Before & After-School Excellence Every Day
Our after-school programs provide engaging academic support and creative enrichment Monday through Friday. Students receive homework help, participate in STEAM activities, and explore cultural arts in a supportive environment.
What Students Learn
Academic Excellence
Students strengthen core subjects through innovative teaching methods, receiving personalized support in Reading/ELA, Mathematics, and Science while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Creative Arts Mastery
Through community service projects and peer mentoring opportunities, students develop leadership skills, civic responsibility, and confidence in their ability to create positive change.
Life Skills Development
Students learn character education, health & nutrition, and social-emotional skills that prepare them for future success in school, careers, and community leadership roles.
Summer Learning Opportunities
Our summer programs prevent learning loss through engaging field trips, hands-on projects, and cultural experiences. Students explore Chicago's resources while continuing their academic and artistic growth.
What Students Learn
Real-World Applications
Students engage in field-based learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to real-world situations, visiting museums, cultural centers, and educational institutions throughout Chicago.
Leadership Development
Through community service projects and peer mentoring opportunities, students develop leadership skills, civic responsibility, and confidence in their ability to create positive change.
Cultural Identity
Students explore their heritage and community connections through storytelling, traditional arts, and intergenerational learning experiences that strengthen their sense of identity and belonging.
Parent Workshops to Empower Families
Free workshops support parents with career readiness, Social Emotional Learning, English as a Second Language, and tools to create supportive learning environments at home.
Measurable Success Stories
Our evidence-based programming delivers real results for students and families, improving academic performance, school engagement, and future readiness across all partner schools.
Education
800
+
students served annually
Literacy
85
%
improvement in reading scores
Hear from Our Community
Hear from Our Community
"My daughter gained confidence and found her artistic voice through this program. Watching her present her work and collaborate with other teens has been incredible. The bilingual instructors truly understand our community."
"The program's focus on community art projects taught me how creativity can make a real difference. I learned that art isn't just personal expression—it's a tool for positive change in our neighborhood."
"The Studio Arts Program gave me discipline and opened my mind to creativity. I discovered that art is the professional path I want to follow—it changed my entire life direction and gave me purpose."
"Through perfect attendance and commitment to my apprenticeships, I learned time management and teamwork skills that helped me succeed academically. The program prepared me for college in ways I never expected."
Program Directors
Jose Luis Illanes, Somos Uno Project Director, has over 40 years of experience in education and community service, including roles such as teacher, program coordinator, assistant principal, and principal in Chicago Public Schools. He holds multiple master’s degrees and a doctorate in Educational Leadership.
