The Chicago Education Advocacy Cooperative (ChiEAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in January 2020. We are committed to serving students and families in South Chicago who face systemic barriers to education.
Our mission is to connect South Chicago students with practical pathways to upward social mobility. Through the IMPACT and ELEVATE programs, we focus on providing culturally grounded academic, social, and emotional support that meets students and families where they are.
As a volunteer with IMPACT or ELEVATE, you will work closely with students and families to help them navigate school systems, manage personal challenges, and explore their full potential. Volunteers offer direct support and serve as trusted advocates. Many of the families we serve speak languages other than English, including Spanish, Polish, Farsi, Arabic, and French.
Volunteers help bridge communication gaps and offer critical guidance to promote student success.
We value the time, lived experience, and cultural insight that each volunteer brings to this work. To recognize this, we provide a small stipend to all active volunteers in the IMPACT and ELEVATE programs. This stipend is meant to acknowledge the value of your contributions and make it easier for you to serve consistently.
Ideal volunteers have some experience working with students or families. Many of the students we serve are managing the effects of trauma while pursuing their education. Volunteers may be asked to assist with tasks such as scheduling appointments, contacting schools or organizations, and advocating for services.
If you would like to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students in Chicago, please send your resume and brief video introduction to Dr. Benjamin Drury at benjamin@chieac.org for consideration. Incomplete submissions are not reviewed. Thank you for your time. Stay safe and keep in touch.
Watch our video to learn more: Emely Oviedo's "Motivación"