Obama Foundation, CPS announce civic engagement award recipients

Winners of the Obama Foundation and Chicago Public Schools Civic Engagement Awards were announced Wednesday.

Each winner will receive a $2,000 grant to support projects in their communities. Two recipients were selected for each of the three school-based categories. The fourth category will recognize a community partner providing opportunities for students citywide.

“These students, educators and partners exemplify the goal of civics education by effecting change in their communities while empowering and inspiring others to do the same,” CPS Chief Education Officer LaTanya McDade said in a statement.

“Every student in every neighborhood should have an outlet for their voices to be heard and Chicago Public Schools is committed to building upon our focus on civic education to expand opportunities for our students.”

Team TACTICS from Phillips Academy High School and the Ogden-Jenner Student Voice Committee received the Youth Impact Award. They were recognized for their efforts in addressing important issues in their classrooms and community.

TACTICS has been recognized for addressing school disciplinary practices and strengthening relationships between the community and law enforcement.

SVC was created to represent student’s voices after the merger of Ogden and Jenner elementary schools. They have represented students on issues like school climate and the local school council.

Receiving the Civic Culture and Commitment Award were Michele Clark Prep Magnet High School and William Dever Elementary School. Both schools created policies giving all students civic learning opportunities.

The Civic Education Leadership Award honored educators that guide and encourage their students. The recipients were Elizabeth Robbins of Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy and Shana Pearlmutter and Peter Barash of Bell Elementary School.

Voices of Youth in Chicago Education received the Community Partner Award for helping advance civic learning for students of color.

A committee of civic leaders and education stakeholders selected an elementary school and high school for each category.

The Obama Foundation announced the CPS partnership in December.

“We are proud to join Chicago Public Schools in honoring the exemplary civic engagement work that goes on every day in our schools and communities,” Michael Strautmanis, chief engagement officer of the foundation said in a statement.