By Marvin Garcia
Sustainable Community Schools expand to three in Humboldt Park
Chicago Public Schools is expanding its Sustainable Community Schools initiative to 51 schools in 2026–27, with plans to reach 70 schools. The initiative helps schools become community hubs by providing academic and after-school programs, family engagement, social-emotional supports, and community partnerships. The long-term goal is to strengthen schools by bringing educators, families, and community organizations together to support students and their neighborhoods. Below are short highlights of Cameron, Yates, and Roberto Clemente Community Academy, three Sustainable Community Schools serving the Humboldt Park community.
Wellness Leaders Program at Cameron Elementary
Cameron Elementary School, in partnership with Blocks Together and program leader Troy Withers, is implementing the Wellness Leaders Program, a schoolwide mindfulness initiative engaging students, teachers, parents, staff, and administrators. Through co-regulation, mindfulness, somatic practices, trauma-responsive yoga, qigong, and other evidence-based techniques, the program helps strengthen self-regulation and create a healthier, more supportive and trauma-responsive school community.
Richard Yates Elementary Expands Student Engagement
Through Community School Programming
Richard Yates Elementary School continues to provide strong community-school programming, with 137 students participating in 84 programs during 2025–2026. Students received an average of 44.9 hours of programming per week, while overall program reached 69.75%. Additionally, students participating in CSI/SCS programming achieved an 89.2% daily school attendance rate, demonstrating the program’s role in supporting student engagement and connection to school.
Roberto Clemente Community Academy Awarded a
Sustainable Community Schools Grant
Roberto Clemente Community Academy’s new Sustainable Community Schools grant provides an opportunity to strengthen programs that support students and families. The school can build on five key areas: college and career readiness, student wellness and mental health, after-school enrichment, family and community engagement, and academic enrichment and student leadership, creating expanded opportunities for students while strengthening Clemente as a community-centered school.
