Jumpstart

Roosevelt University has long tradition of social justice going back to the Civil Rights Movement. The Center for Arts Innovation and Leadership (CAIL) is an interdisciplinary creative incubator of the Chicago College of Performing Arts committed to cultivating social-justice-centered collaborative spaces for students, faculty, staff, and community partners making innovative, progressive, and profound changes in the arts.

SHIFT: Youth is a non-profit organization that has been providing intensive musical training in the community of Greater Englewood in Chicago since 2015. Looking to maximize our impact we will be focusing on large scale projects and community partnerships. We are excited to partner with CAIL on a new project launching in the spring of 2023 called Jumpstart.

Jumpstart is a mentorship program that provides guidance and support for young musicians from underresourced communities as they prepare for college. Undergraduate mentors from CAIL provide guidance and support for mentees who receive advice on a number of topics including auditions, applications, scholarships, summer camps, in addition to musical instruction.

A gap currently exists for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds when transitioning into secondary education. By supporting students at this crucial time we can make an important impact - Jumpstart's mentees will have firsthand experiences helping inform their college path. With support from our mentors and staff we can help them succeed as they make this important transition.

https://www.roosevelt.edu/centers/arts-leadership

https://www.shiftyouth.org