Elev8

Elev8 seeks to transform the educational achievement and life outcomes of disadvantaged middle school students in five Chicago schools - Ames, Marquette, Orozco, Perspectives and Reavis. Elev8 Chicago envisions these young people graduating from 8th grade ready to make the important choices of adolescence. They will possess a fire for learning, healthy bodies and minds and the support required to succeed in high school and beyond.  Elev8 Chicago graduates will enjoy both the skills and the prospects needed for solid careers and fulfilling lives.

To make this vision a reality, Elev8 Chicago will establish networks of relationships among school and community partners to:

• extend the school day with afternoon, weekend and summer programs
• create an on-site, adolescent-focused health clinic in each school
• provide social supports, including public benefits screening for families, mentoring and help with high school placement
• mobilize parent and community leaders to accelerate change and promote advocacy
• advocate for policies that support similar comprehensive programs in other schools, locally and nationally

Download a full description of Elev8 that details partners and strategy, the planning process, components of the program, parental and community involvement, advocacy, and financing for implementation.

For more information, contact Syda Segovia Taylor, staylor@lisc.org or 312-422-9560.

Elev8 Chicago is part of a national Elev8 model that includes similar programs in Baltimore, Oakland and New Mexico.