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 providing educational, technological, and recreational programs that focus on the community's needs.


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

BOARD COMMITTEES -
Finance:  Teddi Olson, Charles Hogren
Technology/Website:  David Gates,  Karoline Sharp,  Lynette Smith
Special Events:  Mary Czerwionka, Andrea McNeal, Louise Torres
Recreational Events:  Phil Torres
Development:  Vince Carter,  Michael Horton
Alumni:  Bernard McCune,  David Gates,  Michael Horton

PROGRAM COMMITTEES -
Senior Citizens Program:  Maryann Donlon, Lynette Smith
SMART Programs:  Karoline Sharp
After School Program:  Joe Rumenapp, Kaitlyn Isaia
Scholarship Program:  Larry Lisack, Bernard McCune
Chicago Demons Basketball:Vince Carter,  Michael Horton

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

  Advisory Board -
  Yvonne Alford                                  Mary Connors
  Gus Andersson                                Sha Hopson
  Robert Boone                                  Ora Jones
  Chet Brewer                                    Cyrus Monley
  Derrick Brewer                                 Craig Nash
  Latochia Brewer                               Jesse White
  Paul Camp                                       Juanita Zimmerman


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


To download our brochure, click here.