Today, Chicago native Chance the Rapper announced his donation of $1 million to Chicago Public Schools during a press conference held at Westcott Elementary School. This announcement comes after Chance met with Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner Friday to discuss CPS funding. Back in December, Rauner vetoed a bill for $215 million in funding for CPS. Although CPS has implemented mandatory unpaid furlough days for CPS teachers and cancelled various professional development opportunities for staff, there is still a budget deficit of $129 million.
In addition to the $1 million, Chance is also donating $10,000 to Westcott Elementary and nine other CPS schools yet to be announced. Chance has put a link on his website for fans to donate to CPS as well. For every $100,000 donated, Chance’s organization Social Works Chicago will donate $10,000 to the CPS school of their choosing.
During the press conference, Chance said he was in contact with other Chicago celebrities about securing additional funding and donations. Here’s a list of who some of those celebrities might be.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama – Mrs. Obama attended CPS’s Whitney Young High School. Her estimated net worth is $11.8 million, but she also just signed a joint book deal with Former President Barack Obama for $65 million. She thanked Chance for giving back to Chicago in a tweet posted Monday evening.
Thanks @chancetherapper for giving back to the Chicago community, which gave us so much. You are an example of the power of arts education.— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) March 6, 2017
Common –Although Common graduated from a private school- Luther High School South, his mother, Dr. Mahalia Hines, was a CPS teacher and principal for 35 years. His estimated net worth is $35 million. He had a call scheduled with Chance on Monday evening.
R. Kelly – R. Kelly graduated from CPS’s Kenwood Academy. His estimated net worth is $150 million.
Derrick Rose – D. Rose, who donated $1 million to CPS after school programs back in 2014, graduated from CPS’s Simeon Career Academy. His estimated net worth is $115 million.
Jennifer Hudson – Jennifer graduated from CPS’s Dunbar Vocational Career Academy. Her estimated net worth is $20 million.
Dwyane Wade – D. Wade attended Harold Richards High School in Oak Lawn. His estimated net worth is $115 million.
Kanye West – Kanye graduated from Polaris High School in Oak Lawn. He has earned $243 million since 2004, and has an estimated net worth is $78 million.
With such a powerful list, should we expect more announcements in the coming days? This former teacher and CPS student hopes so.