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Flexible Schedule
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Virtual Opportunity
Chicago Education Advocacy Cooperative (ChiEAC) ChiEAC is a community-rooted nonprofit devoted to building educational equity and justice for racialized and minoritized students and families. Through data, organizing, and advocacy, we uplift community voices that are too often silenced in Chicago’s educational systems. ChiEAC Data Science Alliance ChiEAC’s Data Science Alliance connects emerging professionals in Data Analytics, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and AI/ML with hands-on, impact-driven projects. This is your opportunity to develop your technical skill set, build your professional portfolio, and create real change-all while being mentored by equity-driven educators, researchers, and technologists. 8 Key Areas of Opportunity 1️⃣ Survey Design & Research Development Collaborate on identifying topics that matter most to racialized and minoritized communities. Design culturally responsive, community-driven survey instruments using best practices in inclusive methodology. 2️⃣ Data Collection & Field Strategy Support digital and grassroots distribution through online platforms, in-person outreach, and partner networks. Monitor and optimize response rates, ensuring ethical data handling and privacy protections. 3️⃣ Data Analysis & Visualization Use tools like Python, R, SPSS, Excel, or Tableau to clean, analyze, and extract actionable insights. Create compelling data visualizations and reports for stakeholders and community leaders. 4️⃣ Community Engagement & Storytelling Present findings to educators, advocates, and families in community settings. Help translate data into meaningful action through storytelling, infographics, and policy recommendations. 5️⃣ App Development & UX/UI Engineering Contribute to or lead development of mobile/web apps for data collection, mental health tracking, or community resource sharing. Collaborate on user-friendly dashboards and digital tools to make complex data accessible to families and frontline workers. 6️⃣ Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Advise and implement strategies to protect sensitive community data and promote privacy-aware design. Help build trust with our communities by upholding the highest standards in ethical tech practices. 7️⃣ AI & Machine Learning Explore machine learning models that analyze open-ended community feedback or identify trends in educational access. Use natural language processing (NLP) or sentiment analysis tools to understand student and parent perspectives. 8️⃣ Predictive Analytics & Early Warning Tools Develop predictive models to proactively identify high-risk scenarios and connect students/families to resources. Support intervention strategies based on data-driven forecasts and simulations. Why This Role Matters Co-lead a mission-aligned, portfolio-ready project with deep community impact. Access mentorship and professional development tailored to students and early-career professionals of color. Join a network of Black and Latina/o scholars, activists, and data scientists working for justice. Gain references, recommendations, and career-launching experiences in the public interest tech space. Ideal Candidate We’re looking for motivated, values-driven volunteers with any of the following: Background or interest in data science, education equity, or community advocacy Coursework or experience in statistics, programming, machine learning, or cybersecurity Proficiency (or eagerness to learn) tools like Python, R, SPSS, Tableau, SQL, React, or Figma Ability to communicate across differences and work with integrity in community spaces Commitment to using data to tell stories that move people to action Time Commitment 20-25 hours/week Flexible scheduling; hybrid/remote work available OPT option How to Apply Interested in volunteering? Click here to schedule a time to talk with our Executive Director, Benjamin (Dr. D) Drury here https://calendly.com/chieac/socialchange We welcome emerging leaders who want to build, create, analyze, and inspire alongside us. Build Tools for Justice Whether you're coding an app, visualizing trends, analyzing text, or building predictive models-you’re helping create pathways for students and families to thrive.
Date Posted: 2025-05-13
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Flexible Schedule
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Virtual Opportunity
Chicago Education Advocacy Cooperative (ChiEAC) started in 2020 with the goal of connecting racialized and minoritized students to pathways to upward social mobility through education. Today, we continue our mission with an emphasis on our Revolutionary Student Sponsorship program. We recognize the pathway to upward social mobility is substantially more complicated with more obstacles for racialized and minoritized students. We sponsor largely Black and Latina/o students in Chicago as they seek their version of the American Dream. To qualify for sponsorship, students need to be enrolled in some form of educaitonal programming with the goal of using that education to link to more opportunities. All students are assessed by our Executive Director, Dr. Benjamin M. Drury, and then connected to either one of our partner organizations or to one of our advocates. After placement, our promise to the students we serve is we willcontinue to follow up until we are no longer needed. Entry Level Grant Writer We are seeking to build a team of rising grant writers to identify funding opportunities, create compelling requests for these opportunities to fund our programming, and organize the reporting we need in order to remain in compliance with granting organizations. We will work with you to build your skills so that you can help our organization while levelling up your porfolio. Overview Researches and identifies new government, corporate, foundation and private funding prospects to match ChiEAC priorities Generates high-quality proposals, narratives, applications and supporting documents in response to solicitations consistent with all policies and procedures of ChiEAC, and the requirements and guidelines of the funding agencies Maintains primary responsibility for grant schedules and tracking grants Works with appropriate personnel to research, develop, write and submit letters of inquiry, concept papers and grant proposals Serves as a liaison to all funding agencies and organizations from RFP to final reporting Required Skills and Education Possess at least an Associates Degree level of education Bring little to no grant writing experience, preferably with an education focus Developing professional writing and verbal skills MUST BE highly organized with the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes Proficiency in research, interpreting, and analyzing diverse data *HUGE PLUS* Strong foundational computer skills (Microsoft Office Word, Access, PowerPoint and Excel) Motivated self-starter, works well collaboratively and independently with purpose Preferred Education, Skills and Abilities Master’s degree 3 to 5 years of experience as a successful grant writer Previous grant budget development and management A proven record of securing major grants with certifiable references Knowledge of grant application process, scoring criteria and funding cycles Previous federal grant application, submission, approval and management of fund QUESTIONS? Please direct them to benjamin@chieac.org
Date Posted: 2025-05-11
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Flexible Schedule
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Chicago, IL 60637
On-Site Volunteer Role Community Impact Advocate Are you a college student in Chicago looking to make a real impact in your community? Join us as a Community Impact Advocate, where you’ll be at the heart of meaningful initiatives that empower underserved communities. What You’ll Do Engage directly with local youth and families, providing mentorship, academic support, and resource navigation. Assist in organizing community-driven events, workshops, and advocacy programs that promote education, mental wellness, and social equity. Serve as a liaison between community members and essential services, ensuring that those in need have access to critical resources. Develop leadership skills while collaborating with a passionate team dedicated to transformative change in Chicago. Why You? You’re passionate about equity, education, and community-driven solutions. You thrive in hands-on, dynamic environments where no two days are the same. You want to build professional experience while making a direct impact. The Experience As a Community Impact Advocate, you’ll be leading, learning, and shaping a stronger future for Chicago. This opportunity is perfect for students seeking experience in advocacy, education, social work, or nonprofit leadership. Commitment Flexible hours with opportunities for both short-term and long-term involvement. Location Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois Schedule time to talk here: https://calendly.com/chieac/socialchange
Date Posted: 2025-05-11
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Flexible Schedule
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Virtual Opportunity
ELEVATE Summer Fellowship Program The ELEVATE Summer Fellowship Program, hosted by the Chicago Education Advocacy Cooperative (ChiEAC), is a transformative, hands-on leadership opportunity designed specifically for college students who are ready to grow, lead, and contribute to real community change. This is not your typical internship or volunteer experience. It is a space where your ideas are welcomed, your work is valued, and your leadership is cultivated. Over the course of six weeks, ELEVATE Fellows take on meaningful roles that go beyond observation or assistance.You will be given the freedom to lead, problem solve, collaborate, and explore your interests while contributing to projects that directly serve under-resourced communities in Chicago. Choose Your Project. Own Your Impact. One of the most exciting features of the ELEVATE Fellowship is the opportunity to select from eight distinct projects, each designed to help you explore your strengths and develop new skills. Whether you are drawn to nonprofit management, creative design, data collection, cultural programming, or environmental sustainability, there is a role for you. These projects are not simulations. You will be responsible for carrying out meaningful work that ChiEAC depends on to serve youth and families throughout the city. Fellows are treated as respected contributors. You will receive ongoing mentorship, space to take creative risks, and time for reflection and growth. Here are the eight project tracks you can choose from: Clothing Closet Coordinator As the Clothing Closet Coordinator, you will take the lead in organizing and distributing donated clothing to youth and families in need. You will sort, inventory, and manage seasonal items while also coordinating pop-up donation events in collaboration with local partners. This project is a great fit for students interested in nonprofit logistics, community service, retail management, or fashion sustainability. You will walk away with real experience in operations and community outreach. Book Drive Organizer In this role, you will organize book donations to help promote literacy in underserved communities. Responsibilities include managing donation sites, sorting books by age and genre, and assisting with community literacy events. This is ideal for students who care deeply about education, love reading, or are interested in event coordination and youth development. You will help spark a love of learning in young readers and support equitable access to literacy. Cultural Exchange Facilitator As a Cultural Exchange Facilitator, you will help build inclusive, welcoming spaces where newly arrived families and local youth can connect and learn from one another. You will help plan and host events that may feature storytelling, shared meals, language exchanges, and cross-cultural games. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in global studies, education, languages, or immigration and refugee issues. You will gain real experience in intercultural communication and community building. Green Space Coordinator If you enjoy working outdoors and have a passion for environmental justice, this role offers hands-on experience in maintaining ChiEAC’s community gardens and outdoor wellness spaces. You will plant, weed, water, and care for garden areas used by families and youth. You may also help plan educational events that teach sustainability practices. This project is ideal for students interested in environmental science, health and wellness, or public service. You will leave with a deeper understanding of ecological stewardship and urban sustainability. Wellness Kit Coordinator This project allows you to make a direct impact on family wellness. You will assemble and distribute wellness kits that include hygiene products, snacks, school supplies, and comfort items. You will organize supplies, manage inventory, and support distribution at community events. This project is well suited for students interested in healthcare, public health, social work, or service logistics. It offers an opportunity to support community wellness while building planning and coordination skills. Grant Support Aide If you are interested in writing, policy, or nonprofit management, this behind-the-scenes role gives you insight into how organizations like ChiEAC secure funding to sustain their programs. As a Grant Support Aide, you will assist with researching funding opportunities, reviewing funder criteria, organizing materials, and helping to prepare components of grant proposals. This is a valuable opportunity to develop professional writing, research, and strategy skills in a real nonprofit setting. Creative Media Intern Use your creative skills to tell powerful stories and help spread awareness of ChiEAC’s mission. You will design visual and digital content for social media, flyers, video reels, and community campaigns. Fellows in this role will work on projects that elevate the voices of those we serve while strengthening the organization’s outreach. This project is ideal for students studying communications, digital arts, film, graphic design, or marketing. You will finish the summer with portfolio-ready work and real experience in mission-driven media production. Youth Program Survey Collector This project puts you at the intersection of community research and program evaluation. As a Youth Program Survey Collector, you will help gather feedback from students and families about ChiEAC programs. You will assist with survey distribution, data entry, and identifying key trends through analysis. This role is ideal for students interested in sociology, psychology, education, or research. It offers a meaningful way to shape programming through community voice and data-informed decision making. Program Benefits Every ELEVATE Fellow receives the following: A Certificate of Completion Verified community service hours A personalized Letter of Recommendation for future academic or career use A $250 stipend A share of 6.7 percent of all funds raised during the program, divided evenly among the eight fellows This is a powerful opportunity to build your resume, deepen your civic engagement, and walk away with tangible accomplishments. Fellows are also invited to join future ChiEAC projects and initiatives as volunteers, interns, or collaborators. How to Apply To apply for the ELEVATE Summer Fellowship Program, please submit the following materials: A one-page resume A one-page cover letter explaining your interest in the fellowship and identifying your preferred project (you may list a second-choice role if desired) Your cover letter should feel personal and conversational. We want to hear your voice and learn what excites you. Tell us why this project speaks to your passions, how it connects to your experiences or future goals, and what you hope to learn. If you are applying for the Creative Media Intern role, you are encouraged to include a link to your digital portfolio. You may also share your LinkedIn profile if available. Email your materials directly to: Dr. Benjamin Mercer Drury benjamin@chieac.org Subject line: ELEVATE Fellowship Application - [Your Full Name] Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and selected candidates will be contacted for a brief interview.
Date Posted: 2025-05-11
