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MBKALLIANCE Freedom Summer Evaluation
Summary
Chicago offers many opportunities for youth but faces rising violence, particularly among those under 25, a challenge that escalated in 2020.
Date
2023
Solution
Measuring Impact
Programs across the city work daily to impact the lives of youth and young adults, particularly boys and young men of color (BYMOC). Many of these programs are rooted in and grown from the communities they serve.
Amidst the vibrant energy of summer, a time rich with potential for growth and exploration, Freedom Summer emerges as a vital initiative providing safe, enriching environments for youth. This annual initiative, part of the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBKA), invests $1 million in grants to support Chicago-based nonprofit organizations in creating diverse, engaging, safe spaces where young people can explore new skills such as archery or music production, see new places, and build connections with caring adult mentors. In these environments, boys and young men of color can enjoy summer experiences alongside their peers.