EDUCATION

We help churches and other organizations adopt schools to remove the barriers that disrupt a quality education for Chicago students. We envision a thriving school culture and rich academic experience at all Chicago-land schools.

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The Struggles Facing Chicago's Youth

A Generation in Need: Rising Absenteeism, Mental Health Challenges, and Concerning Trends Impact the Well-being of Chicago’s Youth

4 out of 10 CPS students are chronically absent.

50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14.

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among children aged 10-14.

With Prevention Programs

9

%

of youth stay on track or improve parental trust

%

less likely to be arrested for violent crimes

%

of program participants enroll in post-secondary education or enter the workforce

What We Do — and How You Can Be Involved

Mentorship Program

We equip community mentors to provide SEL (Social Emotional Learning)-based mentoring for Chicago youth.

Love Your School Collective

We help churches and communities-based organizations partner with their local schools to support holistic development of students.

Our education work is taking place is 100 schools

100+ tutors and mentors are involved

3,000+ students impacted through our programs

Calling Faith Partners

Churches and faith communities play a vital role in shaping the future. Discover how you can partner with schools and make a lasting impact on Chicago’s youth.

Damien Howards on Education Goals, Impact, and Innovation

News

Upcoming Events

Hands Across Chicago 2025

Standing together in united prayer and action for peace in Chicago — including Love Your School activities

Race Against Gun Violence 2025

Join us for the Race Against Gun Violence on June 5th as we walk together to support Love Your School and help create safer, more supportive schools.

Our Partner Schools

View TC Education Locations in a full screen map

Resources

TC Education Impact Report

LYS Partnership Flyer

LYS Graphic

Partnership Pipeline

School Action Plan

Our Team

Director of Education Initiatives

Damien Howard

Damien Howard is an educator with 12 years of experience, primarily with Chicago Public Schools. He cares deeply about Urban Education Reform. Damien teaches character development and life skills to help students thrive in all aspects of their lives.  His current work targets schools on the South and West sides of Chicago.

Damien graduated from the University of Illinois (05′) with a degree in Special Education. Damien received his M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (10′). Damien is married to Sharial and Gabrielle is their daughter.

Education Programs Specialist

Dr. Deborah Umrani

Deborah Um’rani is a native Chicagoan. She is the mother of Annisah (an attorney in Washington, D.C.) and Khalil (an investment banker in Atlanta) and the wife of Rashad for 38 years. She served at the University of Illinois as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Education. For 17 years, she led the pipeline initiatives for the Urban Health Program as the Visiting Director of Undergraduate Programs and Assessment and as the Director of the Early Outreach Program. Dr. Um’rani has designed, implemented and evaluated pipeline initiatives and educational and enrichment programs for underserved youth to prepare them for careers in S.T.E.M. disciplines. Annually, she provided academic and student support services to over 800 students who attend elementary school, high school, college, and graduate and professional degree programs. She has been very successful in supporting a cadre of talented African-American, Latino and Native American students and increasing their persistence in S.T.E.M. disciplines and careers in the health sciences. Over the years, Um’rani has expanded the minds and increased the options, while broadening the horizons of Chicago residents. She has been an incredible nexus for providing curricular options and co-curricular research, internship and volunteer opportunities throughout Cook County.

Phillips High School Site Manager

Kemberly Addison

Ellis Park Site Manager

Charles George

Prayer & Mobilization Coordinator

Kimberly Harshman

Kimberly Harshman did her Pastoral studies at Global University with Assemblies of God. After nearly 20 years in youth and children’s ministry, she felt a call on her life to make prayer and intercession her full time occupation. She participated in an internship with International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC), where she later went on staff as a full time Intercessor in the 24/7 Global Prayer Room. As an overflow of that prayer, she worked as the Prayer Coordinator for the anti-human trafficking organization, Exodus Cry. She coordinated global prayer watches for the ending of human trafficking and managed the Human Trafficking Museum.

Kimberly has brought her passion for prayer to Together Chicago by mobilizing Prayer Partners to pray for the Five Focus Areas of Together Chicago. Each week she gathers the Leadership Team’s prayer needs and emails them out to our Prayer Partners. She also leads the Together Chicago Prayer Partners Prayer Zoom two days a week.

Kimberly leads an initiative called Love Your School Prayer Corners, where Prayer Champions are signing up all over the city and suburbs to adopt a school in their neighborhood where they go and pray each week for students, teachers and staff. As an overflow of her prayer for the youth in our city, she helps lead our Intervention Connection Team, to provide resources and direction to youth who have been involved in gun violence and crime.

Support Kimberly’s Prayer Ministry

Hope Excel Academy Site Manager

Chrystal Kyles

Education Outreach Manager and Social Media Coordinator

Ar’Monii Price

Ar’Monii Price graduated in 2023 from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Sociology and Spanish, complemented by a minor in Social Entrepreneurship. During her college years, Ar’Monii developed a profound interest in social justice, focusing on improving educational, socioeconomic, and criminal justice outcomes for Black individuals in underserved urban communities. Concurrently, she also cultivated a passion for spiritual growth and helping others deepen their faith.

Seeking to merge her passions for social justice and ministry, Ar’Monii pursued opportunities aligned with these goals after graduation. She discovered Together Chicago through a mutual connection, and began contributing to Education Initiatives as the Education Outreach Manager and to the organization as Social Media Coordinator. At Together Chicago, she finds fulfillment in applying her skills and knowledge to advance causes she cares deeply about.

Currently, Ar’Monii is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Moody Theological Seminary, furthering her preparation for impactful leadership in both social justice advocacy and ministry.

Harlan High School Site Manager

Krystal Toney

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