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Springboard to Success
Investing in the Power of Potential
Since 2014, Springboard to Success (S2S) has enhanced the vital work of the Chicago Housing Authority’s Resident Services by augmenting current programming. S2S supports a robust college access pipeline by funding programs and events that bridge gaps and reduce barriers to get CHA youth to and through college and into professional careers.
S2S supports students on their journey to and through college and into a career. Education is a research proven pathway out of poverty that leads to a higher lifetime earning potential.
Learn More About S2S
MISSION
Springboard to Success (S2S) supports programs and partners that propel the Chicago Housing Authority’s youngest residents on their pathways to academic success, economic stability and independence.
VISION
Youth currently living in CHA households achieve housing stability as an adult without the requirement of a housing subsidy.
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PURPOSE
S2S supports programs and partners that propel CHA residents on their pathways to academic success, economic stability, and independence. We do this in the following ways:
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Fund and enhance programs that support Chicago Housing Authority youth and the development of 21st Century Learning Skills needed to achieve success in college, career, and life.
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Fund and enhance the Chicago Housing Authority Resident Scholarship Program.
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Leverage Springboard to Success' network of local nonprofit partners to help Chicago Housing Authority youth get to and through college. These organizations help us to identify CHA youth in their programs and connect them to S2S scholarships and services.
Heroes Among Us
Suit up for success.
May 14th, 2026
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Venue Six10
610 S Michigan Ave
Chicago IL 60605
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Each year, heroes from across the city assemble for a night of connection, celebration, and cocktails—all in support of young people growing up in Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) communities. The Springboard to Success (S2S) Annual Cocktail Fundraiser isn’t just an event—it’s a call to action. Suit up, raise a glass, and join us to help the next generation discover their own extraordinary potential.
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This year’s theme, Heroes Among Us, celebrates the everyday champions who uplift and invest in CHA youth—educators, mentors, partners, and supporters. But most importantly, it highlights the truth at the heart of our mission: CHA youth are superheroes. Fueled by resilience, determination, and the power of potential, they are writing their own origin stories as they pursue higher education, meaningful careers, and independent futures.​​​​
Board of Directors
Ken Malone
Founding Chair​
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Laurinda Dodgen
Board Chair
Molina Healthcare
Lauren Hooberman​
Vice Chair
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
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Jason Carter
Board Secretary
College Possible
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​Bethany Beaver
Saul Ewing LLP
Sarah Custer
Chicago Community Trust
Tonika Davenport
Metropolitian Family Services
​Michele Anderson-Fitzgerald
Northwestern Medicine
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Kentae Elem
Baker Tilly
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​Mary Howard
Chicago Housing Authority
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Chyanne Husar
HUSarchitecture
Diane Knoepke
Northwestern University
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Lisa Lee-Herbert
TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health at the University of Chicago
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Angela Parker
Ryan's Cleaning Services Inc
Clayton Pryor
Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.
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Taaj Reaves
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Angelina Romero
Cook County Assessor's Office
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Jo Anna Takla
Devbridge, a Cognizant Company 
S2S Video 2019 FINAL
