Urban Education Reform

Gary Comer grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the 1930s. In 1998, he visited his grammar school, Paul Revere Elementary, and found that the school, as well as its surrounding neighborhood, faced many challenges. Comer had a desire to help and began by donating funds for facility and teaching improvements. He continued to invest in Revere to improve the school and its academic performance, the results of which have been dramatic. Comer’s commitment grew, creating additional partnerships to help address challenges in this traditionally underserved area of the city.

Gary Comer Youth Center

Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC) was established in Chicago’s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood in May 2006. The Youth Center's mission is to provide support for all of its students to graduate from high school, prepared to pursue college and careers. Located just one block from Revere Elementary, the Youth Center offers positive extracurricular alternatives in a welcoming and safe environment. Programs within the 80,000 square-foot facility include college readiness, athletics, academic tutoring, performing and visual arts, health and wellness, culinary arts, technology, media and horticulture. The Youth Center draws its primary membership from the immediate neighborhood as well as youth from throughout the South Side. It also serves as the home of the South Shore Drill Team, a group of more than 300 young people who perform unique flag, rifle and dance routines. In addition, the Youth Center hosts numerous special events and activities open to the broader public throughout the year.

Gary Comer College Prep

Gary Comer College Prep (GCCP) opened in August 2008 to its first class of freshmen. The school's vision is to develop well-rounded and successful college graduates based on the Noble Network pillars of scholarship, discipline and honor. GCCP staff members, families, and community partners are committed to insuring high school and college success for all their students. The state-of-the-art high school building, completed in September 2010, operates in conjunction with the adjacent Youth Center. GCCP students also participate in Youth Center programming after school and during the summer.

San Miguel Schools Chicago

In 2002, CSEF presented San Miguel Schools Chicago with a grant to establish the Gary Comer Campus in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. San Miguel Schools Chicago provides an innovative and accessible education for children with both financial and academic needs. The Gary Comer Campus serves 110 students in grades five through eight, as well as 50 high school students through its graduate support program.