Another week, another wave of goodness – it cannot stop (because it will not stop).
<Insert afternoon dance break here. I’ll wait.>
I’d apologize for my great mood, but I’m not for a second sorry. We’re having a lovely month! Chicago Ideas Week featured some great speakers and networking events, we’re keeping busy taking donations and finding homes for all your goods, reveling in our sweaters and a spot of recognition, making stew, and yes, introducing new partners. This week’s featured organization, i.c. stars, no doubt rings familiar to any Chicagoan with a CTA farecard and a good eye.
At i.c.stars we provide a rigorous technology-based workforce development and leadership training program for low-income adults, developing Chicagoland’s most promising information technology talent with leadership goals and connecting them with career opportunities through our social enterprise and our partner organizations.
Our social mission is central to our work. Our primary goal as a social enterprise is to further our mission, and the profits earned through our business model support our training program. Working with low-income young adults, providing them with employment opportunities and preparing them for community-based advocacy allows us to achieve our social purpose.
You might say we have something of a zeal for organizations that focus on equipping underserved Chicagoans with the skills and resources to reach their fullest potentials. It’s true. Call me an idealist (“Idealist!” – You), but I firmly believe that every citizen, regardless of race, gender, or social station, is entitled to an equal opportunity to support him or herself. Organizations that exist to level a playing field that has historically and systemically leveraged against low-income populations are music to my ears. i.c. stars sets high expectations for its participants – once accepted into the intensive two-year training program, individuals are groomed to set the bar high for themselves. i.c. stars does not attempt to establish its participants’ dependency on their programs; the organization seeks to nourish its participants’ ambition and self-reliance, turning each class into a focused group of individuals who, given access to the technological and social resources long limited to them, can thrive independently.
Please do check out their website and learn more about their programs and upcoming events, such as the upcoming Tech Bash, and absolutely cruise over to their Wish List page for a glimpse at some of the in-kind donations you might contribute! Included among their wish list items are silent auction prizes, office equipment, and photography services. With their upcoming events, your donations will be immediately helpful!
Be sure to Like i.c. stars on Facebook and follow them on Twitter as well!
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