On behalf of the Board of Directors -- and the entire SCN Team, I would like to inform you that we have formally updated our mission statement for the Syrian Community Network. The Syrian Community Network works alongside immigrants and refugees, with care, through needs-based Case Management, Education, and Immigration Services.Our programs and approach to supporting the immigrant and refugee community within Illinois remain steadfast to and anchored to the events, circumstances, and causes that inspired our founding at SCN. There are four key components that we want to bring to your attention:“Works alongside” - This framing was important to us because we always want to recognize the agency and autonomy of the individuals and families that we work with. Our programs and services are not top-down, and our clients are part of the process with every step.“Immigrants and refugees” - Our client community has continued to diversify year to year as new waves of populations make Illinois their home. We worked with individuals from over 30 countries in fiscal year 2024, and we wanted our mission statement to be clear that we support all newcomers, regardless ofwhere they come from, what language they speak, or their status.“With care” - Staff especially wanted to make sure that our mission statement reflected how we work with immigrants and refugees and that we do not do this in a transactional way. While we prioritize cultural and linguistic competencies, we also emphasize the value of relationships, the universality of human dependence on others, and the significance of emotions. This is especially critical for our community who have experienced chronic trauma.“Needs-based” - We wanted to distinguish that our services are geared towards individuals who do nothave the financial means to access programs or services that require a fee. By offering all of ourprograms at no-cost to community members, we are helping alleviate that barrier to support.

Declaration of Values: Our WhyBorn out of the Syrian refugee crisis, Syrian Community Network was founded with the purpose of easing the transition of newly arrived refugees as they acclimate to life in the US. Just as the number of newly arrived refugees has decreased, anti-immigrant, anti-refugee sentiment has grown. SCN strives to continue its founding mission in providing a holistic model of direct service for all those in need — and building community by preserving culture — regardless of religion, ethnicity, immigration status, or sexual orientation. We maintain our original name, not to exclude other groups, but rather to honor the history of those original families who survived their experience to build new lives here in the US.SCN’s values and ethical principles reflect who we are and how we stand as an organization:~ Develop relationships that make a positive difference in our client’s lives. ~Uphold the highest level of integrity in all of our actions and work together as a team to meet the needs of our client’s and the organization. ~Value our clients and encourage their development and determination to potentially lead successful, independent lives. ~Exhibit a strong will to continue to grow as an organization to deliver and serve our community. As a voice of immigrants and refugees, we champion refugee resettlement by dismantling local, national and international resettlement barriers, and stabilizing and procuring support for refugees.

Career Services Consulting: The career services departments are regarded as among the most important resources for students and their families and yet, remain undervalued with less visibility given the focus on outcomes and questions regarding the value of educational investment by families, students and state/federal budgets. Faced with increasing pressures to deliverable measurable results, challenged by decreasing or limited support, and increasing costs, career services and their accompanying departments must continually assess their operations to ensure efficiency, compliance, and fiscally responsible and manageable decision-making while making a strategic and compelling institutional decision for the lifelong career, learning and life trajectories of its students and alumni community.We explore Career Services operations, infrastructure and integration within the fullness of the academic programs and administration of a college or university. We will map market demand for internships and your alumni across all degree programs as well as the cohesiveness of full-time employer engagement. We seek to create innovative and successful career services experiences, management, and administration helping students and alumni achieve their desired career, life and learning outcomes. We will audit the alignment of Career Services to the mission and vision of the institution. And finally, we will offer insights and recommendations following an extensive review of internal and external reporting, data collection, and annual reports.

TSI is a leading consulting firm to help you tackle your most difficult higher education projects and challenges. We are dedicated to helping presidents, provosts, academic deans and senior administrative leadership fulfill their missions to meet institutional objectives and priorities. Deeply grounded in understanding the needs of each college and university, we focus on aligning each institution’s definition of success with actionable recommendations to achieve desired end results. Focusing on defining and improving organizational and operational effectiveness, enhancing the student-and constituent experience, and supporting and managing change initiatives, Transforming Solutions’ customized approach will help you optimize your people, processes, and technologies. Our mission is to serve you, our client, and be your objective thought leader, facilitator, project manager, change agent, and catalyst to create a plan and help bring that change to life. Let TSI discuss a proven and cost-effective approach to help your organization become a better version of itself.

As your students connect and share in our secure virtual community, we bolster metacognitive skills like growth mindset, resilience, and self-regulation, while creating a deep sense of true belonging.With our full suite — an evidence-based virtual community, analytics, and behavior change intervention tools — GetSet guarantees improved retention.Boost your retentionWith a safe, focused, students-only online community, your students will build metacognitive skills like growth mindset, a sense of belonging, self-regulation, and a sense of purpose. All this is wrapped in a familiar and social virtual space that’s customized to fit your institution.Monitor for potential risksWe understand the importance of managing potential health and safety risks. Customize the terms that matter most to you, and then rest assured that you’ll receive instant alerts when we flag and then auto hide problematic posts or comments.Provide new insightsOur reporting gives you both the big picture and the individual student story. Monitor high-level trends like what messages resonate best with your student body, and give your advisors a fresh perspective on their students.Influence student behaviorSupport students who recently failed a class, promote resources like your tutoring center, or even send reminders to meet financial aid deadlines. Our behavioral Intervention Engine, called Influence™, is an optional add on that micro targets your students with stories from relatable, successful peers, creating interventions at scale.

Career Services for Ministry: ”A mission culture of career readiness”To support the transformation of CTU students’ charisms, talents, and aptitudes into fully actualized marketable business and non-profit ministry skills for missionary discipleship. Tentmaking and Ministry – Acts 18:1-4; 20:34-35St. Paul supported his mission working as a tentmaker which required specialized skills. He reports that he worked with Aquila and Priscilla who also were also skilled in the craft of tentmaking. (Acts 18:1-4 )His career skills were integrated into his mission of building the Church. St Paul reports, “You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:34-35)1 Corinthians 12 articulates all the diverse charisms and talents that are inspired by the Holy Spirit. St. Paul explains that everyone has something special to contribute for “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1Cor. 12:7)

Under the general guidance and leadership of the Director of Development, organizes outreach initiatives and services designed to renew, foster and strengthen the relationship between Wolcott College Preparatory High School and its alumni.

Wolcott School is an exemplary college preparatory high school for students with learning differences, tailored to the strengths and aspirations of each student. Employing best practices, our expert faculty is committed to helping each student achieve academically, communicate effectively, and grow socially as well as develop the self-awareness, confidence, and resilience to thrive in college and beyond. As valued members of our intentionally diverse and close-knit community, Wolcott students cultivate their interests and talents and develop a sense of purpose and responsibility to themselves and others.

What is the Upkey Foundation?Student focused – amplify their voicesMission – oriented-create abundant, purposeful evocative career and life trajectoriesResearch Driven – inclusion, diversity, equity and skill basedWhy?We are one world, one people. We invite participation from professionals and young people from across the world to co- create an alliance uplifting young, marginalized people of Chicago and surrounding communities...to support their launch into an exciting and fulfilling career and life.The Upkey Foundation believes change is here and we have the technology, curriculum, mentorship platforms poised and ready to drive systemic change. Delivering immediate results to the students, our communities and our businesses is what we do!We focus our initiatives in three areas:Every member of the Upkey team knows all too well the impact of war, conflict, violence and instability. We have family, friends and colleagues in more than 35+ countries where instability, conflict, violence and war forms part of daily life. The events of the last two weeks remind us that our world is always at war, somewhere. Chicago​We are actively involved in supporting initiatives which build bridges and community among Chicago's diverse residents and new immigrants to ChicagoGlobal Refugees​This year, we will focus on supporting refugees from these countries/regions: Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Central America. Within these countries, we aim to support initiatives that advance the lives of women and girls, accelerate the learning, career and life trajectories of university students and young professional, and the care for the elderly in these communities.Romania​We are dedicated to our initiatives to support teachers in schools as they seek to foster wellness and well-being among their students, especially as they welcome immigrant families with young children.

For over 35 years, from Chicago to his hometown of Philadelphia, Jerry has worked with students from every state, 65+ countries to support and launch their careers and now you can ask Jerry anything.In this collaboration with Jerry, Upkey helps students become ready for the professional world.

Upkey is the world’s first student incubator. An online-learning and knowledge platform that helps students arrive ready for college with a plan for academic and career success as well as personal growth. We work with students to refine their presentation skills as they pursue on-campus jobs, internships, and experiential learning opportunities. We believe deeply in our commitment to students as "they enroll at the college and university of their choice to pursue a career and life of purpose and meaning." To this end, we work with students, their advisers, and career services as they build a plan and design the necessary preparation to launch a career in their professional field of choice. Upkey's interactive and millennial aligned supports student success, confidence, and well-being. Moreover, the Upkey platform supports the strategies and encourages the experiences defined by The Big 6 (Gallup/Purdue) which have been found to improve the retention, placement, and career and professional development outcomes for students, "to, through and beyond" their college and university studies.In support of these aspirations and goals, we strive to make exceptional professional mentoring accessible for all students. Our mission is for a more diverse and inclusive world where every young person realizes their abundant potential, where access meets opportunity.If you share our passion and commitment for diversity, inclusion, and superior educational and experiential learning for all young people, we encourage you to join us. P.S. We are equally pleased and enthusiatic to join you in support of your work

Welcome to Upkey’s Virtual Internship Program (VIP) Application for Fall 2020 is now open!So, who’s eligible?Recent graduates, college students (and high-school seniors) seeking to gain skills in the following topics:Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplaceDesign Thinking: Innovation and CreativityUnderstanding Software as a Service (SaaS)Financial LiteracyMultichannel MarketingBusiness Ethics and Corporate ResponsibilityAgile and Continuous ImprovementLeading in the COVID-19 PandemicRefining Your Voice and StoryBuilding Virtual Social CapitalBuilding Digital AwarenessUnderstanding Social Equity

~ Our Philosophy and Approach: Energizing career trajectories for high school and college/university students and graduates. Connecting communities and individuals to learning, career coaching, and leadership development. Launching and sustaining personal and professional lives that are abundant, purposeful, and evocative. We harness, leverage and invest in the very best of open source, public, private, institutional, and market-driven solutions to prepare and align motivated and mission-driven students for promising careers — ones that are equally compelling and inspired. We work at "small and relevant-scale" for big results.

Doctums Global Where Perspective Meets StrategyDocutums Global is committed to one single purpose, uncovering the potential in your organization. Our global experience spans over 30 years across multiple continents and industries. Our approach is non-formulaic, bringing our full experience to bear across multiple disciplines as we tackle your unique business needs.That is why we recruit highly experienced professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, allowing us to bring diverse ideas and knowledge, as well as specific industry experience and functional expertise to the table.Our methods have been garnered as operators and leaders in large effective organizations, and this is what truly differentiates us. We don't stop at the delivery of recommendations but stay with you as you implement them, helping guide you to success.Higher EducationOur Higher Education practice focuses on ensuring institutions have the right support in a challenging and rapidly evolving landscape. From improving recruitment, retention, and student success to the challenges of managing a continual learner student population, our deep understanding is only matched by our passionate commitment to your mission.StrategyFocused on technology and services companies - from product or service development to go to market, and post-sales support, our experts will help you formulate the right strategy for your unique problem.Operations and GovernanceWhether the requirement is for management of sales, services or support operation or complex interdisciplinary execution of a particular strategic initiative, our team has proven global experience to help you succeed.

Founded in 1869, Chatham University is a fully coed institution with an enrollment of over 2,200 students and over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in our areas of excellence: sustainability; health & wellness; business & communications; and the arts & sciences. Chatham is the alma mater of environmental icon Rachel Carson (Class of '29), and is recognized as a leader in the field of sustainability, having been selected as one of the Top 50 Green Colleges by The Princeton Review; ranked in the top five nationally for sustainability achievements in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS); and mentioned in a 2012 Forbes article as one of the places "contributing to Pittsburgh's transformation into a destination for green living."Building on these accomplishments, Chatham opened in 2014 the world's first fully sustainable campus in higher education, Eden Hall Campus. Consistently ranked as a best college by U.S. News & World Report in the Regional Universities North category, Chatham consists of the School of Health Sciences; the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment; the School of Arts, Science & Business; and the School for Continuing & Professional Studies.

Wisr helps universities build connections to engage alumni and prepare students for careers. We work across departments to provide partners with the education and tools they need to modernize student and alumni engagement.What are HigHER Summits?HIGHER is a series of free professional development summits designed to equip women in higher education administration with the tools, relationships, and confidence to thrive personally and professionally. These one-day experiences take a step towards diversifying leadership in higher education.While women tend to find equal representation in lower-level managerial roles, top positions in higher education leadership fail to represent the movement toward a more diverse and inclusive future. It’s time for that to change.

"Graduating socially responsible practitioners, engaging communities, and advancing social justice."Adler University is dedicated to graduating practitioners who will lead social change and create a more just society, through degree programs, training, and community engagement focused on socially responsible practice.We were founded in 1952 to continue the work of Alfred Adler, a physician, and psychotherapist who emphasized the individual’s need to engage with the community and create positive social impact. He believed that practitioners must advocate for change to create the systems and conditions that promote health and wellbeing. For Adler, equality, civil rights, mutual respect, and the advancement of democracy were core values.Adler’s concepts are the foundation for our mission, work, and curriculum today. We believe that by preparing socially responsible practitioners in fields from psychology and counseling, to public administration and policy, we can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.Our ApproachOur philosophy of graduate education is innovative and immersive: As an Adler University student, you will actively engage with your professional and local communities from the beginning of your degree program.You will collaborate with fellow students and your instructors to analyze and solve real-world social problems. You will deepen your skills across multiple areas of competence: practice, research, teaching, supervising, and more. You will graduate equipped for professional leadership, skilled practice, and lifelong learning in your field.-------Student Success Coach in the Department of Student Experience and Academic AdvisingSamantha Coleman, PhDDirector of Student Experience & Academic AdvisingFaculty, Department of Leadership and Applied PsychologyAdler University Online Campus

Building Community through Diversity and InclusionThe Mission of the Office of Student Access, Success, & Diversity Initiatives (SASDI) is to build and steward sustainable and transformational relationships that support and empower students’ access and success in higher education, while increasing the diversity of the Illinois Institute of Technology community through impactful initiatives, and to embrace the mission and the vision of Illinois Institute of Technology’s strategic plan Many Voices, One Vision. To do so, SASDI will develop collaborative relationships which anticipate the needs of our students and implement with our partners mutually beneficial innovative strategies and solutions. We seek to become a resource and source for great ideas and best practices that are results-oriented, inspiring, and impactful, so that change happens and progress is made. In doing so, SASDI, in collaboration with our colleagues, affirms Illinois Institute of Technology’s role as a leader in Chicago and around the globe in the fields of STEM+ education. SASDI’s Vision:Access: We seek to identify and enhance academic progress and achievement of students through a combination of imaginative and persistent educational approaches of innovative and global learning. We embrace creativity that inspires students to craft dreams to create, initiate, and lead national and global initiatives.Success: We seek to create an innovative educational environment that provides “global learners” endless opportunities to develop and achieve their dreams, inspire generations, and succeed as diverse and culturally competent graduates.Diversity Initiatives: We seek to provide guidance and support to students through cultivating diverse and inclusive programs, policies, and practices that respect the dignity and worth of each individual in an accessible, successful, and diverse environment.

• Provided strategic oversight and policy development to a staff of 20+ admission and financial aid professionals• Developed innovative initiatives in support of recruitment and retention for the Chicago Public Schools, the City Colleges of Chicago (The Presidential Scholarships and FastForward to support significant growth among transfer students), The Chicago Police Fire Scholarship Program, and new programmings such as the Exelon Summer Institute and the Global Leaders Program (formerly the IIT Boeing Scholars). International enrollment strategies and initiatives included an accelerated Green Track program, the Visiting Scholars program, and the St. Lucian Visionaries initiative to build a pipeline of STEM students from the Caribbean, and the Brazil Scientific Mobility program with the Institute of International Education among others.