Useful links

Department of Education GEAR UP Site

Illinois Board of Education

Serving Over 12,000 Chicago Area Students

Read the Northeastern Illinois University Press Release from Nov 1999.

A Rally to Beat all Rallies
GEAR UP Takes a Giant Leap
November 1999

More than 1,500 children in Chicago public schools participated in a Kids at Hope Rally that was funded and supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicago to officially kick-off the Chicago GEAR UP Alliance. The fifth and sixth grade children attended the rally on November 18th which was held in conjunction with a press conference at Northeastern Illinois University's physical education complex.
During the rally, children received a Kids at Hope report card which focuses on their talents and potential. Teachers or mentors will "grade" the children on their unique talents and encourage the students to use their talents in future career choices.

The Kids at Hope belief system reverses the "kids at risk" paradigm which focuses on negative influences of growing up in high risk environments, said Larry Kosanovich, president of the local McDonald's owner group and chairman of Chicago and Northwest Indiana chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). "Kids at Hope draws attention to a child's strengths and potential and provides the proper support and encouragement for future success."

The event officially launched Kids at Hope Communities in Chicago in association with the Chicago GEAR UP Alliance.
Teryl ann Rosch, executive director of the Chicago Education Alliance, said, "by establishing Kids at Hope Communities in Chicago, the Chicago GEAR UP Alliance will intentionally support student aspirations for achievement. The program is a wonderful way to let children know we value their special talents, such as being helpful or showing leadership."

The Kids at Hope program was created in 1997 by Rick Miller, a former president and director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of metropolitan Phoenix. RHMC awards grants to local not-for-profit organizations that help "lift children and families to a better tomorrow," and provides support to Ronald McDonald Houses. Locally, since 1987, the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana chapter of RMHC has given out over $6.7 million to 329 local organizations.