CICS Prairie Awarded Relativity’s Wired to Learn Grant to Expand Technology Access and Education
Chicago, Illinois (August 13, 2018) Distinctive Schools, in collaboration with Chicago International Charter School, announces that Chicago International Charter School (CICS) Prairie, managed by Distinctive Schools, has been awarded a Wired to Learn grant from Relativity, a Chicago-based technology company.
The Wired to Learn grant, part of the company’s Relativity Gives community relations program, will directly support the school, and its students, by providing funding for 1:1 devices for students, a Smart STEAM Lab, and additional professional development opportunities for teachers and staff.
“CICS asks our school management partners to swing for the fences every day as they reimagine and redesign school,” said Elizabeth Shaw, CEO at CICS. “This significant investment from Relativity is a testament to the transformational innovation taking place at CICS Prairie.”
CICS Prairie is a K-8 public charter school nestled in the Roseland neighborhood on the Chicago’s South Side. The school’s mission, in partnership with families and school community, is to develop 21st century learners by providing authentic STEM education experiences through effective implementation of innovative and interactive learning programs.
“Our school community is one that promotes a positive and joyful learning culture,” said Jennifer Harth, School Director at CICS Prairie. “We are incredibly grateful for this grant so we can ensure our students thrive, and continue to develop as engaged and curious learners with the innovative opportunities the grant will provide.”
Relativity Gives was created to help youth — especially those with limited resources— gain access to the technology, equipment and training they need to be successful in today’s world. To date, the company given $2.1 million in grants to technology and education organizations that share that mission. Wired to Learn schools receive $250,000 over three years to implement the solutions they know to be right for their students, such as CICS Prairie’s new lab facility.
“We are excited to open our Smart STEAM Lab,” said Harth. “Our students will have access to the lab as part of their enrichment, math, and science curricular experience, and middle school students will even co-design and participate in STEAM Showcases throughout the year. This project will help students unlock their potential.”
“This grant will go a long way in supporting learning inside and outside the classroom at CICS Prairie,” added Scott Frauenheim, President at Distinctive Schools. “Ensuring that all students have access to technology that is engaging and supports their learning is critical to preparing them for success in college, career, and life. We are thrilled about our partnership with Relativity.”
"Technology helps level the playing field for future generations and we're committed to increasing access to it in the communities where our offices reside," said Dorie Blesoff, chief people officer at Relativity. "Wired to Learn grants make real, measurable difference in Chicago area schools and neighborhoods and we're excited to see how a great new partner like CICS Prairie will use theirs to help students engage and thrive as learners.”
CICS Prairie will celebrate the award at their Back-to-School BBQ on August 17, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the CICS Prairie campus located at 11530 South Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60628. Students, families, and the school community will learn more about the grant and hear from Relativity, Chicago International Charter School, and Distinctive Schools team members.
To learn more about CICS Prairie, and the event, visit http://www.cicsprairie.org/.
About Chicago International Charter School
Chicago International Charter School is a vibrant network of diverse Chicago Charter schools which enables students to thrive every day, puts them on a path to success in college and life, and empowers entrepreneurial educators to pursue excellence through innovation.
About Distinctive Schools
Distinctive Schools is 501(c) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools serving kids from traditionally underserved backgrounds. Distinctive Schools’ mission is to serve children and families in urban communities. It provides intensive supports that accelerate achievement, performance, and college-preparedness.
About Relativity
At Relativity, we make e-discovery software to help users organize data, discover the truth, and act on it. Relativity has over 175,000 users in 40+ countries from organizations including the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 70 Fortune 100 companies, and 198 of the Am Law 200. Relativity's cloud solution, RelativityOne, offers all the functionality of Relativity in a secure and comprehensive SaaS product. Relativity has been named one of Chicago's Top Workplaces by the Chicago Tribune for seven consecutive years. Please visit http://www.relativity.com for more information.
