Project OneTen

Today, we’re celebrating Adrian.

Over the years, Adrian has touched nearly every part of Project OneTen. From strengthening our data and impact work to building systems, managing partnerships, supporting our programs, and helping us grow from a small organization with a big vision into a stronger and more sophisticated one, his fingerprints are all over this work.

But beyond what he built, Adrian has been a steady presence for our students, families, volunteers, and team. He believed deeply in what Project OneTen could become and consistently stepped in wherever he was needed to help us get there.

Adrian, thank you for growing alongside us, challenging us to be better, and giving so much of yourself to this organization and our young people. Project OneTen is stronger because of your leadership, and your impact will remain part of our story for years to come. ✊🏾💙

While Project OneTen’s in-person programming is paused this school year, we’re excited to partner with Reach Pathways to bring our Emerging Leaders freshman success curriculum to more students through an asynchronous experience.

This partnership allows us to continue doing what has always been at the heart of our mission: helping young people successfully navigate the critical transition into high school, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive.

We’re grateful to REACH Pathways for helping us expand the reach of this work and ensure our curriculum continues to impact students during this next chapter.

More to come. ✊🏾

Today, we’re pausing to celebrate Kayswanna McCoy, our Emerging Leaders Program Manager. 👏🏾

From the moment she joined our team, Kayswanna brought an incredible energy and commitment to our students. Whether she was leading a workshop, checking in with a student, supporting a family, or simply making sure young people felt seen and cared for, she showed up with intention.

This work has always been about relationships, and Kayswanna helped make Project OneTen feel like community. Our students knew they had someone rooting for them, holding them accountable, and reminding them of what they were capable of.

Kayswanna, thank you for the love, energy, and care you’ve given our young people and our team. Project OneTen is better because you were part of it, and we’re grateful for everything you’ve contributed to our story.

The love we’ve experienced over the past few days has been overwhelming in the very best way. 💙

To everyone who has called, texted, emailed, or reached out with encouragement, thank you. Your support has been a powerful reminder that Project OneTen has always been more than a program. It’s a community united by a belief in the brilliance and potential of Chicago’s young people.

A special thank you to Erica Adams Design for highlighting our work earlier this week at the WNBA HomeCourt event. Opportunities like these remind us just how many people are invested in our success.

In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll share all the ways you can help us build what’s next!

For seven years, Project OneTen has had the privilege of walking alongside nearly 700 boys of color as they navigated one of the most important transitions of their lives, starting high school.

Today, we're sharing an important update about the future of our organization.

Beginning this September, Project OneTen will enter a strategic pause. This decision was incredibly difficult, but it reflects our commitment to protecting the quality of our work and building a stronger, more sustainable organization for the young leaders we serve.

While our programs are pausing, our mission is not. Over the next year, we'll focus on strengthening our foundation, deepening partnerships, and preparing for the next chapter of Project OneTen.

We invite you to read the full letter from our Board of Directors to learn more about this decision, why we made it, and where we're headed next.

Read the full letter here - https://mailchi.mp/projectoneten/letter-from-board-next-steps

To every student, family, volunteer, partner, donor, and friend who has been part of this journey, thank you. Your belief in this work has changed lives, and we hope you'll continue walking alongside us as we build what's next. 💙

What a year it’s been!

Earlier this month, we celebrated our Cohort 6 students at our annual End-of-Year Celebration. Together, we reflected on a year of growth, heard heartfelt affirmations from our coaches, celebrated student achievements, and connected our young people with new opportunities and organizations as they continue their high school journeys.

We are so proud of this group and all they’ve accomplished during their freshman year.

Cohort 6, you were truly one for the books. We can’t wait to see what you do next. 💙🎉

Tonight’s the night! ☀️

We’re already halfway to our $75,000 goal, and with your support, we can get even closer.

Whether it’s $25, $100, or whatever you’re able to give, every gift helps create more opportunities for boys and young men of color to thrive.

Let’s finish strong. Make your gift today and be part of the impact. ✊🏾

Donate today at https://onecau.se/_m6vka1

We can hardly believe it, our Summer Soirée Fundraiser is TOMORROW, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Together we will raise $75,000 all impacting the lives of boys and young men of color! ✊🏾

A huge thank you to our Summer Soirée sponsors for investing in the future of Chicago’s young leaders. Your support helps make this event, and our work throughout the year, possible.

With just a few days until our annual event, we’re looking forward to bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and raise critical funds for the students we serve.

Join us this Thursday by securing your ticket using the link in our bio.

See you soon! ☀️