The SCORESheet, September 2021
A SCHOOL YEAR LIKE NO OTHER
America SCORES Chicago released its 2020-21 Impact Report on Sept. 1. For more than 20 years, SCORES has worked to inspire youth in Chicago’s most under resourced neighborhoods to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world through after school and summer programming that combines soccer, poetry, and service-learning. The report outlines SCORES’ impact in the community and highlights from the past school year, despite the ongoing challenges faced due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The 2020-21 Impact Report is available HERE.
KPMG SECURES SECOND STRAIGHT TITLE AT SCORES CUP 2021
Despite scorching hot field temperatures, the team representing KPMG successfully defended its crown to capture its second straight title at the 2021 SCORES Cup, held on Saturday, Aug. 28 at the CIBC Fire Pitch. The event serves as a fundraiser for SCORES’ Literacy In Action Program and this year generated more than $30,000 of support for youth living in Chicago’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. The SCORES Cup, with a field of nearly 150 players, was made possible thanks to the support and sponsorship provided by KPMG, Abbvie, DICK’S Sporting Goods, William Blair, Fresenius Kabi, Societe Generale, CVS Health, and Moelis & Co. Every organization that enters the tournament supports a full year of SCORES programming for a team of poet-athletes at one of its partner schools.
Video Highlights | Event Recap | Photo Gallery
SCORES KICKS OFF FALL PROGRAMMING
With students back in classrooms across Chicago, America SCORES Chicago is ready for its slate of fall programming. Following the annual Pre-Season Coaches Training that brought together writing and soccer coaches from across its partner schools, staff and coaches are set to begin Literacy In Action programming this fall. With the energy that comes from the beginning of a new school year, SCORES is excited to work in 15 schools across Garfield Park, North Lawndale, Little Village, Pilsen, Back of the Yards, and Chicago Lawn. This fall, we are excited to welcome back 13 partner and 21CCLC sites and add new schools LEARN Excel and Jungman Public School to the SCORES family. In total, we anticipate 26 elementary teams and 18 middle school teams. As the safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance, SCORES will follow the guidelines of Chicago Public Schools and other partners in the return to classrooms and field.
CELEBRATING HISPANIC/LATINO/LATINX HERITAGE
With a program participant base that is 52-percent Hispanic/Latinx and a staff that includes eight members of the same heritage, it’s safe to say that Hispanic and Latinx pride runs deep through the veins of America SCORES Chicago. In recognition of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15), SCORES is excited to celebrate the culture, history, impact, and contributions of our community whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Be sure to follow us on social media as we continue to highlight the amazing work of our Hispanic/Latinx communities during this month-long celebration.
ANGIE MIMS
What would you say, you do here?
I am the Resource Coordinator at LEARN 8 and I also work on the program development and communications side for the organization.
Where do you call home?
A couple different places but Chicago is home!
Who do you cheer for?
I am a Golden Warriors fan, Bulls fan, and I also enjoy watching the Spurs.
What is your favorite quote?
My grandmother always said, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.”
Where are you bringing a tourist in Chicago?
Pre-Covid, I would suggest a boat ride in downtown Chicago because it’s a great way to see the city and have some good food. I always love to bring my guests and my family on a boat ride when they’re in the city. Walking around downtown Chicago is always amazing, and I love Gibsons and Houston’s.
What do you listen to on your commute?
I am a woman of faith so I listen to sermons and motivational speeches - I love anything that can stimulate your mind. I’m always thinking, “How can I be better?” So I love something that is mentally stimulating in the morning and on my way home.
What brought you to SCORES and what do you like most about your role?
A man by the name of Kwanzaa Hamilton actually introduced me to SCORES. He approached because he thought that I would be a great writing teacher and great coach, and I was like, “What, really?” I coached for a couple of seasons and we won a couple of championships, and during those seasons, I saw the jubilation and was able to explore social entrepreneurship with the kids. I realized I loved working with them! Specifically with SCORES, I love the diversity of programming. Initially it was just soccer and writing, and now it’s so many things: basketball, cheerleading, rugby, GED programming, lacrosse, cooking - there’s just a plethora of options.
What are you looking forward to in the upcoming school year?
I’m looking forward to getting the GED program for the parents of LEARN 8 students up and running in the community. I think that has a rippling effect in a positive way in terms of who we serve in our community, and the GED program is pivotal in us going in an upward direction. We’re still in a pandemic, trying to navigate and figure out how to give our students these great programs and how to be safe. Last year, I really liked the high school testing preparation we had as well as our basketball program. The high school placement test preparation had unique challenges, like trying to get people enrolled and getting parents on board, but it was worth it. We also had a French class that was very successful. LEARN 8 serves Black and Brown communities, primarily Black, and it was great to provide them another language option other than Spanish. It was a learning experience for me and it was amazing to see so many students - particularly boys - participate. I’m looking forward to a lot more great programs like these in the upcoming year.
What else would you like to highlight about your work with SCORES?
I really enjoy trying to figure out ways to get SCORES more exposure through the media. I’m always on the phone, talking with others, highlighting our programs, and getting that ball rolling - which has been really exciting.
LEARN 8 MIDDLE SCHOOL
For this month’s School Spotlight, America SCORES Chicago looks to the city’s West Side and LEARN 8 Middle School. Located in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, SCORES has had a presence at LEARN’s Herro Family Campus (3021 W Carroll Ave) since the 2014-15 school year when it started 3rd-5th grade programming. The relationship with LEARN is a testament to the power of teachers and educators doing the grassroots work to put students first. Building on connections to aforementioned passionate individuals such as Qiana Earley and Kwanzaa Hamilton, who first championed SCORES programming on campus, LEARN is an example of how relationships and impact grow within a community. Today, LEARN 8 is a 21st Century Community Learning Center site where, to go along with Literacy In Action Programming, programs such as cooking, math enrichment, basketball, French, cheerleading, hip-hop dance and GED prep are offered.