Chance the Rapper made a major announcement about his efforts to support the underfunded Chicago Public Schools district Friday. Speaking from Robeson High School, Chance provided an update and took questions from reporters.
The announcement was streamed across social media:
"We all know that Illinois' education system is one of the most underfunded in the nation," Chance said during Friday's announcement. As both an artist and a parent, Chance said he knows that the arts are an essential part of any education. "I'm excited to announce the creation, in collaboration with the Children First Fund, of the New Chance Arts & Literature Fund," he said. A process for identifying which CPS schools are in the "greatest need for arts" is currently being developed by the New Chance fund and Ingenuity:
"I'm glad that I got this microphone and I'm glad that you guys keep coming out to hear the stories and that you guys keep reporting on what is going on here," Chance said in closing during Friday's presser. Chance added that there's room for everyone to "get involved" in the effort to help underfunded schools, specifically through his not-for-profit Social Works website.
"We are committed to giving the kids as much as we can," he said. Chance also revealed a donation of $1 million from the Chicago Bulls to the CPS foundation.
After a disappointing meeting with Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, Chance announced earlier this month that he's donating $1 million to CPS. Additionally, NBC Chicago reports Chance will be throwing in another $10,000 for every $100,000 raised through his Social Works website. To kick things off, Chance donated a combined $100,000 to 10 schools in the CPS district. During Friday's presser, Chance confirmed that the first 10 schools had already received their $10,000 donation. Another dozen recipients were also announced, including Julian High School and Solorio Academy High School.
For more info on Social Works, click here.
