We often speak of our world’s vastness — a place of countless cultures, languages, and lived experiences. We emphasize the importance of cross-cultural understanding, of listening and learning from others. But too often, these ideals remain abstract. Now, imagine a way for young people around the world to connect directly — to share their thoughts, […]
Dinner conversations with kids often hit a wall: “How was school today?” “Fine.” But what if you could turn that routine question into a launchpad for deeper thinking? Picture your family’s version of the following scenario. Instead of asking your kids to describe something they learned, try asking them to share one new question that […]
A decade of transformative impact was celebrated at ASCENSION, Surge Institute‘s 10th anniversary celebration, which brought together alumni, supporters, and special guests to honor the organization’s decade-long mission of empowering leaders of color in the education sector. Held Nov. 7, 2024 at WildmanBT in Chicago, the evening was a powerful blend of inspiring storytelling, meaningful […]
Anyone living in the Chicago area knows winter weather can be brutal — even with the right gear. But many Chicago students lack sufficient winter outerwear, and this can mean the difference between walking safely to school and staying home. To provide Chicago children with warm winter essentials, Cradles to Crayons Chicago hosted its 9th […]
In 1996, I wrote a book called Gifted Children: Myths and Realities, and ever since then parents have written to me either to say “You described my child exactly!” or to ask “How can I tell if my child is gifted?” Most parents want to think of their children as gifted. Most teachers want to […]
For millions of families across the U.S., the back-to-school season isn’t just a time for excitement—it’s a time for difficult choices. In 2023, families with school-aged children spent an average of $890 on back-to-school essentials — a record high that left many parents and guardians scrambling to afford basic supplies. When budgets are tight, simple […]
One of Africa’s most dire challenges in health and human services remains the number of orphaned children. A recent study published by African Union/African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child reported an estimated 35 million children in Africa have no parental care. In South Africa alone, nearly 210,000 children lost […]
The migrant student population of Chicago Public Schools continues to grow. Reports indicate that up to 9,000 students enrolled in the city’s schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Nearly 100 students signed up for classes in just one Chicago elementary school, according to ABC 7 Chicago. Many of these new students face the challenge of […]
Many teens find the transition from high school to college intimidating. From the possibility of leaving home to the endless choices of classes and career paths, graduating seniors face many stressors during this critical time. The After School Matters University (ASMU) program worked with over 80 ambitious teenagers this spring. They embarked on a journey […]
When we invest in Chicago’s youngest learners, we invest in this city’s brightest potential. In this spirit, the Carole Robertson Center for Learning hosted its annual celebration— now called the E3 Gala —in honor of our mission to educate, enrich and empower children and families. At its core, E3 is a celebration of the Carole Robertson […]
