DAY CARE CENTER
Head Start/Early Head Start
KIDS' EVENTS/DAY CAMPS
CDF Freedom School
TUTORING OR LEARNING CENTER
Project Ready
The Springfield Urban League has been on the forefront of locally developed innovative services for 98 years, since its founding in 1926. It was recognized this year by the National Urban League as the "Small Market Affiliate of the Year," with SUL president and CEO Marcus Johnson accepting the honor at the NUL's national conference.
Johnson has been with the Springfield Urban League for 10 years and its president since 2021. Earlier this year, he was one of 25 Illinoisans selected for the prestigious Erikson Institute's Executive Fellows Program.
It is not surprising that with such solid leadership, the Springfield Urban League was recognized in three categories for the Best of Springfield 2024.
The SUL's Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide free early child care to more than 200 children, from birth to age 5, in Sangamon and Morgan counties. These programs support school readiness and family engagement through services that include social, cognitive and emotional development. Families receive transportation, health screenings and meals, addressing the holistic needs of children and families. These programs ensure that children are ready for school and future learning while supporting family stability through comprehensive services.
By focusing on the critical early years, these programs create a nurturing environment that sets children up for long-term success and empowers parents through active engagement. Additionally, they serve as a training ground for early childhood educators, offering opportunities to earn a Child Development Associate credential and pursue careers in early childhood education.
For students from kindergarten through eighth grade, SUL's Freedom School offers summer enrichment focusing on academic enrichment, civic engagement and family involvement. It also provides internships for high school and college students.
The Freedom School program addresses the summer learning gap by offering culturally relevant and enriching academic activities. It helps prevent summer learning loss while fostering leadership skills, community involvement and a love of learning. The program's focus on family engagement and mentorship ensures that students build strong connections with their community and educators. Freedom School helps children grow academically and socially, preparing them for success in the upcoming school year.
For high schoolers, Project Ready supports students in grades 9-12 as they prepare for post-secondary education and careers, focusing on academic development, social skills and cultural awareness. Project Ready helps students from underserved communities navigate the transition from high school to college or the workforce by offering targeted academic and social support. Its curriculum includes college readiness activities, leadership development and tours of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. By building confidence and skills, Project Ready ensures that students have the resources they need to achieve their educational and career goals, addressing disparities and opening pathways to success.
