United Way believes educators alone cannot bridge the gaps for some of Chicago's young people. On Tuesday, 400 educators, business leaders and government officials brain storm on what can be done to help Chicago kids do better.
"There is no challenge this city faces, no opportunity it cannot succeed at or seize that doesn't revolve around what we do in our education," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
The United Way of Metropolitan Chicago convened the first ever education summit.
The nonprofit funds many supports for Chicago families and wanted to orchestrate direct connections for students to become thriving citizens.
"As a backbone support to bring the parties together and makes sure that happens. That's what we have always stood for and that's really the point of hosting summit today," said Wendy DuBoe.
Recently, the United Way partnered with ABC7 to include young people finding effective strategies with a series of town halls.
Tuesday's summit concluded with a youth town hall.
ABC7'S President and General Manager John Idler started the discussion.
Fifty students participated and Paris Jackson moderated.
"They are talking about it all from job security, to just wanting to work, to violence in the city and everyday problems they face to the opportunity to expand their horizons," Jackson said.
Organizers hope the summit with spark new programs and partnerships to help Chicago's young people proving that we can all be part of the solution if we choose.
