Help Umoja Student Development Corporation

Umoja Student Development Corporation

Chicago, Illinois

Cause Description:
Umoja is a unique school community partnership based inside of Manley Career Academy (Manley), one of Chicago’s most challenged high schools, located within the West Side’s North Lawndale neighborhood and also serving Gage Park High School (Gage Park) on Chicago’s South Side. Umoja demonstrates a best practice model of youth development and education by partnering with students in their growth and learners and leaders and by actively engaging them in academic achievement, community building, and leadership opportunities. Umoja accomplishes this by implementing innovative educational initiatives and partnering with educational, business, and community organizations in order to leverage resources and broker relationships. Umoja began its work in 1997 in response to the struggles and opportunities of young people, particularly in the North Lawndale community. When Umoja started its work in 1997, less than 10% of the students who graduated from Manley went on to college. Working with students, parents, teachers, businesses and community partners, Umoja developed a comprehensive strategy for college and career exposure and planning for all young people at Manley. As a result of this work, not only has the graduation rate increased, but the percentage of students going on to college has increased by 600% in seven years, with more than 70% of the class of 2004 attending college all over the country.

Type: Business/Professional
Listed on iGive since: December 2004
iGive members supporting: 5

Website: www.umojacorporation.org

Raised through iGive: $52.76 across 2 checks, April 2005 to August 2005.

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