PLAN4Success

Today is Giving Tuesday, and we’re inviting our community to stand with PLAN4SUCCESS as we continue serving Chicago teens, college students, and families with mentorship, leadership development, scholarships, internships, mental wellness support, and real wrap-around resources.

In 2025 alone, our students have led service projects, raised scholarships, attended our Teen Summit, received care packages, joined college meet-and-greets around the country, participated in internship and study abroad workshops, and are preparing to gather again at our Holiday Kickback.

Your giving today helps us:
• Expand college scholarships to 237
• Provide teen leadership summit for 100+ youths
• Launch Success Links internship access
• Support national college ambassador program
• Strengthen leadership with teen, college, and parent cohorts
• Fund year-round student and civic experiences

Every gift fuels a young person’s journey. Donate here:
https://lnkd.in/g2Da5RGB
PLAN4SUCCESS FOUNDATION Katari Coleman Nicholas Jones Angelique Marseille Jordan Howard Sharidan Rickmon Lolitha McKinney, Esq. Jaime Wesley Natalie Williams

The break is near!
The vibes are calling!
Closing the year with community!

Join the PLAN4SUCCESS College Cohort for our 3rd Annual Holiday College Kickback on December 27th from 2–5 PM.

Connect with Chicago college students, enjoy great food and music, win prizes, and learn how to play spades—all in one space designed for growth, belonging, and leadership.

***Cohort members, their invited guests, and D’Estee Scholars only***
�RSVP using the QR code or https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfd-rJ3n45Wd_FOCiGEDj0AN-QeMNEix112x3MRXZPZuF1WuQ/viewform?usp=header

🇺🇸 HONORING A FUTURE HERO THIS VETERANS DAY 🇺🇸
Please join us in saluting Lance Powell, the immediate past President of the PLAN4SUCCESS Teen Advisory Board, as he prepares to embark on one of the most courageous journeys a young leader can take — serving our country in the United States Army. 🪖🎖️
A proud graduate of a military high school, Lance has already shown what it means to lead with integrity, purpose, and strength. His upcoming military tour marks a bold and selfless commitment to something greater than himself — and we are beyond proud.
Lance, thank you for your service, sacrifice, and spirit. You are stepping into a role that not only protects our nation, but also inspires every young person who’s ever dreamed of making a difference.
As you take on this new mission, know that your PLAN4SUCCESS family stands with you. We are cheering you on every step of the way. 🇺🇸💪🏽
Leave a word of encouragement for Lance below and help us celebrate one of our brightest, boldest, and bravest.

📢 Update: Our Passport to Purpose: Study Abroad Webinar has been rescheduled due to last-minute interruptions. We’ll be recording the session and posting it on our website soon — thank you for your understanding and continued support! 🌍✈️

✈️ It’s not too late to register!

Join the PLAN4SUCCESS College Cohort for Passport to Purpose: Study Abroad Webinar — happening this Sunday, November 9th from 2:00–3:30 PM CST!

Hear from students who have studied abroad in South Korea, Africa, Spain, and Belize and discover how global learning can open new doors for your future. 🌎

🎓 What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why choose study abroad — how global experiences boost confidence and career readiness
✅ How to pay for it — scholarships, fellowships, and funding strategies for students of color
✅ Lessons learned abroad — personal growth, cultural immersion, and resilience
✅ Career connections — how to turn travel into leadership and professional opportunities
✅ Building your global why — connecting purpose to travel

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation designed for students ready to lead globally — you don’t want to miss it!

🔗 Register now: https://forms.gle/XadJhnhdQCWFbL2U8

Post-Event Thank You!!!

The Success Link – Internship Power Talks

We’re still feeling the excitement from The Success Link: Internship Power Talks!

A huge thank you to our College Advisory Board, incredible panelists, and every student who joined us for this powerful session launching PLAN4SUCCESS’s new professional development platform-SUCCESS LINKS.

Our panelists and students poured into one another with lived and learned experiences—sharing how they turned internships at Goldman Sachs, Accenture, ComEd, RB Global, Northwestern, and Meharry Medical College into real career opportunities.

✨ The overall consensus in two words: Informative and Helpful.

Students left with:
✅ An invite to our private Success Links LinkedIn Network
✅ A personalized Internship Tracker
✅ A Mock Interview Resource to strengthen career readiness

➡️ Access to these exclusive tools is available only to active members of the College Cohort.

If you’re a Chicago-area student attending college anywhere in the world, now is the time to join the PLAN4SUCCESS College Cohort and connect to a national network of mentorship, internships, and opportunities.

🔗 Join Today: https://planforsuccess.wufoo.com/forms/mwl9f951x6lmzs/

🚨 LAST DAY TO REGISTER! 🚨

Join us for The Success Link: Internship Power Talks — the official launch of PLAN4SUCCESS’s new professional development platform for college students and alumni! 💼✨

🎓 Hear from real students and alumni who turned their internships into career-changing opportunities with organizations like:
💼 Goldman Sachs
⚙️ Accenture
⚡ ComEd
🌎 RB Global
🏛️ Northwestern University
🩺 Meharry Medical College

💬 Learn how they:
✅ Found the right internship fit
✅ Built their professional brand
✅ Turned internships into job offers

🗓️ Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
🕑 Time: 2:00 – 3:30 PM CST (Virtual)
🎯 Hosted by: PLAN4SUCCESS College Cohort

✨ Don’t miss this inspiring panel discussion, breakout sessions, and live Q&A — all designed to help YOU succeed beyond college.

🔗 Register now before it closes: https://forms.gle/3aAEvMd8GiqFGS2f8

Building Leaders, One Issue at a Time!

Read the latest from our Teen Cohort—where student voices shine, resources are shared, and leadership is grown.

✨ All Things Success. Inside you’ll find updates, opportunities, and stories from our amazing scholars who are paving the way for the future.

Check it out here 👉 https://conta.cc/4n6fbG4

🎓 ADVOCACY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CONFERENCE 🎓
Join us for an empowering day designed specifically for Black girls in grades 9th-12th!

The NCBW Chicago Metropolitan Chapter is excited to announce our Advocacy Leadership Academy Conference, where young women will learn to lead the charge for change through advocacy, activism, and public policy.

📅 Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Kennedy King College
U-Building, Great Hall
6301 South Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60621

This dynamic conference will equip participants with:
✊ Advocacy skills and strategies
✊ Community organizing techniques
✊ Public policy knowledge
✊ Leadership development tools

Our future depends on empowering the next generation of leaders. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!

Register today: bit.ly/advocategirls

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY GROUPS ARE WELCOME! 🆓
Questions should be directed to: [email protected]
Share this post to help us reach more young leaders in our community!

Congrats to Sani Zinnerman, a proud PLAN4SUCCESS participant and 2025 ELS Scholarship recipient!

Sani has been a great volunteer with PLAN4SUCCESS, co-hosting the PLAN4Success ELS Scholarship Ceremony in high school. She is also a member of the college cohort at Howard University. Sani has demonstrated her commitment to service and leadership through her internships in the healthcare, youth grant-making, and education industries. Currently, she is a Resident Assistant at Howard, expanding her leadership skills and sharing them with others. We are cheering for your success as you pursue your studies in Health Science at Howard University! 🎉

Learn more about joining our College, Parent, or Teen Cohorts at PLAN-4Success.org http://plan-4success.org

Support our programs and partnerships that uplift students like Sani by donating here: https://givebutter.com/PLAN-A-THON2025

Congrats to McKenzie Ray, a proud PLAN4SUCCESS participant and 2025 ELS Scholarship recipient!

McKenzie is a two-time scholarship recipient. McKenzie is a College Success Guide and is pursuing a degree in Healthcare Management at Xavier University of Louisiana. She is passionate about leadership, community service, and youth empowerment, and has gained experience in the Office of the Provost, Xavier’s Pre-College Programs. McKenzie’s leadership extends beyond the classroom through extensive volunteer work, as well as active involvement in organizations. We’re cheering for your continued success at Xavier University! 🎉

Learn more about joining our College, Parent, or Teen Cohorts at PLAN-4Success.org http://plan-4success.org

Support programs and partnerships that uplift students like McKenzie, by donating here: https://givebutter.com/PLAN-A-THON2025