Chance the Rapper and SocialWorks Announce Fourth Cohort of New Chance Fund: $500,000 in Grants to support Career Connected Learning at Five CPS High Schools

Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper and his nonprofit organization, SocialWorks,  announced today the fourth cohort of the New Chance Fund, awarding $100,000 grants to five CPS high schools to enhance Career Connected Learning over the next three years. This is in partnership with Children First Fund: The CPS Foundation (CFF), the philanthropic arm of Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

The recipient schools - Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, Dyett High School for the Arts, Manley Career Academy, Prosser Career Academy, and Simeon Career Academy - were celebrated at a special event held at Simeon Career Academy, where Chance made a surprise visit to students in the school’s summer Barbering and Cosmetology program.   

As a product of CPS and a Jones College Prep alum, Chance continues to advocate for his community and south side roots. By hosting this announcement event at Simeon Career Academy, one of his neighborhood high schools, Chance aims to encourage youth in his community who are also interested in exploring alternative career fields in various trades. In his recently released second studio album, Star Line (August 15th), one of the stand out tracks, “No More Old Men,” Chance recollects on influential south side experiences and observations during childhood. The record highlights the significance of community role models, wisdom, and guidance. 

“Creating positive change in the lives of our children is our duty, and it doesn’t happen passively,” said Chance the Rapper. “Our continued work within the New Chance Fund and this fourth cohort helps ensure that Chicago students are the architects of their own future, helping them find real pathways from the classroom to meaningful careers.”

Launched in 2017, the New Chance Fund has invested over $5.1 million into 51 CPS schools, impacting over 27,000 students by transforming classrooms and student experiences across the District. The previous three cohorts emphasized a specific focus area:

• Cohort #1 The Arts: Creating opportunities to expand student access to creative expression
• Cohort #2 CS4ALL: Devoted to building the capacity for computer science initiatives and digital advancement within the schools. 
• Cohort #3 Travel and Literacy: Focused on promoting both advanced literacy practices and cultural immersion opportunities through travel (college tours, field trips, etc).

Each of the selected schools in this year’s cohort have developed custom plans for using the funds, ranging from new equipment for classrooms and industry-aligned field trips, to internships, guest speakers, and skill-building workshops, all designed to build stronger bridges between classroom learning and real-world career opportunities.

Each school will enhance Career Connected Learning in the following areas: 

• Dunbar Vocational Career Academy: Funding will support equipment and resources for programs in Architecture, Automotive Body Repair, Broadcasting, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts and Health Science, as well as industry partnerships and student-focused career events.
• Dyett High School of the Arts: Investments will enhance postsecondary exposure opportunities and upgrade equipment for the school’s Digital Media Lab and Recording/Podcast studio.
• Manley Career Academy: Funds will provide equipment and supplies, field trips, and hands-on training opportunities for students in the Culinary Arts program.
• Prosser Career Academy: Grant dollars will expand internship and career exploration opportunities for Carpentry and broader CTE students, support integrated curriculum development, and help students pursue industry-recognized certifications.
• Simeon Career Academy: Resources will go toward new styling chairs, upgraded workstations, and other essential materials for students in the barbering & cosmetology programs. 

“SocialWorks’ vision and commitment have opened doors for thousands of CPS students,” said CPS Superintendent/CEO, Dr. Macquline King . “These grants are more than financial support. They’re a catalyst for confidence, creativity, and career exploration. They help students see themselves in their dream careers and give them the tools to get there.”

Transforming Classrooms and Futures Since 2017

The New Chance Fund grants, funded by SocialWorks and a network of generous New Chance Fund philanthropic partners have sparked: 

• 30 new or renovated Career Connected Learning and arts spaces
• Programming from 40+ Community-Based Organizations
• Impact for over 27,267 CPS students across the first 51 New Chance Fund recipient schools, including out-of-state educational travel opportunities for nearly 300 students.  

“This partnership reflects what’s possible when community and philanthropy unite for our students,” said Co-Executive Director of SocialWorks, Justin Cunningham. “We are grateful for SocialWorks’ partners, and we invite others to join us in creating more pathways to bright futures.”