The LEARN Benefit Concert and Field Day Boards are teaming up once again to deliver an unforgettable experience, an evening of incredible music followed by a rewarding day of community volunteering.

All proceeds benefit LEARN Charter School Network scholars, supporting access to high-quality music education and a joyful end-of-school-year Field Day celebration.

ABOUT LEARN CHARTER SCHOOL NETWORK

For nearly 25 years, LEARN’s mission has been to provide scholars with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree.

LEARN educates more than 4,000 students at 11 campuses in Chicago, Lake County, and Washington, D.C.

85% of LEARN students are Black and Latino.
75% of LEARN students qualify for free and reduced lunch.
16% of LEARN students have special education needs.

LEARN schools are tuition-free, high-performing, and open to all students. As compared to students at other schools in the communities LEARN serves:

LEARN students are twice as likely to be proficient in reading.
LEARN students are 2.5 times as likely to be proficient in math.

84% of LEARN alumni attend college, three times the rate of their peers in Illinois.

LEARN BENEFIT CONCERT

Founded in 2011 by New Trier graduate Emilia Slujic, the LEARN Benefit Concert has become a powerful tradition of youth leadership and impact. For more than 14 years, students have raised critical funds to ensure LEARN scholars have access to high-quality music education – an investment proven to boost school attendance, engagement, and graduation rates. Last year alone, the concert raised over $75,000, supporting LEARN’s thriving K-6 music program and drumline.

LEARN FIELD DAY

This year, we’re amplifying that impact by pairing the Benefit Concert with LEARN Field Day, a beloved tradition powered by New Trier High School and North Shore Country Day students. Together, these events will bring joy, enrichment, and unforgettable experiences to 400 K-6 LEARN Excel scholars.

Your support makes it all possible. Donations fund:

Bouncy houses and field games
Art supplies and relay activities
Lunch, frozen treats, and branded Field Day water bottles.
Bus transportation so every child can attend.

Please donate and join us for two incredible days of impact and celebration:

LEARN Benefit Concert

Saturday, May 23 at 4:00pm (location to be announced)

Featuring student performances and an exciting raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.

LEARN Field Day

Thursday, June 4 at Fox Meadow Fields Park

A day of games, creativity, and community for LEARN scholars, with volunteer opportunities available. Sign-up here!

By giving or volunteering, you are directly investing in experiences that inspire confidence, creativity, and belonging.

We are grateful to Emilia Suljic and the dedicated student leaders who have carried this legacy forward. Special thanks to this year’s Benefit Concert Co-Chairs – Jorie Collins, Nate Gale, Tessa Gardiner, Jake Porter, and Scarlett Harper – and Field Day Co-Chairs – Nate Gale, Payton Beider, Ilana Styles, Scarlett Harper, and Elle Vanderlaan – for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to LEARN scholars.

Let’s come together to celebrate, uplift, and invest in the future of LEARN students.

LEARN Benefit Concert & Field Day 2026

Supporting LEARN music programs and Field Day since 2011

Team Members