The Carole Robertson Center for Learning

The Carole Robertson Center for Learning was proud to travel to Springfield yesterday for Early Childhood Advocacy Day (ECAD)! Together with hundreds of early childhood advocates, our staff championed policies and vital investments that help children and families thrive.

As we celebrate the Center’s 50th year, we remain committed to empowering families and amplifying the collective voice of our communities. Together, we continue to advocate for equitable access to the public resources every child and family deserves.

We’re proud to celebrate Melanie Suggs, Center alumna and this year’s Carole Robertson Memorial Scholarship recipient. The award was presented at our E3 Gala by last year's scholarship winner, Eden Morales.

The scholarship honors our namesake, Carole Robertson, and supports Center alumni pursuing higher education.

Melanie truly embodies the Center’s values of hope and perseverance and is a powerful example of what can happen when young people are supported and given the opportunity to thrive.

Congratulations, Melanie! We can’t wait to see all that you'll accomplish in the years ahead. 🎉❤

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in support of children, youth, and families.

This was our largest and most meaningful gala yet—an extraordinary moment in our yearlong 50th anniversary celebration. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in support of children, youth and families.

Together, we exceeded last night’s fundraising goal of $100,000—an incredible reflection of this community’s generosity and belief in our mission.

For 50 years, this community has helped us educate, enrich and empower. What we celebrated together is more than a milestone—it is a shared commitment to the future and to every child and family we serve.

Thank you for being part of such a joyful and impactful evening—and for strengthening our mission.

We look forward to more opportunities to be with you during this very special year.

Stay tuned for more highlights from last night's E3 Gala!

Happy National Apprenticeship Week!

Our TransformED apprenticeship model builds careers and strengthens early childhood education—right in the communities we serve. We’re creating pathways to education, careers, and opportunity while ensuring children learn from high-quality educators.

In 1976 (50 years ago!), community members on Chicago’s West Side came together to save a beloved after-school program. Their determination to protect a vital resource for youth and working families led to what is now the Carole Robertson Center for Learning.

During Afterschool Professionals Week, we celebrated the people who continue that legacy.

Each year, our Youth Development program serves 600 young people 5–17 across North Lawndale, Little Village, and Albany Park. And what makes it powerful is this: it’s not school—and that’s the point.

Here, youth experience:

⭐Creative learning without high-stakes testing
⭐Exploration without grades
⭐Relationships that turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth

While young people are learning and thriving, something bigger is happening:

⭐ Parents are able to work, attend school, or pursue job training
⭐ Employers experience fewer disruptions
⭐Families maintain economic stability

Thank you, Raising Illinois, for shining a light on our incredible staff during National Home Visiting Week. We’re so proud to see Shahida Shamshuddin recognized for the compassion and dedication she brings to families every day.

Shahida’s commitment to building strong relationships and uplifting parents reflects the heart of our mission. We’re grateful for her impact and for this meaningful recognition of the vital role home visitors play in strengthening families and communities.

This National Home Visiting Week, we're shining the spotlight on our Illinois Home Visitors! Meet Shadida Shamshuddin:

"My favorite thing about home visiting is building meaningful relationships with families and watching their confidence grow. It’s incredibly rewarding to see parents recognize their own strengths and to witness children reach milestones. Being part of those small, everyday successes makes a big impact."

Learn more about Shadida: https://bit.ly/4mH5u1t

Thank you to all of our sponsors, especially our presenting sponsor, the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, for helping make our 50th anniversary celebration possible. 💙

Your belief in this work fuels everything we do, from strengthening our programs to ensuring long-term impact. Our work would not be possible without your continued support.

Whether you can join us or not, we hope you will consider making a donation to help ensure the next 50 years of impact.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more.

This week we celebrated Tasty Tuesday as part of NAEYC's Week of the Young Child! 🍓🍴

What do food activities teach young children?

a. New vocabulary
b. Exposure to new textures and sensations
c. Independent exploration
d. All of the above

Let us know in a comment below!

Happy Music Monday! 🎶

Week of the Young Child has officially kicked off! Tap the link in our bio to see how the Center is celebrating and how you can join in with themed activities each day this week.

Music is more than singing and dancing, it’s a powerful tool to enhance language and literacy skills, encourage self-expression, and spark creativity.

We have so much planned and can’t wait to share it with you!