoot, where she represented, developed, and advanced the City of Chicago’s legislative priorities before the Illinois General Assembly and state agencies. She gives back to our community as a regional coordinator for the Life Goes On Program with the Illinois Secretary of State, and as Chair for the Diversity Scholarship Foundation’s First-Generation Law-Student Mentorship Program. Maria is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and got her law degree from the John Marshall Law School. For more information, visit www.chicagoforthepeople.org.

MAYOR-ELECT JOHNSON ANNOUNCES TRANSITION TEAM LEADERSHIP

Lowe’s Names Juliette Pryor Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary

MOORESVILLE, N.C., PRNewswire -- Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) announced the appointment of Juliette Pryor as executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, effective May 3, 2023. Pryor joins the company from Albertsons, where she served as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.

Pryor succeeds Bill McCanless, who has served as Lowe’s executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary since 2015, and advised the company last year of his intention to retire at the end of May.

Pryor brings to Lowe’s more than 30 years of legal experience. Before joining Albertsons, she served as the general counsel of Cox Enterprises and as general counsel and chief com -

pliance officer of US Foods. Previously, she worked at the law firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and served as general counsel and corporate secretary at e.spire Communications. She started her career as in-house counsel at IBM Corporation and later served as legal advisor to the vice chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission. Pryor received a bachelor’s degree from Fisk University and a J.D. from Georgetown University, where she also received a master’s degree from the school of foreign service.

“Juliette is an incredibly accomplished executive with an outstanding legal background, and the breadth and depth of her experience will be a great asset to Lowe’s,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO. “Juliette is an exceptional

leader with strong legal and business acumen, and I’m excited that she will be part of our executive leadership team.”

Ellison continued, “I thank Bill for his significant contributions to Lowe’s. Over the years, his steady guidance and leadership have been invaluable. On behalf of everyone at Lowe’s, we extend our sincere appreciation for his service to the company and wish him the best as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement.”

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 17 million customer transactions a week in the U.S. With total fiscal year 2022 sales of over $97 billion, approximately $92 billion of sales were generated in the U.S., where Lowe’s operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

BLACK ENTERPRISE to Empower Black Entrepreneurs at The Disruptor Summit in Atlanta

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Black Enterprise, the top Black digital media brand with 12 million unique visitors per month, has announced the inaugural Disruptor Summit. The conference is set to take place in Atlanta from Friday, June 2nd to Sunday, June 4th, and is tailored to Black entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and innovators. The summit aims to equip business-minded leaders with the necessary tools, access, and expertise to drive economic change within their communities and bridge the racial wealth gap. Over the course of three days, the event will help leading innovators and creatives think outside the box, establish million-dollar brands, and disrupt their respective industries.

The Black Enterprise Disruptor Summit is a gathering of forward-thinking individuals who are challenging the status quo and driving change across industries. The conference will offer a unique opportunity for Black entrepreneurs to connect with peers, learn from thought leaders, and gain insight into the latest trends and strategies for business success.

“We are extremely excited about the BLACK ENTERPRISE Disruptor Summit – our all-new, unique experience for today’s generation of entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators,” says BLACK ENTERPRISE Chief Executive Officer Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. “As the leading champion of Black entrepreneurship, we look forward to unveiling our

extraordinary three-day event, highlighting a series of disruptors altering the business landscape, offering game-changing success strategies, deploying capital to fund transformative ventures, and designing new pathways to build wealth. Our summit serves as the ultimate venue for business owners to learn, grow, and connect.”

sion to equip, elevate, and empower Black professionals and business owners,” said Lu Yarbrough III, Associate Vice President of Enterprise Diverse and Cause Marketing at Nationwide. “Supporting emerging and established Black entrepreneurs is not only a way to help them achieve their own dreams, but it also helps to create legacies and contribute to overall economic inclusion.”

Hosted by Nationwide, the Disruptor Summit will feature speakers, panels, and workshops on a range of topics, including building wealth through real estate, using AI to grow your business, raising capital, marketing, and more. Highlighted speakers include the Founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole; Founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products, Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart; Earn Your Leisure Co-Founders, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings; and Founder and CEO of Skittlez Music, Mz Skittlez marketing specialist and serial entrepreneur, Mary “Mz Skittlez” Seats.

“Now in our 13th year as host sponsor of this always-evolving conference, Nationwide remains committed to BLACK ENTERPRISE’s ongoing mis-

The BLACK ENTERPRISE Disruptor Summit will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in the Buckhead section of Atlanta, Georgia, June 2-4. In addition to Nationwide, additional partners include FedEx, Walmart, Instacart and Hyatt. Attendees are also invited to attend The Black Business Awards Brunch Hosted by Walmart. To learn more about the summit, register for all access tickets, and receive programming updates, attendees can visit https://www.blackenterprise.com/disruptorsummit/.

Founded in 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE is a mission-centric publication focused on providing relevant information for success-minded people at every stage of their financial journey. Designed to highlight Black leadership and entrepreneurial journeys, BLACK ENTERPRISE reaches its audience through its events and linear and digital channels. BLACK ENTERPRISE aims to be a fountain of knowledge on the how to in achieving financial success. To learn more about the company, please visit blackenterprise.com and follow us on social media across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Hosted by Nationwide, the new business conference will celebrate Black innovators and creators June 2–4

PRNewsFoto/Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Lil Durk Announces April Public Mint of Phygital Sneaker Collection

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Lil Durk, in collaboration with ‘NXTG3NZ’, is proud to announce public minting for their highly anticipated ‘7220’ phygital sneaker collection. The collection’s minting public event took place on April 10 and consists of 11,111 pairs of custom designed phygital sneakers on the Algorand blockchain.

Designed by 0X-E, the collection will allow holders of the ‘7220’ token to wear their digital sneakers across multiple Metaverses, including The Sandbox. Because the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ tokens are a phygital collection (digital tokens linked to a physical item or representation), NXTG3NZ will also gift each ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ token holder with a physical pair of ‘7220’ sneakers. This provides everyone who purchases the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ sneaker to demonstrate their digital ownership of the token in the physical world.

The digital version of the sneaker will be revealed to the token holder within 5-7 days after the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ is minted. Following that, the holder will receive a form in which they can enter their shoe size as well as the mailing address to which the physical sneakers should be sent to. Those who purchase and mint the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ token should expect to receive the physical sneakers within three to five months after completing the form.

The physical sneakers are being produced in Portugal at the same factory that produces sneakers for luxury brands Balmain and Moncler.

With the purchase of the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ, token holders will also receive exclusive benefits and memberships from NXTG3NZ. This includes real-life events with Lil Durk at festivals and shows, automatic access to the Early Access for upcoming sneaker drops with additional music and music icons.

“I’ve always loved fashion and now its technology, so it just made sense to combine them two. It’s a new wave and we’re leading with NXTG3NZ. Doing it the right way, we built this for 2 years now.” - Lil Durk

Jessica Tsai Chin, Chief Marketing Officer at Algorand, agrees with Lil Durk’s dedication to the fans stating, “As the pioneers scaling blockchain infrastructure, we are thrilled to partner with Lil Durk. Algorand is on a mission to transform the technology and culture landscape through real world value. This is the moment for powerful businesses to be born out of fandom and access.”

While the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ token is their first phygital collection, NXTG3NZ has plans to release future collaborations with additional music and more.

Co-founded by Lil Durk, Satoshi Design, and Nexus, NXTG3NZ is a decentralized footwear company that utilizes Web3 technology to empower celebrities, athletes, and influencers to create their signature shoe brands. This one of a kind physical shoe collection utilizes NFT technology, which serve as proof of authenticity and enable them to reward their loyal community with perks. With industry veterans from the world’s top three shoe brands on board, they excel at producing high-quality luxury footwear, allowing them to step into the future of fashion in style.

To learn more about the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ NFT Collection, visit NXTG3NZ’s website at www.NXTG3NZ.com

INDOCHINO DEBUTS SPRING/ SUMMER 2023 COLLECTION & EXPANDS WOMENSWEAR

VANCOUVER, BC, PRNewswire -- INDOCHINO, the global leader in custom apparel, has launched its Spring/Summer 2023 collection. This new collection features the brand’s first ever dual-gender campaign imagery and celebrates the personal stories that fashion brings to life. In conjunction with the collection’s debut, INDOCHINO has announced it will be expanding its women’s offering to their e-commerce channel, following a successful rollout in select physical showrooms last fall.

The core theme for this bold collection is “A Story In The Making,” which speaks to the power of personal style and the real life memories that customers create in their INDOCHINO suiting. Photographed in the stunning city of Oaxaca, Mexico, the collection and campaign imagery is also inspired by the city’s lively colors, rich heritage, artistic architecture and textile making traditions. The collection provides an array of elevated pieces that can be easily layered or mixed and matched, satisfying shoppers’ increased interest in versatility and unexpected styling, while also providing a robust variety of options for formal events.

Further to the core theme of the Spring/Summer 2023 collection, INDOCHINO is excited to expand their custom apparel offering with a fit that celebrates the female form. This makes the brand the first to sell custom women’s apparel digitally on a mass scale. Throughout the Fall of 2022, INDOCHINO was able to successfully pilot the launch of this new offering. With an overwhelmingly positive customer response, INDOCHINO is excited to support the omni-channel experience for their entire customer base. The first half of 2023 will see womenswear become available across the complete network of INDOCHINO’s owned showrooms throughout North America.

“We are pleased with the early success of our women’s fit and look forward to seeing its continued growth fueled by this expansion across e-commerce and our physical showroom network,” said Drew Green, CEO of INDOCHINO. “Our mission is to empower shoppers to place themselves at the center of their own story, guiding them emotionally and practically through the process of creating custom clothing to feel like their truest self. The Spring/ Summer 2023 collection and its corresponding campaign imagery bring that vision to life in a beautiful way, which we are proud to share with the world.”

Additionally, with the 2023 wedding

season already in full swing, INDOCHINO is equally focused on driving continued growth and excitement for their events business. This season, they will join forces with another world class wedding brand, David’s Bridal, for a unique partnership that helps customers to create their dream custom wedding suit.

As the global leader in made to measure apparel, INDOCHINO has developed the shopping experience of the future. Born out of the belief that you don’t need to spend a fortune on a custom wardrobe, INDOCHINO was the first company to disrupt the retail sector by making perfect-fitting, personalized apparel on a mass scale. The brand was also recently named to the Newsweek and Statista America’s Fastest Growing Online Shops list for 2022.

Customers take on the role of designer, picking out every detail of their garments to make them truly one-of-a-kind. These are made to their precise measurements and shipped directly to their door, hassle free. The company’s omni-channel approach allows them to shop online or in person at any INDOCHINO showroom.

For more information, visit www.indochino.com and follow INDOCHINO’s social media channels.

INDOCHINO debuts their Spring/Summer 2023 collection with the brand’s first ever dual-gender campaign imagery and announces the expansion of their women’s offering across both e-commerce and their complete network of owned showrooms in North America.

Powered by Algorand. PRNewsfoto/NXTG3NZ

Photos by L.M. Warbington Photography

Photos by L.M. Warbington Photgraphy

With an all-electric future on our horizon, ComEd knows our grid will have to be smarter, more resilient and reliable than ever before. That’s why we’re making investments and upgrading technology today, to ensure we continue to deliver reliable service to you and your family for generations to come. So, when everything goes electric, we’ll be ready. Because lighting your life brightens our day.

Record-breaking reliability, powered by ComEd.

When everything’s electric, we’ll be ready.

Revitalized Jet Magazine Cover Announced: Slutty Vegan CEO Pinky Cole

After 63 years and thousands of issues, JET printed its last magazine in 2014, but today it is announced that the iconic publication is back in print and we would love to have you reveal that Pinky Cole is the cover star!

JET Announces Limited Print with Iconic Pinky Cole Cover & Collector’s Issue Pinky Cole, the famed CEO & Founder of Slutty Vegan known for changing the world with her vegan comfort food, philanthropy & activism, makes history by gracing the cover of JET with the release of a highly curated Collector’s Issue.

The culturally significant and beloved publication returns to print for this limited release only and splashes onto newsstands with cover star and “Beauty of the Week” Pinky Cole. This special issue chronicles Cole’s breathtaking journey redefining the American Dream, shaping culture, her tireless activism with The Pinky Cole Foundation, building a $100 million-dollar vegan empire while simultaneously raising a family, and a whole lot more.

“I am so thrilled to be featured on the cover of JET!” says Cole. “Ever since I was a little girl, I grew up reading every inch of every issue that I could get my hands on. Now here I am on the cover and as their iconic ‘Beauty of the Week.’ This moment is so personal and special to me because in many ways, JET helped shape who I wanted to become and who I am now. As I look back at myself as a kid, I want every little girl out there to know that dreams do really come true.”

JET has a rich history of celebrating excellence and culture. Founded in 1951 by John H. Johnson and currently owned and operated by the Bridge-

45th Annual

man Family, JET was a mainstay in primarily Black households across America. JET chronicled Black life in America and provided a lens into the African American community that mainstream media either ignored or misrepresented.

“JET is like family, and people tell me frequently that they miss JET coming to their house every week. But because of technology, the weekly print magazine business model doesn’t make as much sense now as it did 25 years ago, hence the reason JET ceased printing in 2014.” – Daylon A. Goff, President of JET. “When Pinky and I connected randomly last summer at a concert, I mentioned that I’m a fan of her movement, and she mentioned that she’s always dreamed of being in JET. Given that Pinky and JET are all about building community and highlighting culture, we thought that this limited collector’s issue is a great way to fuel and ignite our combined audiences with this partnership.”

Pinky Cole joins a list of iconic JET cover stars, including Academy Award-winning actors, Grammy Award-winning music legends, world leaders, and Titans of Industry like President Barack Obama, Muhammed Ali, Aretha Franklin, Kendrick Lamar, Nat King Cole, Richard Pryor, Octavia Spencer, & Michael B Jordan to name a few.

JET’s focus on “Moving Black Forward with speed and purpose” mirrors Cole’s own mission of promoting social justice and creating opportunities for marginalized communities. JET recognizes Pinky Cole’s contributions to culture and as a role model for the next generation of entrepreneurs and activista.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Returns To Prospect Park This Summer

BROOKLYN, N.Y., PRNewswire -- The Brooklyn-based arts and media institution BRIC announced the opening and closing acts for the 2023 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! season. The highly-anticipated performing arts series will kick off with legendary blues musician Taj Mahal, British singer songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae, and dynamic gospel trio The Harlem Gospel Travelers at the Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park. Seattle-based folk-indie favorites The Head and The Heart will close out the festival season. BRIC will announce the full season lineup in early May.

Regularly attracting upwards of 250,000 attendees, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is the longest-running, free summer music festival in New York City and has become one of the city’s foremost summer attractions and a true staple of Brooklyn culture. From its very first performance in the summer of 1979, the mission of the festival has been to bring Brooklyn together. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is a festival that represents the borough’s growing reputation as a global cultural destination.

“BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park is a beloved flagship event, and a clear sign of summer for our community,” said Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance, the non-profit organization that operates the park in partnership with the City. “Music and performing arts are what help keep us thriving in good times and in bad, and I’m grateful that the park serves as an important inspiration for artists of all kinds. The festival has brought a wide range of free music, performances and family programming to Brooklyn’s Backyard and we look forward to coming together this season with the many diverse communities of Brooklyn.”

This year marks the 45th Anniversary year of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! In partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! has become one of the hottest summer performing arts series, a beloved tradition and an opportunity to catch global music icons, chart-topping artists, and the very best diverse talent from around the world and around the block. In addition to free concerts, the festival includes movie and dance nights, a family day, and special benefit concerts.

In celebration of its 45th year, and under the guidance of BRIC President Wes Jackson and Artistic Director and Executive Producer Diane Eber, the 2023 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! season theme is “looking to the future, while honoring the past.”

In the spirit of looking to the future, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Taja Cheek, aka L’Rain, joins BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! as the first-ever artist curator. Born and raised in Crown Heights, she has extensive experience participating in and uplifting Brooklyn’s experimental music communities, including performing at BRIC JazzFest 2021. Cheek has curated at some of the most prestigious art institutions in New York City.

“I have been going to BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! my whole life and having an opportunity to be a part of the team is nothing short of a dream come true,” said Artist Curator L’Rain. “Collaborative curatorial work is so special—more important than any individual contribution are the conversations we have with each other about artists we’re excited about, the ways we push each other out of our comfort zones, and the new music we learn about along the way.”

The season will kick off on Wednesday, June 7th, with three-time past headliner and Grammy-award winning legendary Blues artist Taj Mahal, two-time Grammy Award winner Corinne Bailey Rae, and The Harlem Gospel Travelers will open the series. Known for their electric live performances, The Head and The Heart will be the festival’s closing headliner.

BRIC is also rolling out their BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! ticketed benefit concerts, which help support BRIC’s extensive free programming. As an extension of the Blue Note Jazz Festival, the ticketed concert on June 24th will feature headlining performances from NxWorries, the art-duo composed of Anderson Paak and Knxwledge, who haven’t performed in the states as NxWorries in nearly five years; alongside legends like Robert Glasper, Lalah Hathaway, Bilal, and BJ The Chicago Kid. August’s 10th’s benefit show will feature New Orleans-based eight-piece rock collective The Revivalists, and Seattle indie-favorites Band of Horses. The last two benefit shows will take place on August 22nd and 23rd, featuring lo-fi multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Alex G, with support from Canadian indie-pop band Alvvays, fresh off the release of their third full-length album, Blue Rev.

While the festival will remain free of charge, excluding benefit shows, RSVPs are encouraged to stay up to date on festival news, but are not required. Media applications for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! will open soon, with the full lineup announcement.

Stay tuned for additional details on the 2023 season as they’re announced! For more information on the artist lineup, tickets and more, visit bricartsmedia. org/bcb.

Anderson Group Public Relations

Ag Invest Program Surpasses $1 Billion in Agriculture Lending During Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Administration

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Treasurer’s Ag Invest Program has achieved a new milestone by loaning more than $1 billion to farmers and agriculture professionals across the state, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. The milestone represents the cumulative amount of Ag Invest loans since Frerichs became state treasurer in 2015.

“Agriculture is a valued and crucial industry in Illinois,” Frerichs said. “I’m proud that my office can help provide affordable financing for farmers and agricultural professionals as they pursue their vital work and contribute to the well-being of our state.”

Since 2015, the program has supported more than 5,000 agriculture borrowers and partnered with more than 35 financial institutions.

Ag Invest is an agriculture-focused impact investment program providing loan opportunities for Illinois farmers and agri-businesses to start, expand or add value to their farm operations. Ag Invest offers affordable financing through two options: the Ag Invest Agriculture Operating Line of Credit and the Long Term Ag & Value-Added Ag program. The treasurer’s office partners with eligible financial institutions in Illinois to provide low interest rate loans to Illinois farmers.

The loans provided by the financial institution can be used for the purchase of farm equipment, purchase of land, construction-related expenses, operating lines of credit or other costs related to conventional or sustainable farming.

Ag Invest, the nation’s most expansive agriculture deposit program, also celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Since its inception in 1983, Ag Invest has loaned more than $5 billion in operating lines of credit

Reps. Kelly and Bucshon Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act

and long-term loans.

Another part of Ag Invest is the annual Cream of the Crop Photography Contest for young Illinoisans. The contest is now in its 11th year, and submissions are being accepted through June 12.

Top photographs will be chosen in three age-based categories: ages 8 10, 11 14 and 15-18. Each student may submit up to two photos by June 12. For more information about the contest, go to Cream of the Crop Contest.

During his time as treasurer, Frerichs has improved the Ag Invest program in several ways, helping farmers gain more access to operating lines of credit and expanding terms for the long-term loan program. Frerichs’ most recent improvements to Ag Invest took effect earlier this year.

The Ag Invest Agriculture Operating Line of Credit, available as a one-year or two-year program, assists farmers with paying for seed, fertilizer, salaries, transportation, processing, milling, crop insurance and other expenses. Each borrower is allowed a single line of credit, and the maximum amount is $600,000 per borrower.

The Ag Invest Long-Term program is designed to help pay for capital expenditures such as machinery, construction and renovation, transportation, milling, livestock, specialty crops, land acquisition and other costs. Each borrower is allowed multiple loans up to $800,000 per calendar year. Projects greater than $800,000 are considered on a case-by-case basis. The initial rate for a Long-Term Ag loan is guaranteed for three years, and the loan may be extended beyond that period.

To find out more about the program, go to Ag Invest at https://www.illinoistreasurer.gov/Invest_in_Illinois/Ag_Invest.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Robin Kelly (IL02) and Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), introduced the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act.

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has held a monopoly over the contract to manage organ distribution since 1984. Recent reports have raised concerns about how this monopoly affects the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

The legislation would allow for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to run a competitive process to choose from the best contractors for different national OPTN functions (e.g., health IT, logistics). A better-performing national OPTN will better serve patients across the country.

“I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Bucshon,” said Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02). “The Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act will make the U.S. organ transplant network more effective and efficient, making vital organs more available to patients across Illinois and the country. As our country continues to move forward at a rapid pace, with new technologies becoming available every day, we owe it to our constituents to bring our medical practices into the 21st century and save lives.”

“Every year, thousands of potentially lifesaving organs go to waste, even as Americans die waiting for transplants. We can and must work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organ transplantation process. I am proud to partner with Rep. Kelly to introduce the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act, to help make more organs available to Hoosiers and all Americans,” said Dr. Bucshon.

When you play, Illinois wins Your play helped generate $834 million for education last year

Eat the Rainbow

Pair seafood and seasonal produce for colorful, healthy recipes

(Family Features) Focusing your menus on health-conscious recipes that look as good as they make you feel is key to making positive lifestyle changes. Adding big flavors that satisfy cravings to easy, go-to recipes can be a big step toward reaching health goals throughout the year.

“Eatng the rainbow” refers to adding fruits and veggies of varying colors to your diet, such as red tomatoes and beets, green cucumbers and avocados, orange carrots and pumpkins and beyond. Complementing fresh produce with the nutritional benefits of tuna and salmon – like heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin D and potassium – can take your meal planning one step further.

Whether you’re commemorating a special occasion, hosting a gathering of friends and family or simply enjoying a night in, good food shouldn’t mean ditching good eating habits. With new packaging but a continued focus on flavor, wild-caught Low-Sodium Pink Salmon from Chicken of the Sea is a perfect complement to vibrant, rainbow-inspired recipes.

Try these Salmon Chili Bites for a quick and delicious snack option. They can easily be doubled, tripled or more for a party appetizer. Feature the recipe with a “rainbow” of veggies, crackers, meats and cheeses on a charcuterie board for a crowd favorite that can satisfy guests with big, bold flavor.

Ditch boring salads and find joy in food while maintaining healthy eating goals by upping your salad game. Say goodbye to bland, boring greens and enjoy salads with your favorite toppings, like a colorful combination of protein-packed tuna and fiber-rich veggies in this Mediterranean Tuna Salad, which is completed with a bright dressing and topped with feta cheese and parsley.

For more than 100 years, Chicken of the Sea has provided fresh, tasty seafood straight from the ocean, so whether you’re reaching for wild-caught tuna for this homemade salad or another option like salmon or sardines, you can enjoy a high-quality product that’s delicious on its own or used to elevate favorite recipes.

To find more health-focused snacks, appetizers, meals and more, visit chickenofthesea.com.

Salmon Chili Bites

Prep time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2

2 pouches (2.5 ounces each) Chicken of the Sea

Low Sodium Wild-Caught

Alaska Pink Salmon

1 tablespoon chili crisp

2 teaspoons rice wine

vinegar

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

2 bell peppers, cored and cut into 2-inch squares

1 green onion, thinly sliced minced cilantro black sesame seeds

In bowl, combine salmon, chili crisp, vinegar and sesame oil.

To serve, top each bell pepper square with some salmon, green onion, cilantro and sesame seeds. If leftover pieces of bell pepper remain, chop and add as additional garnish.

Note: If serving with cheese plate, place salmon mixture in small bowl and garnish with green onion and sesame seeds.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes

Servings: 1-2

Dressing:

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Salad:

1 can (5 ounces) Chicken of the Sea

Chunk Light Tuna, drained

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

1/3 cup sliced Kalamata olives

1 cup chopped English cucumber (about 1/2 cucumber)

1/4 cup feta

1 tablespoon minced parsley pita chips (optional) crackers (optional)

To make dressing: In large bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil and oregano.

To make salad: In dressing bowl, add tuna, tomatoes, olives and cucumber. Gently toss to cover salad with dressing then top with feta and parsley. Serve with pita chips or crackers, if desired.

Chicago Public Schools Awarded

CHICAGO – Two Chicago Public Schools (CPS) magnet schools have been awarded a five-year Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant to increase diversity and promote educational innovation. John J. Pershing Elementary Humanities Magnet and Maria Saucedo Elementary Scholastic Academy will transform into STEAM magnet schools, providing equitable access to high-quality STEM and Arts education.

“Every CPS student deserves to be able to access high-quality educational programs, no matter their race or their zip code,” said CPS CEO

$14M Magnet School

Assistance Grant

Federal grant promotes diversity, innovation and access to STEAM programs

Pedro Martinez. “Our magnet schools, like our neighborhood schools, are a great option for students and families. Grants like MSAP help us continue to expand these opportunities to even more students and that is something to celebrate.”

The MSAP grant is designed to eliminate barriers and increase access to high-quality education for diverse students by building capacity and supporting innovative instructional programs at selected magnet schools. Pershing and Saucedo will each use the MSAP grant to develop innovative spaces, including a digital media lab, STEM lab and makerspace to serve as incubators in the inte-

Supporting the Children of U.S. Service Members COMMUNITY

(StatePoint) Life in the U.S. Armed Forces can be challenging, particularly for the nearly 1.2 million children of active-duty service members.

During April, which is the Month of the Military Child, the United Service Organizations (USO) is raising awareness of both the constant change and uncertainty “military brats” are often faced with, and efforts being made to support these youngest members of the military community – who, like their parents, make huge sacrifices on behalf of our country.

“I grew up as a ‘military brat’ and my Dad served on active duty my entire childhood until I was commissioned in the Navy myself. The realities of military life can take a toll on children,” says Alan J. Reyes, USO chief operations officer. Here are five USO programs supporting military children:

1. Connection through reading. Sometimes there’s nothing a child wants more after a long day at a new school than for their parent to read them a bedtime story. The USO Reading Program is helping deployed service members and military children connect through books. Service members can walk into a participating USO location where they are deployed, record themselves reading their child’s favorite story and have that recording emailed to their child -- and a copy of the book shipped home. In turn, military children can read a book on camera, add that book to their personal collection and send the recording to their deployed family member. The program also offers story-time events, where military children can spend time with other kids their own age who are also entrenched in military life.

2. Fun activities. Many of the more than 250 USO locations worldwide offer programs and events to military children and families, including arts and crafts, family game nights, virtual cooking classes and scavenger hunts. These fun events can offer a little distraction for kids and help bring military families closer together.

3. Baby showers. Being far from loved ones and support networks can be exceptionally difficult on families during pregnancy and in the first few years following birth. To support military parents and set military children up for success, USO Special Delivery hosts in-person and virtual baby showers, which include games, local guest speakers, raffle drawings for gifts, and a

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touch of home during a challenging time.

4. Entertainment. Today, USO entertainment tours and virtual programs include familyfriendly events with celebrities and experts across a variety of industries, such as a live Q&A with world-renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, a live cooking demo with Food Network’s Valerie Bertinelli, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities with Emily Calandrelli from “Emily’s Wonder Lab”.

5. A “Home Away from Home.” When stationed far from everything familiar, especially in distant locations overseas, military kids can turn to their local USO center where they will be surrounded by a supportive community. Designed with comfort in mind, these centers are often outfitted with plushy furniture, a kitchen full of snacks, plenty of books, and programs and services that keep the military community connected and entertained.

To learn more, and discover ways you can help support military children, visit https://www.uso.org.

ELIZABETH

USO Photos

“Although they don’t wear a uniform, military kids still serve in their own way, and they deserve our support,” says Reyes.

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gration of STEM concepts into all content areas and grade levels. Both CPS schools will also partner with high school and post-secondary, museums and industry partners to afford their students authentic, real-world learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

“We know that STEM education is particularly important for students of color and female identifying students who remain underrepresented in these fields despite their capabilities,” said CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova.

“As a District, we are focused on connecting our students to STEAM opportunities and to the potential careers and educational opportunities that will be available to them through STEM and the Arts.”

This is the second MSAP grant awarded to CPS schools in the past five years. In 2017, CPS received nearly $15 million to transform three neighborhood schools into magnet STEM schools: William H. Brown Elementary School, Claremont

Academy Elementary School, and Joseph Jungman Elementary School. All three schools implemented an innovative STEM curriculum while increasing enrollment and promoting student diversity, with Jungman reducing minority student isolation by 25 percent, Claremont by seven percent, and Brown by one percent. Each school also increased parent involvement at school events by 110 percent.

"We are thrilled to have been awarded the MSAP grant, as it provides a tremendous opportunity to elevate the educational experiences of our students,” said Saucedo Scholastic Academy principal Virginia Hiltz. “With the support of the MSAP grant, we are confident that we can create a learning environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world."

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“LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR