Project OneTen

“Chicago has made meaningful progress in expanding opportunity for young people…”

That’s the starting point.

At our Fuel the Future Champion Breakfast, this reflection from Dom McKoy grounded the conversation in both progress and truth, while systems have improved, not all students, particularly boys of color, have experienced those gains in the same way.

That reality is what drives our work.

Because closing that gap isn’t about one moment, it’s about sustained investment, earlier intervention, and a commitment to ensuring every young person has access to the opportunities they deserve.

Meet our 2026 Summer Soirée Host Committee!

We’re grateful for this incredible group of leaders who are helping bring this year’s fundraiser to life. Their energy, commitment, and belief in our mission are what make moments like this possible as we work toward our $75,000 goal.

If you haven’t secured your ticket yet, now’s the time, early bird pricing ends in one week.

Grab yours today - https://luma.com/summertimechi

Mentorship isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present.

It takes patience, consistency, and a willingness to keep showing up.

If that resonates with you, consider joining our community as a volunteer Success Coach and supporting a young person next school year during their transition to high school.

Learn more at a virtual info session on May 14 or June 11. Register using the link in the comments.

Earlier this week, we hosted our Fuel the Future Champion Breakfast, bringing together a room of leaders, partners, and folks who care deeply about boys and young men of color in our city.⁠
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The morning was grounded in data, but driven by real conversation, about what it will truly take to ensure more young men not only get to college, but make it through, and what has to happen earlier to make that path more certain.
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Grateful for everyone who showed up and leaned in. And special thank you to our partners at Wintrust for hosting us.

This past weekend, a few of our Cohort 6 students joined our Director of Operations & Impact at a session as we continue building our 7th Emerging Leaders Cohort.

It was powerful to hear them share their experiences with students who are in the same place they were just a year ago.

There’s something different about hearing it from someone who’s been in your shoes.

Less than a week away until our early-bird Summer Soirée Fundraiser tickets drop! And you know what they say...the early bird gets the worm. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! ☀️

At this month’s workshop, students began preparing their capstone posters.⁠
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This is the first year we’ve incorporated a capstone into our program, and it’s already proving to be a powerful experience. The project gives students a chance to pause and reflect, on who they are, what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and where they’re going next.⁠
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It’s where they begin to put words to their experiences, their goals, and the vision they’re building for themselves beyond freshman year.⁠
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Seeing the shift from “I didn’t think I could” to “I know I can” is where that growth becomes real.⁠
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We can’t wait to see them present next month at the Field Museum.

Mentorship isn’t easy.

It takes time.
Consistency.
Showing up even when it’s not convenient.

But it’s one of the most powerful ways you can invest in the future of a young person, and our city.

We’re looking for the next group of volunteer Success Coaches to walk alongside our students as they navigate high school. If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, this is your moment.

Join us for a virtual info session on May 14 or June 11. https://luma.com/zxf29c2y

And just like that…Summer Soirée is BACK. ☀️

🗓️ Mark your calendars for June 25 and get ready to kick off Summertime Chi the right way with the Project OneTen community.

Early-bird tickets drop in two weeks! ✊🏾