PEOPLE PLACES PERSPECTIVES
floChicago is a youth development organization that amplifies students’ leadership potential and civic engagement through exposure to diverse people, places and perspectives. floChicago provides transformational experiences that build social capital and create equitable opportunities to inspire students’ personal and professional trajectories.
Our Purpose
floChicago builds social capital for students by connecting them to people and opportunities that will propel them along their leadership journey.
Chicago is one of the most segregated cities in the United States with many youth lacking exposure to neighborhoods and people beyond those in their immediate community. By developing leaders who have an appreciation for and understanding of the diverse perspectives that make up the city at large, we are ensuring our future leaders will have what it takes to build a better Chicago.
By the Numbers
5
Years Old
135
hours of programming during the year as a floFellow
76
unique high schools represented by floFellows and floAlumni
158
Students Served
Are you ready to grow with the flo?
Imagine this: A morning visit to the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization to hear about efforts to stop industrial pollution and create a healthier community. A mid-morning stop at the Cook County Department of Corrections at 26th and California to discuss the prison epidemic, followed by lunch with Chef Bruno Abate to discuss how he teaches inmates skills that will help them to get jobs in the foodservice industry post-incarceration. An afternoon visit with Mayor Lightfoot. Dinner and downtime exploring Bronzeville’s Boxville Marketplace. A fireside chat at the University of Chicago with John Rogers Jr., CEO of Ariel Investments, discussing diversity and inclusion in Chicago’s corporate community.
In one day, one week, one year, floFellows have the opportunity to visit multiple neighborhoods, to hear from a range of Chicago leaders about topics ranging from finance to philanthropy, and, most importantly, experience it all with a group of unique peer leaders from all corners of the city.