Image: Bethany Mollenkof / For The Times
Chance the Rapper ’s New Chance Fund has committed $500,000 to career-connected learning at five Chicago high schools, giving each campus $100,000 to spend over three years. Since launching in 2017, the wider programme has supported 55 schools and reached more than 27,000 students, funding everything from arts spaces and computer science to educational travel. The announcement came in 2025, at Simeon Career Academy, where Chance the Rapper made a surprise visit to students in the school’s summer barbering and cosmetology programme, according to SocialWorks. His second studio album, Star Line, had been released on 15 August. Many hope to open their own shops one day. Image: Robyn Beck/AFP SocialWorks said the grants, supported by the charity and a network of philanthropic partners, have created 30 new or renovated career-connected learning and arts spaces. They have also brought in programming from more than 40 community organisations and sent nearly 300 students on out-of-state educational trips. Its count covers 51 recipient schools and more than $5.1 million in investment. It counted 55 schools, more than $5.2 million and 39 renovated or outfitted learning spaces.
CBS News Chicago reported that the rapper took the auditorium stage to thunderous applause.
Students in the barbering course told the broadcaster they enjoy the work, with one describing it as an art form and another praising a room where nobody is judged, and everyone is there to improve. Chance the Rapper said in the announcement that creating positive change in children’s lives “is our duty”, adding that it does not happen passively. He said the fund’s continued work helps students shape their own futures by finding real routes from the classroom into meaningful careers. Macquline King, who leads Chicago Public Schools, said the funding does more than pay for equipment. Justin Cunningham, co-executive director of SocialWorks, said the partnership shows what is possible when community and philanthropy unite, and he invited other supporters to help open more pathways. Chance the Rapper told CBS News Chicago it is “important for everybody to give back”, whoever they are and wherever they come from.
The grants flow through SocialWorks, his nonprofit organisation, in partnership with the philanthropic arm of Chicago Public Schools, and target skills such as barbering, culinary arts, carpentry and digital media. The fourth round turns the focus to practical, industry-aligned pathways from the classroom into real careers. A product of Chicago’s public schools and an alumnus of Jones College Prep, he chose a neighbourhood high school for the occasion. He aimed to encourage young people curious about the skilled trades. He had come not to promote his new record but to present a cheque through his charity. Chicago Public Schools gave a slightly higher tally in a letter to staff and families the following day. In her view, it nurtures confidence and creativity and lets students picture themselves in the careers they want, with the tools to get there. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.
How five Chicago high schools will spend $100,000 each on equipment, internships and industry links
Each school drew up its own spending plan, covering everything from classroom equipment and industry-aligned field trips to internships, guest speakers and skill-building workshops. The shared goal is to build stronger bridges between lessons and the world of work. Dunbar Vocational Career Academy will direct its share towards equipment and resources for architecture, automotive body repair, broadcasting, cosmetology, culinary arts and health science, alongside industry partnerships and career events. Dyett High School for the Arts will widen postsecondary exposure for students and upgrade its digital media lab and its recording and podcast studio. Manley Career Academy will invest in equipment, supplies, field trips and hands-on training for culinary arts students. Prosser Career Academy plans to expand internships and career exploration for carpentry students and others in career and technical education, develop an integrated curriculum and help students earn industry-recognised certifications. At Simeon, the money will buy new styling chairs, upgraded workstations and other essential materials for the barbering and cosmetology programmes. The fund has changed its theme with every round. The first cohort concentrated on the arts and wider access to creative expression. The second backed computer science, building schools’ capacity for digital initiatives. The third paired advanced literacy with cultural immersion through travel, including college tours and field trips. Career-connected learning is the focus of the fourth.