Embarc

Yesterday, our staff had our final gathering. Thank you to our incredible experience partner for hosting us one last time to break bread together and be in community. We are so grateful for your support and wonderful partnership over the years.

From the Embarc staff: we are heartbroken over the closure of an organization that has impacted countless members of our community and became a family. For many of us, this was our dream job. Embarc has changed us all for the better, and we are carrying with us the moments of joy, growth, and strength we’ve been apart of over the last 16 years, and most importantly, the community and relationships we’ve built together.

Thank you to our students and educators for your trust, kindness, and dedication. Thank you to our partners for expanding what community can look like. To our supporters, thank you for your generosity and for believing in this mission.

Embarc On 🖤

We are heartbroken to announce our closure at the end of May. We are so grateful for the countless memories, connections, relationships, and experiences we've had over the last 16 years. The community we've built together is more than we could've ever dreamed of, and the impact of this important work lives on through you.

Thank you for being apart of the Embarc family ❤️

[Due to our closure, we will not be actively monitoring this account for comments or direct messages after May 2026. If you need to reach us, please send an email to [email protected]].

Here at Embarc, we've been reflecting on the moments where students have felt seen, found their voices, and knew they belonged. One of these moments happened with Roberto Clemente Community Academy when an Embarc teacher decided to meet her students where they are—in this case, by using her students' love of pop culture to design an opportunity for them to open up and share their ideas.

In the fashion of the YouTube show Hot Ones, students interviewed one another about their goals, purpose, and hopes for the future while sampling increasingly hot sauces as the conversation deepened.

This opportunity allowed students to come out of their shells, reflect honestly, connect through shared experiences, and build trust.

We know Embarc’s programming transforms education for the better because we see it happen in classrooms like this every single day.

Will you help us continue that impact? Donate today: embarcchicago.org/donate

For 16 years, Embarc students have built confidence, found their voices, and expanded what feels possible for their futures through relationships, new experiences, and community-building.

Right now, Embarc is on track to close if we do not raise $500,000 by May 26th to continue supporting our students.

Every pledge shows that what we built together matters, so let's keep it going.

Pledge today: embarcchicago.org/donate

📸: Christina Noel Photography

People are stepping up.

Help us keep this momentum going.
→ Donate: embarcchicago.org/donate
→ Share our story

Check out what our Chief Programming Officer Amy has to say about the impact of on our classrooms in this episode of with Annalies Corbin.

Want to learn more and support us in sustaining our mission? See here: embarcchicago.org/donate

Embarc creates moments of connection that stay with students long after the experience ends.

At a Chicago Tech Academy Friendsgiving hosted through Embarc, students cooked together, shared a meal, and reflected on community. One student shared:

“You can share a great meal with people that aren’t family, but you can feel like family in that moment.”

Now, Embarc is at risk of closing. Without $500,000 in pledges by May 26, programming will end after this school year.

Help us keep these experiences alive. Pledge your donation today: embarcchicago.org/donate

Grateful for your partnership and support New Trier High School!

AUCTION ENDS TOMORROW!

The Graduating Class Team of 2027 is auctioning off two VIP parking spots at Byline Bank in Winnetka for the 2026-2027 academic year. All proceeds will be donated to the Class of 2027's service project partner, Embarc - an organization dedicated to expanding educational and career opportunities for Chicago Public School students through immersive learning experiences.

BID HERE: https://auction.biddingforgood.com/auction/341841315

Countless connections made, opportunities explored, and classrooms transformed.

Our impact only starts with these numbers. Support Embarc in keeping our mission alive and pledge your donation today: embarcchicago.org/donate

📸: Christina Noel Photography