Reflecting on an Inspiring Evening: OUR 2026 Annual Benefit Event

On May 8, 2026, supporters, educators, alumni, students, and community leaders gathered for Teach For America Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana’s 2026 Annual Benefit Event—an evening rooted in hope, possibility, and our shared commitment to educational equity.

Together, we celebrated the power of collective leadership and the transformational impact that becomes possible when communities come together on behalf of children.

Throughout the evening, guests heard stories that reminded us why this work matters. One story in particular—Jose’s journey from student, to tutor, to teacher, and beyond—captured the heart of our mission. His experience reflects what we know to be true: when students are supported and empowered, they become the leaders who strengthen their communities for generations to come.

Across Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, our focus remains clear: building and connecting a leadership network that makes an excellent education possible for every child. While classrooms are our entry point, this work has always extended far beyond any single classroom. It is about developing leaders who create lasting impact across schools, systems, and communities.

That vision comes to life through initiatives like Teach For America’s Ignite Tutoring Fellowship. Ignite represents what’s possible when innovation and purpose intersect—providing students with individualized instructional support while simultaneously cultivating the next generation of leaders in education. Through Ignite, tutors gain meaningful experience serving students, and students receive the academic support and encouragement they need to thrive.

Because of the extraordinary generosity of our community, we are proud to share that we raised more than $1.8 million in connection with this year’s benefit event. These funds will directly fuel the leadership development, innovation, and talent pipeline needed to reimagine what’s possible in education across our region.

Every contribution supports the next generation of Teach For America leaders: Ignite tutors, educators, advocates, and systems changers working every day to create more equitable opportunities for students.

As we look ahead, we are energized to continue this momentum at Teach For America’s National 35th Anniversary Summit, taking place October 2–3, 2026, in Las Vegas. This national gathering will bring together changemakers from across the country to honor our collective impact, reflect on the work ahead, and celebrate the movement continuing to shape the future of education.

To everyone who joined us last Friday: thank you. Your presence, partnership, and belief in this mission sustain and inspire our work every day.

From all of us at Teach For America Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana, thank you for standing alongside us as we continue building a future where every child has access to an excellent education and the opportunity to fulfill their limitless potential.

We are deeply grateful to the individuals, foundations, and organizations whose support helped make this year’s event possible, including:

Abbott, Balyasny Asset Management, Bartlit Beck LLP, CIBC, GCM Grosvenor, Harris Family Foundation, ITW, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Latham & Watkins LLP, Microsoft Corporation, PwC, Pritzker Traubert Foundation, Reynolds Family Foundation, Steans Family Foundation, and many more generous supporters and community champions.