Breakthrough Schools: Chicago

A competitive grants program that funds schools pursuing innovative, whole-school improvement initiatives led by Chicago Public Schools principals.

Geographic Scope: Chicago Public Schools

Focus Areas:

• Whole-school innovation and transformation
• Design-based school improvement projects
• Student achievement and engagement initiatives
• Technology integration in instruction
• Personalized learning approaches
• Blended learning models
• STEM education programs
• Differentiated instruction

Eligibility:

• Chicago Public Schools principals and their schools
• Schools must have a clearly defined, innovative improvement plan
• Preference for schools that have participated in or worked with The Fund's programs

Application Process:

• Submit a grant application proposing your school's innovation initiative
• Application should demonstrate alignment with design thinking principles and whole-school impact
• Recipients typically have participated in The Fund's Summer Design Program

What Funding Supports:

• Implementation of school-wide innovative programs
• Technology purchases and integration
• Professional development
• Curriculum redesign
• Staffing for new programs

Examples of Funded Projects:

• Integrated STEM program creation (Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy)
• Whole-school blended learning model adoption (CICS West Belden)
• Technology-enhanced personalized learning programs (multiple schools)

Application Process

Steps:

1. Develop an innovative school improvement plan, ideally through participation in Summer Design Program
2. Submit grant application with your proposed initiative
3. Application should demonstrate whole-school approach and student impact

Required Elements:

• Clear description of the innovation being proposed
• Evidence of need/problem identification
• Implementation timeline
• Expected student, teacher, and family outcomes
• Budget and resource allocation

Note: Specific application portal URL and detailed submission instructions are not provided in the available content.