FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kim Leniek 312/558-1770 or [email protected]
CHICAGO BULLS $3.5 MILLION FUNDS INNOVATIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CHICAGO - The Bulls Scholars Program, launched in January 1999, is a competitive, after-school instructional program designed to provide Chicago's 7th and 8th graders with the skills they need to succeed academically and personally.
The Bulls Scholars Program is funded by the CharitaBulls, the Chicago Bulls philanthropic arm, which donated $3.5 million to establish the program in all 25 Chicago middle schools.
"We asked the Chicago Public Schools to give us their 'wish list' and we worked together to create this visionary program," said Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. "We're pleased that the teachers and students have responded so well and that, in its first few months, the Bulls Scholars Program is off to a great start."
The Bulls' donation will be managed by the School Partners Program and will fund teaching personnel, instructional texts, materials and five computers per school to extend learning and technology applications over the next three years.
"The Bulls' generous donation will help a lot of young people achieve their potential," said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley at the program's unveiling. "I hope it inspires more private-sector organizations to provide financial support to the Chicago Public Schools, because the public sector can't do it alone."
At each middle school, approximately 40 students have been selected as Bulls Scholars and receive instruction in algebra and English from two middle school teachers and a certified high school teacher. In some instances, high school teachers also involve their high school students as peer tutors.
A key component of the Bulls Scholars Program is the fact that students will be eligible to receive high school credit in algebra and English by receiving successful scores on the Chicago Academic Standards Examination given at the end of the year.
"Helping to prepare middle school students for high school is a critical issue for today's educators," said Paul Vallas, chief executive officer of the Chicago Public Schools. "These students face unique pressures at a much younger age than earlier generations, and we must help these kids prepare to be responsible adults. The Bulls Scholars Program offers a creative national model and promises significant educational and social advantages."
Created in 1987 as a vehicle for the Bulls to give something back to the community, CharitaBulls' primary objective is to create positive educational and recreational opportunities for children and young people. CharitaBulls' beneficiaries include the Chicago Public Library, Chicago Park District, Illinois Special Olympics, City Year Chicago and Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, among many others. Since its inception, CharitaBulls has donated more than $11 million to Chicago area charities and worthwhile programs.
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