Since its 1980 inception, the purpose of PEP has been to divert the anger, frustration, and negative attitudes of the youth in the Cabrini-Green Near North area into positive learning experiences and constructive activities. PEP has maintained its focus and has expanded to provide for the demographic changes surrounding the original community boundaries. Our participants benefit from a mix of personal attention, education, collaborations, technology, and recreation that has contributed to the growth of the program. Ninety percent of the PEP families and youth make less than 50% of the area’s median income. We proudly celebrated our 26th anniversary this past June!

PEP’s founders conceived Project Education Plus during the 1980 Chicago Public School teacher’s strike after seeing a need for a regimented, innovative program with continuity. In the beginning, PEP operated an eight-week summer program and a basketball team. In the new century, we have redirected our energies to six programs while focusing on community needs.


STAFF -
Executive Director:  Vince Carter
Administrative Assistant:  Michael Horton
Office Manager:  Lynette Smith

PROGRAMS AND COMMITTEES -
Senior Citizens Program:  Maryann Donlon, Lynette Smith
SMART Programs:  Karoline Sharp
After School Program:  Lynette Smith, Venecia Smith
Scholarship Program:  Larry Lisack, Bernard McCune
Demons Basketball Program:  Michael Horton, Marvin Williams
Financial:  Teddi Olson, Larry Lisack, Charles Hogren
Technology:  David Gates
Special Events:  Mary Czerwionka, Andrea McNeal, Louise Torres
Recreational Events:  Fil Torres, Vince Carter

BOARD MEMBERS -
  President: Teddi Olson                    Vince Carter
  Vice President: David Gates           Mary Czwerwionka
  Secretary: Louise Torres                Bernard McCune
  Treasurer: Larry Lisack                   Andrea McNeal
  Maryann Donlon                               Karoline Sharp
  Charles V. Hogren                            Lynette Smith
  Phil Torres, Sr.

  Advisory Board -
  Yvonne Alford                                  Ora Jones
  Gus Anderson                                  Craig Nash
  Robert Boone                                   Pam Oliver
  Paul Camp                                       Jesse White
  Sha Hopson                                     Juanita Zimmerman
  Michael Horton


  To contact a board member, click on the person's name.


To download our brochure, click here.