Big Shoulders Fund

05/13/2026

Give Back Days are about more than just beautifying a school. They represent the joy and sense of community that a beautiful learning environment can provide for students. Principal Veriner James of St. Sabina Academy, a Big Shoulders Fund 𝘗𝘭𝘶𝘴 school, explains how this happens as she thanks volunteers for their hard work during our April Give Back Day.

Join us at our next Give Back Day on Saturday, June 13 at St. Philip Neri (2110 E. 72nd Street) from 9 am - noon. The more volunteers, the greater the impact! RSVP today: https://enroll.fillout.com/t/q5P5fzDes1us?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Big+Shoulders+Fund&utm_campaign=publer

05/07/2026

Students from two Big Shoulders Fund 𝘗𝘭𝘶𝘴 schools, Our Lady of Tepeyac High School and St. Francis de Sales High School, recently visited Encore Global to explore careers in event management and AV technology. Students heard from those working in the industry, toured the facility, and put their AV skills to the test.

Thank you, Encore Global, for creating such an inspiring opportunity for our students!

05/07/2026

We're ready to kick off the start of summer and the Big Shoulders Fund Ball planning season!

Join us and our Next Generation Boards on Thursday, June 4 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm for our Big Shoulders Fund Ball Kickoff at Recess (838 W. Kinzie St)! We are excited to celebrate this year’s Ball theme, “40 Years of Impact, 20 Years of Growth: A Future in Bloom”, which will honor our legacy while looking ahead to the bright future we’re building together.

Socialize with other Big Shoulders Fund supporters and purchase tickets at a discount. RSVP today: https://updates.bigshouldersfund.org/26BallKickOff?c_src=FB&utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Big+Shoulders+Fund&utm_campaign=publer

05/06/2026

Congratulations to Leo High School Principal, Shaka Rawls, on receiving the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership! This prestigious award is given to Illinois principals annually out of nearly 100 nominees. As a graduate of Leo High School, Shaka returned to Leo in Auburn Gresham in 2016 with a goal of fostering meaningful connections with students, their families, and the community at large. Under his leadership, seniors at this Big Shoulders Fund 𝘗𝘭𝘶𝘴 school have a 100% college acceptance rate.

Click to read more on Shaka's Golden Apple Award celebration:

Shaka Rawls has a deep connection with the school he leads in Auburn Gresham because he graduated from there in 1993. “When I look at every student in this building I see me,” he said.

05/06/2026

05/04/2026

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, help us thank the educators who work with the nearly 25,000 students in our network of schools! We appreciate and celebrate your incredible work and dedication.

04/30/2026

Thank you to the over 80 generous supporters who ordered from Lou Malnati's in Lincoln Square last week for making our Teen Board fundraiser a success! 20% of sales from the day will go towards Big Shoulders Fund's mission. Thank you for investing in our students' futures!

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

04/29/2026