Global Experiences Create Local Leaders
Urban Initiatives’ mission is to use the power of sport and play to empower Chicago’s youth to achieve academic success, develop social-emotional skills, and build social capital.
Why International Travel?
International travel fosters understanding and celebrates diversity. Urban Initiatives believes that travel should be accessible to all. We acknowledge that socio-economic status and personal identities often create unjust barriers that make it difficult for youth from under-served communities to access travel.
In conjunction with our core programs, we are actively seeking ways to dismantle social and racial inequalities. We believe that formally incorporating international travel into our high school curriculum supports these efforts.
The French Connection
France has been a longtime partner of the US. Chicago, in particular, has benefited from both business and civic engagement. From the gardens of Grant Park modeled after the gardens of Paris, to the impact French companies have had on the infrastructure of our Chicago transit system, the influence of France can clearly be seen in the city of Chicago.
For 20 years, Sport dans la Ville has been France's leading non-profit serving disadvantaged youth through sports and job-readiness training. We are proud to partner with them for our annual exchange programs and support their mission!
