Suburban School Districts Partner with UNCF to Raise Hundreds of Thousands in Scholarship Dollars for Local Students at Gala
Historic Partnership for Education
For the third year, the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity (SCSDD) and UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, are joining forces to raise scholarship money for students in the Chicagoland area at the "Investing in Our Future" 3rd Annual Scholarship Gala on Friday, February 21, from 6 to 11 p.m. The event will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park. Visit investinginourfuture.myle.com for more information.
Honorees for the Evening
Toni Preckwille, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and Illinois State Representative William "Will" Davis (30th District) will be honored at the event.
The Partnership
The Superintendents’ Commission is a distinguished educational organization that serves school districts in suburban Cook and collar counties, bringing together elementary and secondary superintendents. Dr. Sandra Thomas, president of the group of 37 superintendents, said the partnership with UNCF was born out of the vision of Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, superintendent of Matteson School District 162, to collaborate to provide students with scholarships.
"We want to make sure that we are doing our part to ensure that children have the opportunity to fulfill their unlimited potential," Dr. Sandra Thomas said.
Last Year’s Success
Last year, the "Investing in Our Future" Gala raised more than $400,000. As a result, the Superintendents’ Commission was able to award 90 Ron Edmond Scholarship Awards. Tougaloo College, a Historically Black College and University in Mississippi, also awarded 10 full-ride scholarships to students. Tougaloo will also award scholarships this year.
UNCF’s Impact
According to UNCF, it’s the largest event of its kind held by a school superintendent’s organization. "Our collaboration with the United Negro College Fund means more money for more students," said Dr. Johnnie Thomas, co-chair of the scholarship gala and superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227. "That means more support for our students to fulfill their dreams."
Three-Year Total
Dr. Johnnie Thomas noted that in three years, the UNCF and Superintendents’ Commission have raised almost a million dollars. "For our students, that is life-changing," Dr. Johnnie Thomas said.
UNCF’s History
From 2022-2023, UNCF awarded scholarships to 515 Illinois students. Now in its 81st year, UNCF has raised more than $5 billion and helped more than 500,000 students not just attend college but thrive, graduate, and become leaders.
Gala Details
The "Investing in Our Future" Gala will be an evening of fine dining, entertainment, dancing, and more. More than 1,000 supporters attended last year. This year, a Superintendents’ Commission Choir of more than 300 students from 10 high schools will perform. Marseil "Action" Jackson, radio personality and co-host of "The Brunch Bunch" on 1390-AM Gospel Radio, will serve as the emcee for the evening.
Tickets and Scholarship Application
Tickets are available. Visit investinginourfuture.myle.com or call 312-845-2200. Follow UNCF on social media @UNCFChicago and #UNCFChicago. The application for the Ron Edmond Scholarship is now available. The deadline to apply is March 1. Visit scsdd.net/scholarship.
Conclusion
The "Investing in Our Future" Gala is a crucial event for the Superintendents’ Commission and UNCF, bringing together leaders in education and the community to support deserving students in the Chicagoland area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the "Investing in Our Future" Gala?
The purpose of the gala is to raise scholarship money for students in the Chicagoland area. - What is the date of the gala?
The gala will take place on Friday, February 21, from 6 to 11 p.m. - Who are the honorees for the evening?
Toni Preckwille, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and Illinois State Representative William "Will" Davis (30th District) will be honored at the event. - How can I purchase tickets to the gala?
Tickets are available. Visit investinginourfuture.myle.com or call 312-845-2200.
