U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will travel Thursday to Chicago for events to spotlight effective programs on youth empowerment, college-high school dual enrollment and quality after-school activities.
At 1:30 p.m. CT, the Secretary will participate in the dedication of the Chicago Wisdom Project Urban Garden at Hales Franciscan High School on the city’s South Side. The Chicago Wisdom Project aims to empower today’s youth to transform themselves, their communities and the world through their creative energy — to become creators rather than mere consumers of culture.
At 1:40 p.m. CT, Duncan will hold a roundtable discussion at Hales Franciscan High with school leaders and officials from local postsecondary institutions about their work to increase dual enrollment offerings for students and strengthen partnerships between high school and college.
At 4 p.m. CT, he will visit with teachers and students participating in the After School Matters program at the Chicago Public School’s Farragut Career Academy. After School Matters is a non-profit organization that offers Chicago high school teens innovative out-of-school activities through a network of public and private partnerships.
The Obama Administration strongly believes that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and education is crucial to the economic strength and security of our nation and communities. The Department of Education’s work is focused on ensuring all students receive an education that prepares them for success in life and their career, through programs including Race to the Top, ConnectED, School Improvement Grants, as well as ED's work to expand access to preschool and make college more affordable.