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About Us

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Founded by former inner-city teacher and gang narcotics police officer, Pat Ryan, the Alain Locke Initiative is driving accelerated achievement in urban schools nationwide — identifying and developing EDUCATION LEADERS WHO ARE IN IT TO WIN IT.

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Watch

Alain Locke students’ video on How Leaders Inspire

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Closing the Achievement Gap by Energizing Urban Schools with the 
High Impact Leaders of Today and Tomorrow

Today's Leaders

Tomorrow's Leaders

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Accelerate

First-of-its-kind national program creates elite corps of principals to lead accelerated achievement in new charter schools

  • Uniquely qualified high-impact corps of new school leaders supported by $5 million Ryan Foundation Fellowship
  • Coursework in partnership with Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management
  • Develops Achievement Acceleration management capabilities proven successful at the Alain Locke Charter School and other Alain Locke Initiative participant start-up schools (+32% student growth in first year)
  • Current partnerships with 14 Charter Management Organizations in California and Illinois

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Inner-City Teaching Corps

Chicago’s leading new teacher development program for future urban education leaders.

  • Top Recent College Graduates and Career Changers
  • Partnership with top-ranked Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy
  • Serving Chicago’s charter, Big Shoulders Catholic, and district public schools
  • Recognized with prestigious awards for teaching excellence including the Golden Apple Award and the Presidential Award for teaching excellence
  • Alumni often go on to become principals of Chicago’s charter, Big Shoulders Catholic, and district public schools

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Building on Nationally Renowned Success

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The Alain Locke Charter School

Demonstrating the success of achievement accelerating leadership on Chicago’s West Side

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  • Recognized by U.S. Dept. of Ed as 1 of 7 schools nationally best “Closing the Achievement Gap”
  • #1 test score gains in the history of the Illinois standardized test (ISAT)

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  • 89% of students meet or exceed standards in reading and math
  • Graduates attend top Chicago high schools including St. Ignatius, Whitney Young and Walter Payton