ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating Collective Success: Meet Alain Locke Alumni Martin Hunter and Taylor Shaw
Whether it’s a career in the arts or a position on Wall Street, the makings of success are cultivated early on in a child’s life. At Alain Locke Charter School, we understand that. Our All-Stars are encouraged to pursue their dreams and make them a reality.
It has been true since we were founded. We’re proud of each and every student who comes through our doors and goes on to leave their mark on the world after graduating. One of them, Martin Hunter, did just that.
Martin, who grew up on Chicago’s West Side, was a member of Alain Locke’s second graduating class in 2008. He spent the first four years of his career in commercial banking for Wells Fargo in Chicago. Now based in New York, Martin’s banking career has taken him to Morgan Stanley.
He doesn’t hesitate to attribute his professional ambition to his time at Alain Locke. “They did an amazing job at instilling the values of education in all of us at a very, very early age, really teaching us what it means to be a Black man and woman in America.”
Alain Locke’s philosophy was similarly impactful to alumnus Taylor Shaw, who says the school’s high expectations encouraged her to not only pursue their dreams, but also, to achieve excellence—and so, she did.
In 2021, Taylor was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree for her work with BWA Studios, the animation house she founded to encourage the meaningful participation of Black women in animation. “It felt like an affirmation that work we’re doing at BWA is needed,” Taylor says.
Like Martin, Taylor, who grew up on Chicago’s West and South Sides, was a member of Alain Locke’s 2008 graduating class. “We really were a family, and I’m still close to a lot of Alain Locke alums today,” Taylor says. “It’s not just about one person’s success, it’s about our collective success.”
We’re proud to have supported Martin and Taylor on their paths to academic and professional success and couldn’t be more honored to share their stories with you today.
If you'd like your child to be an Alain Locke All-Star like Martin and Taylor, visit the enrollment page here.
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!
Alain Locke students are attending rigorous public, charter, and private high schools such as Walter Payton College Prep, Lane Tech College Prep, Westinghouse College Prep, Proviso Math and Science Academy, Chicago High School for the Arts, Chicago Bulls College Prep, Christ the King and Chicago Hope Academy.
SCHOLARSHIPS
HIGH SCHOOL
ALAIN LOCKE HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
The Alain Locke High School Scholarship provides financial support for our alumni to attend tuition-based high schools. The scholarship covers tuition, uniforms, and school fees for alumni that demonstrate financial need. Recipients have attended schools such as Saint Ignatius College Prep, Loyola Academy, Christ the King, and Providence St. Mel.
OPPORTUNITIES
College and Career Resources
Alain Locke connects alumni to outside resources to help ensure post secondary success including college counseling and retention, finding internships, and mentoring.
ANNUAL SCHOLAR’S FORUM
Each summer, Alain Locke hosts a forum to engage their alumni, host workshops, provide a networking opportunity, and disseminate scholarship information.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Alumni interested in giving back to their community can complete service hours at Alain Locke through a variety of ways.
ALUMNI GATHERINGS
Alain Locke hosts gatherings for alumni in high school and college throughout the school year. Check back frequently for updates.
STAY IN TOUCH
Please fill out the form below to receive information and updates on Alain Locke, scholarship opportunities, and how to stay connected.
Need help?
Tiffany Harrell
Higher Education and Career Counselor
tharrell@alainlocke.org
773-265-7249
ARCHIVES
ALWAYS A PART OF THE ALAIN LOCKE FAMILY
We are proud of the Class of 2015 as they continue to achieve absolute excellence across the city.