Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr., CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and Walsh-Fluor Design-Build Team announced today that two Chicago Public School seniors have been awarded scholarships from the “CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund,” a program that provides financial assistance to CPS students who want to pursue construction and engineering-related college educations.
This scholarship program, created by CTA and Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) contractor Walsh-Fluor Design-Build Team, provides $5,500 each year for four years to economically disadvantaged students who plan to pursue studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) for engineering and construction-related degrees. The scholarship was launched in 2020 as part of the historic $2.1 billion RPM project.
This first-of-its-kind CTA initiative provides scholarships, mentoring support and career guidance for under-resourced college students. The scholarship program is administered by Chicago Scholars, a nonprofit dedicated to college access, college success and leadership development for first-generation and low-income students in Chicago.
This year’s winners will join six other CPS students who won the scholarship in past years and are now pursuing degrees in the construction and engineering fields. Project contractor Walsh-Fluor is sponsoring the scholarships. Scholarship recipients also can apply for paid internships on the RPM project.
“Investing in our youth is a critical step to strengthening our communities,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “I congratulate our scholarship recipients who represent the best of our city and will shape our bright future. Our entire city is proud of them and their accomplishments.”
“The ‘CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund,’ reflects our city’s commitment to our future leaders,” CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said. “We will continue to seek innovative partnerships that increase the number of opportunities for Chicago youth.”
“We strongly believe that all CTA projects are opportunities to lift up our communities and invest in our neighbors,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “Students pursuing careers in transportation, construction and engineering are important for our city and our industry, and we applaud these individuals for taking this important step toward their futures.”
“Since its inception, the ‘CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund’ has helped shape the future of many Chicago Scholars interested in pursuing higher education or careers in the ever-evolving fields of transportation, construction and engineering. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of the City of Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Public Schools and Walsh-Fluor,” said Jeffery Beckham Jr., CEO of Chicago Scholars. “Working alongside community leaders with the common goal of supporting our Chicago Scholars is a great honor and allows us to continue carrying out our mission.”
“What makes this program unique is the ongoing support each of our scholars receives,” said Walsh-Fluor Design-Build Team Project Executive Dave Shier. “We are truly invested in their success.”
“The Elevating Futures Scholarship has really helped me by supporting me financially and enabling me to further pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration & management at Loyola University Chicago,” said Axel Hernandez, a current Elevating Futures Scholarship recipient.
The 2022 CTA Elevating Futures Scholars are:
Patrick Muyenzi, 19, Rogers Park
Patrick is graduating at the top of his class at Sullivan High School, where he has taken many honors classes and received recognition for his outstanding academic performance. A student-athlete, Patrick has been an active member of the school’s soccer and volleyball teams, and he enjoys discovering the city through his involvement with the West Town Bike Program. Patrick is also engaged in his local community, having served as an intern at his alderwoman’s office, consistently sharing his professionalism and intelligence when assisting constituents. Teachers and supervisors commend Patrick’s curiosity, thoughtfulness, drive, and leadership skills.
Patrick plans to become an engineer, believing science can address almost any problem in the world. When he was younger, Patrick and his family lived in a refugee camp in Uganda after fleeing Congo for a better life. It was in the refugee camp where he taught himself how to construct a “do-it-yourself” flashlight, due to the lack of electricity there. This inspired him to pursue a degree in electrical engineering to learn how to build sustainable energy solutions. Patrick will be entering the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall.
Freddy Romero, 18, Austin
Freddy Romero attends Austin College and Career Academy, where he is valedictorian of his class. A well-rounded and hardworking student, he has excelled academically and received the Austin Math, Music and Art Awards. Outside of school, he has participated in various STEM-related activities, such as Project Exploration, the EXIGENT Pre-Calculus program, After School Matters’ Woods and Walls program, Code Next and Youth Chicago Apprentice, where he currently works in repairing technology used in CPS.
Freddy’s goal is to become a mechanical engineer so he can improve technology and machinery that can assist those with disabilities. He also hopes to improve his community in the future by creating a “Re-Start” enrichment program that would enable young people to discover their paths. Freddy is held in high esteem by his teachers, who commend his character, focus, and determination. Freddy will be enrolling in the pre-engineering program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he plans to major in mechanical engineering or computer science.
For more information about this program, visit CTA’s website or Chicago Scholars’ website.
Mayor Lightfoot, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today announced that applications are now being accepted for the third year of the “CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund”, an innovative program that provides a path for economically disadvantaged youth to pursue education and careers in construction and engineering.
Created in partnership with the Walsh-Fluor Design-Build team — the contractor for CTA’s historic $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project — the scholarship program provides aid to students who plan to pursue four-year degrees in construction management, civil engineering, industrial engineering or systems engineering.
The scholarship program provides a path for economically disadvantaged students to pursue an education in fields that historically create barriers for low-income students. The unique program provides $5,500 per year for four years, mentoring support and guidance in career development opportunities.
“As city leaders, it is our duty to invest in our youth and create opportunities for every one of our residents, regardless of their zip code or socio-economic background,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This innovative scholarship program not only generates these opportunities, but will undoubtedly develop a new generation of civic-minded industry leaders.”
“As part of all CTA projects, we are committed to creating opportunity and inclusion for Chicagoans across the city, including students interested in careers in transportation, construction and engineering,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We are pleased to again partner with Walsh-Fluor to extend opportunities to Chicago’s youth and provide them a path to a bright future.”
“We are excited to offer members of the Class of 2022 an opportunity to apply for this scholarship to learn more about engineering and construction,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “The ‘CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund,’ reflects a city-wide commitment to our rising innovators and leaders — and our future.”
“These scholarship recipients are getting work experience as interns in the construction and engineering fields,” Walsh-Fluor Project Executive David Shier said. “This program opens doors to deserving students to help them launch successful careers.”
“The Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund has gone above and beyond to provide our Scholars with the financial supports, mentoring and internship opportunities that will lead to long-term success in science, technology, engineering and math,” said Jeffery Beckham, Jr., Chicago Scholars CEO. “This is the premier STEM scholarship for Chicago Public School students pursuing a four-year college degree, and Chicago Scholars is proud to partner with Walsh-Fluor and the CTA to deliver best-in-class opportunities for Chicago students.”
“The Elevating Futures Scholarship has really helped me by supporting me financially and enabling me to further pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration & management at Loyola University Chicago!” said Axel Hernandez, a current Elevating Futures Scholarship recipient.
To date, six students from across the city of Chicago, including the Back of the Yards, Bridgeport, Hegewisch, Humboldt Park, and Portage Park neighborhoods, have received scholarships from the “CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund,” which is administered by Chicago Scholars, a nonprofit dedicated to college access, and college-success leadership development for first-generation and low-income students in Chicago. Scholarships have been awarded to graduates of Lake View High School, Lane Tech College Prep, Gary Comer College Prep, EPIC Academy High School, and William Jones College Prep.
To learn more about some of these students, watch this video.
The first-of-its-kind CTA initiative provides scholarships, mentoring support, and career guidance for under-resourced college students. The scholarship program is administered by Chicago Scholars, a nonprofit dedicated to college access, college success, and leadership development for first-generation and low-income students in Chicago.
Donated by Walsh-Fluor to help offset tuition costs for CPS graduates, the $250,000 ‘CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund’ will provide 10 financial aid scholarships from 2020 through 2023 for students who plan on majoring in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) for engineering and construction-related degrees. Students who are awarded scholarships will also be eligible to apply for paid summer internships with Walsh-Fluor and the CTA.
For more information about this program, visit CTA’s website at transitchicago.com/rpm/workforce-opportunities or Chicago Scholars’ website at chicagoscholars.org/elevatingfutures.
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The Full Moon Jam unites communities through a love of fire art, dancing, and music. Throughout the summer, fire dancers and acoustic musicians from near and far gather to share their creative gifts in this unique and free-to-attend celebration.
Mon, Sep 20, 2021 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
This event takes place at the Humboldt Park Boathouse (1301 N. Humboldt Dr.)
In accordance with Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities, participants in this activity will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times while participating. Patrons who are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to stay home and join us for an event when symptoms subside.
A walk and cultural celebration that links both Humboldt Park a Puerto Rican community on the west side of Chicago and Douglass Park, an African American and Mexican community in Chicago.
Sat, Sep 18, 2021 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
This event takes place at the Humboldt Park Boathouse (1301 N. Humboldt Dr.)
In accordance with Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities, participants in this activity will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times while participating. Patrons who are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to stay home and join us for an event when symptoms subside.
Do you know a young person who may need some extra help? Maybe they are having problems at home, in school, or are enduring difficult experiences like grief, loss, unstable living environments, or other traumatic events. They don’t need to go through it alone–Mercy Home can help!
As the school year draws near, we will have openings in our Home this fall for boys ages 11-24.
If a young person is committed to changing their life, Mercy Home can be a great solution!
If you know of a youth who is struggling, there is hope. To refer a young person in need, please contact Mercy Home by calling (312) 738-7590, send us an email, or visit our website for more information.
AmeriCorps Project YES! is proud to present Seeds of Service: Know Your Roots! This is a community gardening volunteer event that will take place May 8th. Volunteers will take a shift either from 10am-12pm or 12:30pm-3pm at one of four community gardens: El Yunque, Campbell, Mozart, or Monarch. COVID precautions will be in place and a light lunch will be provided. All volunteers need to bring is a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Our flyer is above and more information can be found on our Facebook page or Instagram. If you are interested, register using this Google form! If you are unable to attend but would like to support our efforts financially, we also have a GoFundMe page.
Project YES! hopes to raise awareness about community gardening, increase community pride and mobilize neighbors and students in volunteerism. We are looking forward to a great day of #gettingthingsdone in Humboldt Park.
En Español aquí
You have until September 30 to complete the 2020 Census. While you probably know it counts the population of our state and country, but did you know there is over $1 Trillion in federal funding tied to it? in addition, it means more representation for us in the House of Representatives. But it also has a direct impact on you. Here’s how:
What does it mean if I’m not counted?
When you don’t complete the Census, the government doesn’t count you among the population — so it doesn’t consider you for funding allocation. While you do not receive the funding individually, you as an individual are considered when government money is distributed to the community where you live. Therefore, your community doesn’t get your share of the money if you’re not counted. As a result, the government may not be able to provide your communities with necessary resources, such as improved schools, better public transportation, and crucial infrastructure improvements. Also, the number of officials per state in the U.S. House of Representatives depends on the Census count, so an undercount for Illinois could result in the state losing members of Congress and one less person fighting for you in Washington D.C.
That is what is happening today as people do not complete the Census, putting Illinois at risk of an undercount — especially in communities of color.
What does it mean that the Census deadline is September 30?
If you do not complete the census by September 30, you will not be counted among the official United States population for the next ten years. To ensure you are counted, complete the 2020 Census today at 2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-468-2020 (Spanish).
What does the Census really mean for healthcare programs?
The best example to use is from this year’s federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Based on the estimates from the 2010 Census count, Illinois received $4.91 billion as part of the CARES Act. If the state’s population estimate had been only 5% less (due to an undercount), Illinois would have lost $235.5 million in COVID-19 relief funding – about $371 lost for every uncounted person. In other words: by completing the Census, you can directly impact the strength of Illinois’ healthcare programs.
What does the Census really mean for educational programs?
Federal Census funding makes a direct impact on the educational programs within your community, such as Early Start, Head Start, WIC, and SNAP. Additionally, funds can be used to build more schools, increase the number of teachers, decrease class sizes, improve ESL programs, and strengthen the free and reduced-cost breakfast and lunch programs in schools. Furthermore, nonprofit entities that support students could also benefit by receiving funding and resources to continue providing critical programs, such as tutoring, and extracurricular activities, like sports or the arts.
What does the Census really mean for public transportation?
In Chicago, many of us rely on public transportation; we take the train to work or our kids take the bus to school. When you are counted, the government can more accurately determine residents’ transportation needs. This could result in the city having the ability to add more buses or routes to better serve your community.
What does Illinois’ representation in the U.S. House of Representatives really mean?
Illinois’ representation in the House of Representatives is determined by how many people live in the state. Therefore, if not everybody is counted, we won’t have as many representatives in the House fighting for our state’s programs, our cities’ needs, and our individual well-being.
Click here for English
La oportunidad de llenar el Censo 2020 se acaba pronto: el 30 de septiembre. Sin embargo, aunque la fecha límite se acerca, todavía existen dudas de lo que se trata el Censo. Ya sabemos que nos cuentan para el total de la población, que hay fondos que dependen de él, que gracias a él tenemos más representación política… ¿pero qué significa todo esto para mí?
¿Qué pasa si yo no soy contado o contada?
Si no llenas el Censo, el gobierno no te incluye en el conteo de la población, así que no te toma en cuenta para asignar fondos. Aunque tú no recibas los fondos individualmente, sí eres considerado como individuo cuando el dinero del gobierno se distribuye dentro de la comunidad en la que vives. Por lo tanto, si no eres contado, tu comunidad no recibe la parte del dinero que te corresponde. Como resultado de esto, el gobierno podría no proporcionar los recursos necesarios a tu comunidad, como mejores escuelas, un mejor transporte público y mejoras muy importantes en la infraestructura. Además, el número de funcionarios por cada estado en la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos depende del conteo del Censo, por lo que si no todos son contados en el estado Illinois, el estado puede perder miembros del Congreso, y eso significaría una persona menos luchando por ti en Washington, D.C.
Eso es lo que está pasando actualmente: como mucha gente no está llenando el Censo, Illinois está en riesgo de que su población sea contada como si fuera menos, especialmente en cuanto a las comunidades de gente que pertenece a una minoría.
¿Qué quiere decir que la fecha límite del Censo es el 30 de septiembre?
Si no llenas el Censo antes del 30 de septiembre, no serás contado en la población oficial de Estados Unidos durante los siguientes diez años. Para asegurar que seas contado, llena el Censo 2020 hoy mismo en 2020census.gov o llamando al 844-330-2020 (inglés) o al 844-468-2020 (español).
¿Qué significa realmente el Censo para los programas de atención médica?
El mejor ejemplo para explicar esto es la reciente Ley de Ayuda, Alivio y Seguridad Económica contra el coronavirus (CARES Act). Con base en los estimados del conteo del Censo 2010, el estado de Illinois recibió 4,910 millones de dólares como parte de la Ley CARES. Si el estimado de la población del estado hubiera sido solamente el 5 % menos (debido a un conteo insuficiente), Illinois hubiera perdido 235.5 millones de dólares en fondos de ayuda para el COVID-19: aproximadamente 371 dólares perdidos por cada persona que no fue contada. En otras palabras: al llenar el Censo, puedes tener un impacto positivo directo para fortalecer los programas de atención médica del estado de Illinois.
¿Qué significa realmente el Censo para los programas educativos?
El financiamiento federal del Censo tiene un impacto positivo directo en los programas educativos dentro de tu comunidad, como Early Start, Head Start, WIC y SNAP. Además, los fondos pueden usarse para construir más escuelas, incrementar el número de maestros, disminuir la cantidad de alumnos por salón de clases, mejorar los programas de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL, por sus siglas en inglés) y fortalecer los programas de desayuno y almuerzo gratis o de costo reducido en las escuelas. Adicionalmente, las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que apoyan a los estudiantes también podrían beneficiarse al recibir fondos y recursos para seguir brindando programas esenciales, como clases particulares y actividades extracurriculares, por ejemplo deportes o arte.
¿Qué significa realmente el Censo para el transporte público?
En la ciudad de Chicago, muchas personas dependemos del transporte público; nos vamos al trabajo en tren o nuestros hijos se van en autobús a la escuela. Cuando eres contado por el Censo, el gobierno puede determinar con mayor exactitud las necesidades de transporte de los residentes, lo cual puede dar como resultado la capacidad de la ciudad para aumentar la cantidad de autobuses o de las rutas para servir mejor a tu comunidad.
¿Qué significa realmente la representación de Illinois en la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos?
La representación del estado de Illinois en la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos se determina con base en cuántas personas viven en el estado. Por lo tanto, si no todas las personas son contadas, no tendremos suficientes representantes en la Cámara para luchar por los programas de nuestro estado, las necesidades de nuestras ciudades y el bienestar de cada uno de nosotros.
En Español aquí
Complete the 2020 Census Today
Every ten years, the United States collects population data about the people living in this country —meaning we only get the chance to be counted once every decade. This is why the U.S. Census is a critical event, and it only takes about ten minutes to complete. In other words, ten minutes of your time today can bring you and your community ten years’ worth of benefits in the future.
However, we are running out of time. We only have until September 30 to complete the Census, be counted, and impact the next ten years.
Ten minutes of your time
The Census is fairly quick to complete. There are only nine questions about you, your household, gender, race, Hispanic origin, etc. — things you already know the answers to, making it quick and easy. There is NOT a citizenship question.
Ten years of benefits
The Census provides the government with the population data it needs to accurately distribute funds across the country for the next ten years. When you are counted, you help bring funds to Illinois, your city, and your community. If everybody is counted, we will have more funding to benefit and improve our vital resources, such as our schools, healthcare systems, highways, public transportation, and more. Additionally, Census data impacts our representation in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next ten years, meaning we could have more lawmakers fighting for our rights and needs and advocating for policies that benefit us and our communities.
Running out of time
Here’s the important thing: As we said before, we only have until September 30 to complete the Census. If we don’t complete the Census before the end of the month, we will have to wait another ten years to be counted. To ensure you are counted, complete the 2020 Census today at my2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-468-2020 (Spanish).
Click here for English
Llena el Censo 2020 hoy mismo
Cada diez años, Estados Unidos recopila información de la población acerca de la gente que vive en este país: esto significa que solo tenemos la oportunidad de ser contados una vez por década. Por eso el Censo de Estados Unidos en un suceso tan importante, y solo toma 10 minutos llenarlo. En otras palabras, diez minutos de tu tiempo hoy, pueden traer consigo, para ti y para tu comunidad, diez años de beneficios en el futuro.
Sin embargo, se nos está acabando el tiempo. Solo tenemos hasta el 30 de septiembre para llenar el Censo, ser contados y lograr un impacto positivo en los próximos diez años.
Diez minutos de tu tiempo
El Censo se llena bastante rápido. Solo tiene nueve preguntas sobre ti, tu familia, género, raza, origen hispano, etc.; es decir, cosas para las que ya sabes la respuesta, lo cual lo vuelve rápido y fácil. NO hay una pregunta sobre la ciudadanía.
Diez años de beneficios
El Censo le proporciona al gobierno la información sobre la población que necesita para distribuir con exactitud fondos por todo el país durante los siguientes diez años. Cuando eres contado, ayudas a traer fondos a Illinois, a tu ciudad y a tu comunidad. Si todas las personas son contadas, tendremos más fondos para beneficiar y mejorar nuestros recursos más importantes, como nuestras escuelas, sistemas de salud, carreteras y transporte público, entre otros. Además, la información del Censo afecta nuestra representación en la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos durante los próximos diez años, lo cual quiere decir que podríamos tener más legisladores luchando por nuestros derechos y necesidades y abogando por políticas que nos benefician a nosotros y a nuestras comunidades.
Se nos acaba el tiempo
Este es el punto más importante: como mencionamos antes, solo tenemos hasta el 30 de septiembre para llenar el Censo. Si no lo llenamos antes del fin del mes, tendremos que esperar otros diez años para ser contados. Para asegurar que seas contado, llena el Censo 2020 hoy en my2020census.gov o llama al 844-330-2020 (inglés) o al 844-468-2020 (español).