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Invest in Great Lakes Academy and Our Scholars
At Great Lakes Academy, we believe a scholar’s zip code should never determine the quality of their education. Founded in 2014 with a singular vision, GLA set out to provide a high-quality public elementary education for scholars in the South Shore, South Chicago, and the broader Southeast Side of Chicago. Because of supporters like you, we have turned this vision into reality—demonstrating educational equity in action by equipping our scholars with the resources they need to lead choice-filled lives. But our success is only as strong as our community of supporters. An investment in Great Lakes Academy is an investment in educational equity, in bright futures, and in the limitless potential of our scholars. We hope you’ll be inspired to make a donation today.
Support Great Lakes Academy Today
Donate to our GLA Opportunity Fund to support our mission.
This Giving Tuesday, support the GLA Opportunity Fund. Your contribution can help with:
- GLA Alumni Association: Assisting our first graduating class with last-minute college expenses, books, and scholarships.
- GLA Family Hardships: Many of our families experience hardships that traditional school budgets do not cover. Your support helps ensure they have essentials such as clothing, housing, food, and transportation.
- General Operating Costs: Supporting the daily operations that keep GLA running strong and serving our students.
8th Grade Annual Trip Fund
Your donation will support our 8th graders' annual trip in May!
College Prep from Kindergarten
Rigorous Academics
At the heart of GLA’s mission is a belief that a rigorous focus on academic development is the key to our Scholars long term success. We’ve driven improvement by honing in scaffolded, rigorous curriculum that drives results; data driven, highly individualized instruction; a deep investment in teachers through professional development.
Holistic Learning Experiences
Since our founding, we have sought to foster critical thinking and problem solving skills with our scholars. We are investing in this priority through: Enrichment opportunities before & after school; summer programming; and learning experiences during the day, giving scholars access to a variety of opportunities to grow and discover their passions.
Character & Culture
Our Scholars have a diverse set of needs in terms of both classroom learning and social and emotional development. We invest deeply in social/emotional support because trauma or environmental stressors prevent scholars from focusing on their academics. To support SEL, we have committed to additional social work supports; calm & responsive classroom techniques; and instruction of BE GREAT core values.
Additional Ways To Give
Check
Please mail checks to Great Lakes Academy Charter School P.O. Box 497789, Chicago, IL 60649.
Wire Transfer
To make a wire transfer, contact Finance Manager Akeem Cherry at acherry@glachicago.org for more information.
Stock Transfer
To make a stock transfer, contact contact Finance Manager Akeem Cherry at acherry@glachicago.org for more information.
In-Kind Donations
In-kind gifts provide the resources and equipment GLA needs to push our mission forward. Contact Executive Director Ebonie Durham at edurham@glachicago.org to learn how your in-kind gift can make a difference for our scholars.
Employee Giving/Matching Gifts
Increase the impact of your gift to GLA through a matching gift. Contact your employer for more information and reach out to Executive Director Ebonie Durham at edurham@glachicago.org.