Robert R. McCormick Foundation’s $500,000 Grant Fuels Expansion of ITAV’s Educator Test Prep Program

Empowering Educators in Chicago with Expanded Support for Licensure Exam Preparation

In an exciting development for Chicago’s educational community, It Takes A Village has received a significant boost with a $500,000 grant from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. This new funding is dedicated to expanding the Professional Educator License (PEL) Test Prep Program, following the success of a pilot phase supported by an initial $200,000 grant in 2022.

A Major Step Forward in Educational Support

The newly awarded grant will be utilized over the next 24 months to implement an expanded version of the PEL Test Prep Program. This initiative aims to provide essential resources and comprehensive guidance for educators preparing for their licensure exams, with the goal of enhancing their skills and increasing their chances of success.

The program’s expansion highlights a crucial investment in the professional development of Chicago’s educators, contributing to a future where local children benefit from a higher quality of education.

A Collaborative Commitment to Educational Excellence

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation has demonstrated a deep commitment to education, aligning with It Takes A Village in a shared goal to uplift educators and communities. Bryan Stokes II, Early Childhood Education Portfolio Director for the McCormick Foundation, emphasizes the importance of this initiative:

“We are proud to partner with It Takes A Village in their work to grow the early childhood workforce by helping educators earn a Professional Educator License. This initiative aligns with our commitment to building thriving Chicago communities where all individuals have an opportunity to succeed, starting at birth. By investing in It Takes A Village’s workforce development programs, we help ensure that young children receive the high-quality education they deserve.”

Expanding Program Aims to Equip 80 Educators for Success

The goal of the expanded PEL Test Prep Program is to support 80 educators in successfully passing their licensure exams. This expansion represents a continuation of It Takes A Village’s mission to drive educational excellence in Chicago and equip educators with the tools they need to excel.

Anita Andrews-Hutchinson, Chief Growth Officer of It Takes A Village, expressed her gratitude for the grant:

“We are incredibly grateful to the Robert R. McCormick Foundation for their continued support. This significant investment not only reaffirms the foundation’s commitment to education but also empowers our educators to reach their fullest potential.”

 

Building a Stronger Foundation for Chicago’s

Future

The ongoing partnership between It Takes A Village and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation signals a dedication to educational

equity and a brighter future for children across the Chicagoland area. With a shared vision, both organizations are poised to make a lasting impact on the quality of education available to young learners, starting with the empowerment of educators.

About It Takes A Village

It Takes A Village is a community-focused organization dedicated to improving education and supporting the professional growth of local educators. Through initiatives like the PEL Test Prep Program, It Takes A Village works to ensure that all children have access to well-trained, high-quality educators who are prepared to guide them toward success.

About the Robert R. McCormick Foundation

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is a private foundation committed to fostering communities of opportunity throughout Chicagoland. With a focus on improving early childhood education, workforce development, and civic engagement, the foundation invests in programs that drive positive change and empower individuals to thrive.

For more information about It Takes A Village and their educational initiatives, please visit www.itavschools.org.