Powering progress in Chicago’s public schools

Investing in innovative education leaders, who co-create cultures of equity and excellence.

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Chicago Leads

A $50 million campaign to support Chicago’s strongest aspiring, developing, and veteran principals in their work with more than 600 school communities citywide.

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70%

OF CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS SERVED BY FUND INVESTMENTS

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550

AVERAGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS IMPACTED BY ONE CHICAGO PRINCIPAL

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$95M

INVESTED BY THE FUND TO IMPROVE CHICAGO’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

“As a principal, I often turned to The Fund for support on innovative initiatives at my school. Now as a district leader, I continue to work with The Fund to help principals across the city lead innovation in their own schools and communities.”

Chicago Public Schools
BOGDANA CHKOUMBOVA, Chief Education Officer

“The Fund provided opportunities and funding based on my needs, which allowed me to succeed in my role and the role I am working toward.”

KEVIYONA SMITH-RAY, Principal
A. Philip Randolph Elementary School

2023-24 Program Summary

Cultivating Leadership

Our 2023 Principal Engagement Survey revealed that most of Chicago’s school leaders want more time to focus on curriculum and instructional leadership. In response, The Fund adapted our 2023-24 programs. We shifted program objectives, introduced new incentives to increase engagement and learning, and launched pilots in schools most affected by COVID-19. 

Our 2023-24 Program Summary shows how our program offerings and partnerships are empowering 378 of Chicago’s aspiring principals, principals, and principal supervisors, and our interactive 2023-24 Program Map highlights who we are serving.

Our Approach

We invest in data-driven strategies that increase the number of strong leaders in Chicago’s public schools. Our program, policy, and partnership efforts are designed to meet leaders where they are, to accelerate their growth, and to enable their retention

Our Values

The Fund is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all our work. We are a trusted partner of Chicago’s district, charter, philanthropic, and civic communities. 

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