We are excited and proud to announce the launch of construction of the Impact Center, our new High School program facility, with a Wall Breaking ceremony held on Wednesday, September 25th. Our CEO Drew Glassford, President of OTTO Engineering Tom Roeser, and venture capitalist and philanthropist Mike LoPresti provided insight into the key partnerships, generous donors and collaborative community support that helped make the project possible. Key to the success of the initiative is the collaborative partnership with School District 300, who provided a significant dedicated area of Perry Elementary School for, our use. The ceremony featured a very special guest. Col. Greg Johnson, a retired Space Shuttle Pilot/Astronaut, who shared with our guests about how impressed he was with the initiative, and how it is a great example of how to be crew members, versus passengers, to take care of each other on our spaceship earth. Greg then visited several of our Club sites, where he spoke to members about his journey to becoming an astronaut encouraging the children to work hard, never give up on their dreams, and the importance of connecting with mentors to guide them toward successful futures.
Our current High School Program Center, The Club, serves 60 annually. When completed, the Impact Center will serve 250 high members. It is being built in a dedicated wing in Perry Elementary, and will include rooms for academic/tutoring, creative arts, athletics, technology, and a Build Lab/Maker Space. Our teens are very excited about the new center, and all the great opportunities that will help them build Great Futures.
One of the key focuses of the facility is career readiness/workforce development. Through our Club to Career strategy, we will help develop greater awareness and interest in School District 300’s Career Pathway, which provides students the opportunity for college credit and technical training prior to graduation in twelve career fields. Our Club to Career program includes creating individualized career plans for members, touring local employers, engaging them with mentors, providing hands-on learning opportunities, and helping develop their hard and soft skills and knowledge critical for success. We will not only enhance and encourage their passions, but prepare them for their futures after high school, whether for college prep or directly into employment in the technical trades fields. The goal of our workforce development initiative will be to have our members be desired and prepared candidates for post-secondary success, benefitting not only their futures, but also the future of our community, nation, and world.
One of the key focuses of the facility is career readiness/workforce development. Through our Club to Career strategy, we will help develop greater awareness and interest in School District 300’s Career Pathway, which provides students the opportunity for college credit and technical training prior to graduation in twelve career fields. Our Club to Career program includes creating individualized career plans for members, touring local employers, engaging them with mentors, providing hands-on learning opportunities, and helping develop their hard and soft skills and knowledge critical for success. We will not only enhance and encourage their passions, but prepare them for their futures after high school, whether for college prep or directly into employment in the technical trades fields. The goal of our workforce development initiative will be to have our members be desired and prepared candidates for post-secondary success, benefitting not only their futures, but also the future of our community, nation, and world.
We are very grateful for the generous support of the major investors who have made the project possible, including the Clark Family Foundation, Dundee Township Park District, Foglia Family Foundation, Hargrave Construction, Mike & Bonnie LoPresti, the McCoy Family, OTTO, Revcor Inc., and Mark & Robin Seigle. We would also like to thank our community partners, including Fred Heid & Susan Harkin of School District 300, Michael Kilbourne of the Carpentersville Police Department, and Erin O’Leary & Dave Peterson from the Dundee Township Park District. We would also like to thank everyone who has joined us and impacted our journey for the Impact Center through your financial support, volunteering, or partnership. Through your support, we are making a significant difference for the children in our community who need us the most.
If you would like to help make an impact by helping create Great Futures for our high school students, please consider donating to our Launching Great Futures Campaign. Click HERE to donate now.
To see all the photos from the event please click HERE.
