We are fighting poverty with opportunity.

Together, we can build a better Chicago for everyone.

Chicago is not preparing our students to succeed

Despite decades of hard work, less than one in five Chicago Public School students go on to earn a 2-year or 4-year degree by the age of 25. We are failing to prepare our students – and our region – to succeed in the 21st century. Discover how A Better Chicago’s portfolio of education nonprofits are changing the status quo.

Why We Exist

The Challenge

Chicago Public Schools 9th graders who graduate from college by age 25

18%

Illinois jobs that will require a college degree by 2020

42%

Illinois jobs that will require more than a high school diploma by 2020

70%

Featured Grantees

Our incredible portfolio provides Chicago’s youth with the education and skills to succeed and break the cycle of poverty.

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Investment to date $911K
Students Served 1,036

Bottom Line is a national education organization that is addressing the degree divide by providing academic, personal and financial counselling to empower low-income, first-generation students to attend and succeed in college. The organization is committed to building strong connections with students by providing them with individualized support.

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Investment to date $415K
Students Served 2,446

GROWCommunity is a community-wide effort that seeks to build a high-quality K-12 system across Chicago’s north side.

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Investment to date $2.5M
Students Served 3,875

KIPP is a national network of charter schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life.

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