15,000 students to earn admission to We Day Illinois

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Fifteen thousand students from 500 schools across Illinois will pack Allstate Arena for an amazing night with Common, Jennifer Hudson and other celebrities. The hottest ticket won't go on sale; We Day Illinois has to be earned by helping others.

Fresh off an Oscar win, Chicago rapper Common comes home to share the stage with superstar Jennifer Hudson during the youth empowerment event.

"We Day is the best day. Uplifting, just talking about it I have chills," Hudson, co-chair of We Day, said.

Students earn access to the event through their schools by committing to yearlong service projects that have local and global impact. Craig Kielburger is one of the co-founders.

"We Day celebrates that incredible spirit and it shows all over Chicago. It shows all over the world for that matter that this is an incredibly caring, compassionate group of youth who could be positive forces for change," Kielburger said.

Selena Gomez will host the event on April 30, 2015, from 9 am. to 2 p.m. at Allstate Arena. It features a mix of celebrity performers, inspirational speakers and youth presenters.

ABC7 Chicago is the media sponsor for We Day.

Schools interested in participating in next year's We Day Illinois should visit WeDay.com.