Explore.
ExperiencE.
evolve.
My Block, My Hood, My City provides youth from divested neighborhoods with an awareness of the world and opportunities beyond their neighborhood. We take students on explorations focused on Vocation/Education, Arts Expression, Culinary Experiences, and Recreation. In 5 Years of its existence, the Explorers Program has taken young Chicagoans to hundreds of different exploration sites, both within the city and around the world!
We are trying to challenge pre-conceived notions, widen perspectives, interrupt trauma, and create new opportunities: We believe Exposure is the first step. Isolation is a common issue in a large number of neighborhoods in the city. Many of the young people we serve have barely left their block, and have never experienced Chicago outside of their neighborhood. By taking teenagers outside of their comfort zones, but right next door in their own city, they can see what Chicago has to offer, and experience a different perspective that will awaken ownership and pride in them.