Chance The Rapper's SocialWorks Organization Has Raised $2.2 Million for Chicago Public Schools' Arts Program

By Cate Meighan Sep 03, 2017 04:15 PM EDT

Rather than becoming consumed by his newfound fame over the last few years, Chance the Rapper has instead been giving back to the Chicago community that raised him. Chance's SocialWorks organization gave away 30,000 backpacks to students at last month's Bud Billiken Parade and as it turns out, that was only the beginning. He recently announced that a $2.2 million dollar fund will be dispensed to Chicago Public Schools' art and music programs, a move that ensures that creative kids will have an opportunity to continue learning in these specialized fields.

"Quality education for public schools is the most important investment a community can make, so today, all of us at SocialWorks are excited to take our biggest, boldest step yet and announce our first-ever grants from the New Chance Fund. Today we're giving a new chance to kids in 20 more schools across our city." the rapper said at Chicago's Harold Washington Cultural Center, just a few days before the school year officially begins in the cities public schools.

The donations will be spread equally among the district, with each school receiving $100,000 over a period of three years. Chance the Rapper also announced the first-ever Twilight Awards, which will honor "teachers, parents, principles, and students that convey leadership." The event, which will be hosted by James Corden, is slated to take place in June 2018.

So many school districts across the country are buckling to funding issues, feeling that they have no option other than to slash arts programs. It's fantastic to see artists like Chance stepping up and stepping in to help save these programs that are so vital to so many kids. Instances like this make you realize the kind of difference that one well-place person with resources can make.