Graduation Celebration Showcases Charter Public School Students

North Lawndale College Prep data provides a snapshot of student success

CHICAGO, June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three high school and two middle school students have been chosen by the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) to represent the charter public school class of 2012 as part of a multimedia Graduation Celebration recognition program (watch video here). The representatives were nominated by their schools and have been featured in a Facebook campaign. Other recognition includes a video and cash prizes ranging from $75 – $200. These outstanding young people are headed to Yale University, Howard University, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The eighth graders are also headed to outstanding high schools.  One middle school graduate from Peoria is set on a career with NASA. Complete profiles of the representatives are available here.

"What happens beyond graduation is the true measure of what charter public schools and their students can accomplish. Thanks to hard work and dedication by all, these Graduation Celebration Representatives are poised for success," says Stacy McAuliffe, Chief Operating Officer for INCS. 

The 2012 Gradation Celebration Representatives are:

Jenna LeSure, Catalyst Howland Campus
Attending Northside College Preparatory High School

Eric Brown, Urban Prep Academy—Englewood Campus
Attending Howard University

Elijah Stepe, Quest Charter Academy, Peoria
Attending Quest Charter High School

Adriana Rodriguez, Noble Street College Prep
Attending Yale University

Steven Calhoun, North Lawndale College Prep
Attending University of Illinois, Champaign

Charter public schools with elementary or high school graduates in Illinois are:

ACE Tech Charter High School
Alain Locke Charter Academy
Amandla Charter School
ASPIRA Charter School
Beardstown Charter Learning Academy
Betty Shabazz International Charter School
Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter School
Cambridge Lakes Charter School
Catalyst Charter Schools
Chicago International Charter School
Chicago Math and Science Academy
Chicago Virtual Charter School
Galapagos Charter School
Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy
Prairie Crossing Charter School
Providence Englewood Charter School
Robertson Charter School
SIU-E East St. Louis Charter School
Springfield Ball Charter School
Tomorrows Builders Charter School
University of Chicago Charter Schools
Urban Prep Academy for Young Men
Young Women's Leadership Charter School
Youth Connection Charter School
Youthbuild Mclean County Charter

Many INCS member schools are experiencing tremendous academic outcomes.  For example, North Lawndale College Prep, a two-campus charter high school serving students on the Westside of Chicago, currently has an 82% college enrollment rate among graduates. Far too many schools focus only on graduation rate, but North Lawndale, like many charter schools in Illinois, is focused on making sure that students get to and through college. "As we strive to make sure that all students have access to a high quality public education, it is appropriate to celebrate every accomplishment of Illinois' charter public school students, teachers, administrators and parents," said Andrew Broy.  

The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) seeks to improve education by establishing and supporting high-quality charter public schools that transform lives and communities. As the voice of Illinois charter public schools, INCS advocates for legislation on behalf of the charter sector, provides support to strengthen charter public schools, and influences education policy for the benefit of all public school students.

For example, North Lawndale College Prep, a two-campus charter high school serving students on the Westside of Chicago, currently has an 82% college enrollment rate among graduates (view data here).

Contacts: Sylvia Ewing
(312) 629-2063 x33
(773) 575-0073
[email protected]
312-755-351

SOURCE Illinois Network of Charter Schools