Children First Fund

CFF is proud to collaborate with organizations that truly invest in our schools. By building modern spaces like this new STEM lab at Washington Irving ES, our partners are giving students the hands-on tools they need to explore their interests and realize their potential.

Shout out to the Chicago Bulls staff and player Matas Buzelis for joining us to make the day extra special for students!

Thank you to NBA Cares, Heart of America, and State Farm for making this launchpad for innovation possible. 💻🛠️

As National Nurses Week comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible healthcare heroes taking care of students every day!

Our school nurses are the heart of our schools. From managing daily health needs to being a comforting presence for our students, they work tirelessly to ensure every child is safe, healthy, and ready to learn.

We are so grateful for your expertise and the unwavering care you provide to our Chicago Public Schools students every single day. Thank you for everything you do!

Show a teacher you appreciate them by supporting the students they care for every day. 💙

The Compassion Fund provides the essentials students need—from basic supplies to emergency support—so they can show up to class ready to learn. When our students’ needs are met, our teachers can focus on what they do best: helping every child thrive and succeed.

Honor an educator today with a gift that makes a difference in their classroom.

https://cps.networkforgood.com/projects/62622-compassion-fund

Thank you to everyone who joined us this week for a special reception celebrating the official appointment of Dr. Macquline King as the new CEO/Superintendent of Chicago Public Schools!

It was a meaningful evening spent coming together around a shared vision: advancing the CPS mission and broadening what is possible for our students' education. We were honored to hear remarks from Dr. King about her deep belief in the power of philanthropy and partnership, as well as thoughtful reflections from newly selected Chief Education Officer (CEdO), Dr. Karime Asaf, on our shared priorities moving forward.

It was especially valuable to connect face-to-face, exchange ideas, and, and celebrate this milestone with so many dedicated colleagues and friends.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Chicago’s students. We look forward to continuing this vital work together!

Exciting Announcement! 🚀

We are thrilled to share that Amazon.com has partnered with Chicago Public Schools and Children First Fund to donate $100,000 toward STEM and Computer Science education for five schools in the Gage Park community! This gift will fund vital teacher training, tech resources, and robotics clubs to help our students thrive.

We had an incredible day seeing STEM learning in action! A huge thank you to the Amazon team members who joined us, Alderwoman Jeylú B. Gutiérrez, and Acting Chief of Teaching and Learning Annise Lewis for your incredible support.

Most importantly, thank you to Socorro Sandoval Elementary School staff and students for the warm welcome. We were blown away by the impressive computer science projects the students shared with us, and we can’t wait to see what more they can accomplish with this investment!

Teachers and school staff are the foundation of Chicago Public Schools. This week, we are joining together to show our immense appreciation for the educators who make a difference in the lives of our students and families.

The progress CPS students have made over the past decade is due in large part to your hard work. From countless hours of lesson planning to mentoring and nurturing students, you are changing lives for the better.

At CFF, we believe the best way to show our gratitude is through continued partnership. We remain deeply committed to investing in educator development and providing the school support you need to do what you do best.

To our teachers and staff: you are loved and supported by your district and school communities—not just this week, but every week of the year. Thank you for helping our students thrive!

On International Firefighters' Day, we are highlighting the Chicago Police and Fire Training Academy (CPFTA Chicago)—a premier pathway for students dedicated to serving our city.

A long-standing collaboration between Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Fire Dept., and the Chicago Police Department, CPFTA provides a comprehensive view of careers in public safety, law enforcement, and fire science. This program is a vital engine for diversity and leadership, helping students develop the perseverance required for the city’s police and fire academies.

This mission is fueled by the strategic support of the , the philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions. Their investment ensures our students are equipped for success by providing:

⭐ Funding for books, certifications, and ancillary materials, and support for professional development and staffing

We are proud to elevate partners like the Motorola Solutions Foundation who prioritize equity and excellence in the first responder field. Together, we are shaping the future of public safety.

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 There is no better way to celebrate our planet than by highlighting the incredible partnerships who are working to make Chicago a greener place to live and learn.

This past weekend marked the second major distribution of the school year for a collaboration between Ambius and the Chicago Public Schools Office of Student Health and Wellness (OSHW).

Ambius is providing more than 6,000 premium plant containers to CPS schools and communities. This isn't just a donation of supplies; it’s a tangible investment in the well-being of Chicago’s students. By integrating living design into the learning environment, this initiative promotes student well-being, empowers schools to lead local food and garden projects, and builds community pride through sustainable neighborhood design.

CFF is grateful for partners like Ambius who invest in CPS students’ learning environments. Today, we celebrate the power of partnership in growing a greener, healthier future for every student! 🌱🏙️

Building a sustainable talent pipeline requires more than just classroom instruction—it requires industry leaders who are willing to open their doors and invest in the next generation.

Through our partnership with Power Construction, Chicago Public Schools students in the Chicago Builds program are transforming technical interest into professional careers. By providing direct industry exposure and site tours, Power Construction is helping 183 trainees from 45 high schools see themselves in the future of the construction trades.

The Impact of Strategic Partnership:
🧰 Certification: Trainees are earning OSHA Safety, First-Aid/CPR, and NCCER Core credentials alongside early college dual credit.
🧰 Barrier Reduction: Power Construction’s support has directly helped 60 alumni navigate the post-secondary transition, covering essential costs like union exam fees and PPE.
🧰 Networking: Students engage directly with leaders from ComEd and the Chicago Department of Buildings to bridge the gap between training and employment.

We are proud to elevate partners like Power Construction who recognize that an investment in CPS students is an investment in the vitality of our city.

Are you ready to help shape "Chicago’s Next"? Whether through mentorship, site tours, or scholarship support, there are meaningful ways for your organization to invest in the success of our students. Learn more about how you can partner with Children First Fund: https://childrenfirstfund.org/partner/

Preparation for life after high school graduation starts long before a student walks across the stage. It is built through career exposure, dedicated school counseling, and the removal of financial barriers that stand in the way of post-secondary success.

This spring, Children First Fund is highlighting the Chicago Public Schools students and pathways defining “Chicago’s Next”.

Over the coming weeks, we will spotlight the partnerships and programs that provide CPS students with a clear trajectory—from specialized CTE tracks to the scholarship funds and direct support that ensure every student has a path forward.

Follow along as we share the impact of our partners and the success of the students who are charting the future of Chicago.

A huge thank you to All Kids Bike and Motorcycle Safety Lawyers for donating bikes, helmets, and training for the Learn-to-Ride program. We love partners who invest in the safety and joy of our CPS community!