Education

A child's future should not be determined by their zipcode.

Twenty years from now, today's students will be our workforce, entrepreneurs, parents and civic leaders. Investing in their success is one of the most important investments we can make in Chicago's future.

Great Schools

Every Chicago student deserves a school with strong leadership, excellent teachers and a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive.

Students who fall behind should receive help early on. Students who are ready for more should be challenged. And children should have access to meaningful opportunities beyond the traditional school day, whether it’s arts and athletics or career exploration and enrichment. Students should have access to opportunities that challenge them to be their best selves at school and in the community.

Preparing Students for the Future

A diploma should represent the beginning of a young person's next chapter, not the end of the city's responsibility to prepare them.

Every Chicago Public Schools graduate should leave high school with a realistic plan and a pathway toward college, a professional credential, an apprenticeship or skilled trade, entrepreneurship, military service or a good-paying job.

Different students will choose different futures. Our responsibility is to make sure they have the resources for a successful future.

Connect Our Schools to Chicago's Economy

Education and economic development should be part of the same long-term strategy.

If Chicago is investing public resources to become a leader in technology, manufacturing, construction, clean energy and other growing industries, we should also be preparing Chicago students to compete for those careers.

That requires Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges, universities, organized labor, employers, philanthropy and community organizations to work together instead of operating in separate silos.

Talent exists in every Chicago neighborhood. Opportunity should too.