The Digital Divide

In 2021, the Chairmen’s Advisory Council came together to launch “Addressing the Digital Divide”, a pilot campaign that helped bridge the gap between those with access to high quality information and communications technology and those without. The Digital Divide was further exacerbated by challenges in delivering rigorous education to students in the remote learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CAC’s initial campaign consisted of 12 teams that brought together 270 supporters, raised $119,000 for five of the highest-need Big Shoulders Fund schools, and ensured that 100% of network schools achieved one-to-one student-device ratios, a critical need during and post-pandemic. 

Three years later, it is time to step up to support schools in upgrading their technology infrastructure so that educators can continue shaping the optimal learning environments for these deserving scholars. While our schools received an influx of technology during the pandemic, the need for this campaign continues as we seek to maintain and upgrade equipment, provide robust network infrastructure, and secure devices for new students. By improving access to technology, the Big Shoulders Fund network will connect dreams and build brighter futures by providing students the resources to succeed inside and outside of the classroom.

Big Shoulders Fund

Big Shoulders Fund is an independent charitable organization that serves schools with demonstrated need, which provide a quality, values-based education for Chicago’s children, thereby contributing to stronger communities.

Since Big Shoulders Fund’s inception in 1986, it has invested more than $600 million into its network of schools and students. Over time, it has evolved its approach from being a scholarship granting organization to better responding to the constantly changing needs of students, schools, and their communities. Today it serves a network of 92 schools and nearly 25,000 students—80 percent identify as a person of color and nearly 70 percent live at or below the poverty line—annually.

One hundred percent of funds currently raised support four major areas – scholarships and enrichment, operational improvements, academic programs, and leadership development– with the goal of not just strengthening schools, but whole communities, and preparing students for life-long success.

This holistic array of programs and resources, provided to schools in a consultative manner, reaches students at critical stages of their development, from their earliest days in the classroom to the high school transition, to college admission and beyond. In addition, when schools receive support in these vital areas, they are empowered to significantly improve business practices, drive academic growth and achievement, and create structures that ensure timely student graduation and matriculation into quality high schools and/or colleges. Big Shoulders Fund scholars continue to reach exceptional milestones: more than 97% of students graduate high school, 80% of graduating scholars enroll in college, and alumni graduate from college, volunteer, find careers, and vote at rates higher than their peers.

Big Shoulders Fund has received four- star ratings from Charity Navigator for more than 17 consecutive years– fewer than one percent of charities achieve this. Learn more at bigshouldersfund.org.

Chairmen's Advisory Council

The Chairmen’s Advisory Council (CAC) is a group of mid-level professionals who are committed to advancing Big Shoulders Fund’s work and cultivating the next generation of leadership. CAC members accomplish this through volunteerism in schools and on committees, outreach to the community and their networks, fundraising, and more. The CAC provides thousands of hours of service in our schools ever year and has raised nearly $500,000/ year to help advance the Big Shoulders Fund mission. The CAC is the next generation of Big Shoulders Fund leaders who are ensuring we are the Big Shoulders carrying a child’s dreams.

The Digital Divide

A Big Shoulders Fund Chairmen's Advisory Council Campaign!

Team Leaderboard

Team Members