October 13, 2010
Students make a difference in North Chicago schools
Lake Forest College is now in the second year of an inspiring collaboration with the Gorter Family Foundation to help achieve broad, long-term community improvements in nearby North Chicago.
The collaboration, called the North Chicago Community Partners (NCCP), is working in and with North Chicago public schools, and has already produced valuable results.
Students, faculty, and staff have helped out at several elementary schools on a variety of different projects including after-school tutoring, coaching, organizing recreational programs, forming an after-school chorus group, and serving appreciation lunches to teachers and staff. They’ve also helped with maintenance such as painting hallways and doors.
“It’s a great experience to help in the community and also to be able to work on team building with other RAs,” commented Resident Assistant Ben Jaehning ’12.
In addition, the College hosts programs and invites the North Chicago students to campus. Elementary students participate in science demonstrations, attend classroom presentations, and girls are invited to attend the National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The College campus also hosted the “I Have a Dream” program for the students several weeks this summer.
Senior Jonathan Sricharmorn, who is helping to bring an after school chorus program to Forrestal Elementary School, says, “The NCCP allows us the wonderful opportunity to share our love for music with students in North Chicago. As an elementary education major, the ability to work with students in a musical atmosphere provides a hands-on experience that will strengthen my qualifications as a future teacher. Not only will the students learn and have fun during the program, but they will also have the chance to shine outside of the classroom.”
The Gorter Family Foundation is led by Jim Gorter, life trustee of the College; David Gorter ’80, current trustee; and other family members. A new campus coordinating committee is being chaired by Marcus Dawson, assistant director of the Gates Center for Leadership and Personal Growth; other committee members include Rand Smith, Lou Lombardi, Jackie Slaats, Tamlyn Tills, Chris Waugh, and Jennie Larsen. The committee meets monthly with the NCCP leadership team.