Empowering Youth Leadership
LEAD IT, established in 2019 as a non-profit 501(c3) social enterprise and collective community investment fund, promotes leadership, education, and holistic development of Chicago´s underserved youth and reformed juveniles.
Our diverse team of seasoned professionals, organizing opportunities for learning, equitable employment, mental health, and community engagement, has built a sustainable network of activities and partnerships to attenuate violence and social issues in our most vulnerable communities. Many of the root causes of these problems can be solved through development of knowledge, skills, and understanding. While our efforts identify with many of the focus areas, our mission and programs most aptly identify with academic support, wellness, and career development.
In 2023, Chicago reported 695 homicides, a number that, while slightly lower than
in previous years, remains a stark reminder of the pervasive gun violence plaguing our city.
Neighborhoods on the South and West side bear the brunt of this crisis, with gun violence being a relentless presence. Tragically, around 40% of homicide victims in 2023 were under the age of 25, underscoring the urgent need for interventions.
In order to combat these effects, LEAD IT aims to foster learning and holistic development
for the youth and reformed prisoners in vulnerable communities across the city of Chicago. We
have served dozens of students in these courses and internships, totaling more than 10000 hours since establishment. Our next target is 100 students for Summer 2025 in our in-person marital arts, financial literacy, and code it courses alone, where additional participants will be served through developing programs and digital content.
