A Better Chicago

Results from an ongoing, randomized trial by the @UChiUrbanLabs show that @1MillionDegrees significantly improves long-term employment outcomes by increasing degree attainment and providing mentoring and advising. Read from the @Suntimes at: chicago.suntimes.com/education/2026…

Congratulations to Rukiya Curvey Johnson, VP of Community Health Equity at @RushMedical and Executive Director of @REACHatRush on being named to the 2026 @CrainsChicago's Notable Leaders in Health Care!

Why have Americans lost faith in higher education? In a recent commentary, our board chair Steve Beard explores this question alongside new research from @Yale. Read the full piece in @FortuneMagazine: fortune.com/2026/04/22/yal…

For the first time, Chicago voters will elect every member of the city’s Board of Education. @WBEZ, @Suntimes and @chalkbeatCHI have created a survey for you to voice what issues matter the most and what questions you have. Submit your response: airtable.com/appu9nu8BNBrot…

At this year’s State of Our Youth event, we were joined by Khari V., a senior at George Westinghouse College Prep. She shared an honest perspective on how young people are navigating their day-to-day lives. Watch the full discussion at: youtube.com/watch?v=aQxGQb…

At our State of Our Youth event, one of our core messages was that connection and belonging in the classroom are key drivers of student attendance. To learn more about how Chicago’s youth and what we can do to better support them, read our report: abetterchicago.org/reports-and-in…

See you tomorrow for our second annual State of Our Youth event from 4pm - 6:30pm at City Hall Events!

We’re proud to share that Matthew Brewer has joined A Better Chicago’s Board of Directors. We look forward to the leadership he will bring, along with his deep commitment to civic engagement and to Chicago!

Thank you to Rudd Resources for hosting a special workshop on finding power in your story with our portfolio organizations!

Our second annual State of Our Youth event is right around the corner! We’re diving back into the data trends and insights around what it means to be a young person living in Chicago today. Reserve your seat now at: eventbrite.com/e/state-of-our…

This weekend, we celebrate International Women’s Day and honor the women who strengthen our communities every day. We encourage our city to continue showing up for women and investing in their success. In doing so, we know they will help build a brighter future for Chicago.

Happy Birthday, Chicago! We love our city and want to take a moment to celebrate the place we call home. 💙 Photo courtesy of @barrybutler9

We’re excited to host our second annual State of Our Youth event on Tuesday, March 31. Join us for an engaging conversation exploring the latest data trends and insights shaping what it means to be a young person living in Chicago. More details and registration info to come!

Applications for Every Day Counts, our chronic absenteeism initiative, closes in one week on February 27, 2026. For more information visit: abetterchicago.org/chronic-absent…

Congratulations to @ChiScholars, the recipient of our Challenge Grant investment for REACH Pathways, an app that gives high school students access to personalized guidance and advising. This grant celebrates the power of partnership and innovation to create lasting pathways.

There’s still time to submit your proposals for Every Day Counts, our chronic absenteeism initiative. Applications are due February 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT. Questions: everydaycounts@abetterchicago.org For more information please visit abetterchicago.org/chronic-absent…

@UChicago released a new brief on middle & high school attendance post-COVID. Key findings: attendance still drives academic achievement, and school climate strongly influences whether students show up and stay engaged. consortium.uchicago.edu/publications/c…

Our citywide RFP is now open for organizations advancing strategies to strengthen student belonging and reduce chronic absenteeism. RSVP to our information session on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 3:00 PM at eventbrite.com/e/every-day-co…

We’re launching a citywide Every Day Counts RFP seeking solutions to reduce chronic absenteeism. Applications due Feb. 27. Questions: everydaycounts@abetterchicago.org

Today, we honor the wisdom and activism of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and recognize that our organization’s very existence is a testament to the courage and advocacy of leaders like him.