CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman today announced the “Spring Forward” campaign—a week-long series of events to keep Chicago’s youth engaged and connected during Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) spring break this year. Spring Forward, which runs from March 27^th to April 3^rd, will be providing a variety of activities, events, virtual programs, and resources to the city’s young people. This campaign is presented by Mayor Lightfoot and First Lady Eshleman’s signature youth initiative, “My CHI. My Future.” (MCMF). 

"Despite the innumerous challenges of this past year, Chicago’s youth have remained remarkably resilient and are ready to experience exciting, new opportunities,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “That’s why it’s so important for us to continue to support our young people in every way we can this spring and throughout the rest of this year—keeping them as active, curious and engaged as possible while we continue to navigate this virus and prepare them for the upcoming period of recovery.”  

“We are committed to ensuring Chicago’s youth are connected to meaningful opportunities to pursue their passions this spring and beyond,” said First Lady Eshleman. “While these uncertain times have changed our day-to-day activities in so many ways, the one thing that will not change is our dedication to the youth of this city – and their futures.”  

The “Spring Forward” campaign aims to provide in-person and virtual enrichment activities for youth ages 18 and under through partnerships with multiple City departments and community-based partners. These opportunities include: 

• Engaging physical activities, including running and skating;  
• Community service-based events; 
• A virtual college fair; 
• A virtual ‘Know Your Rights’ workshop and more.  

There will also be daily virtual live and pre-recorded content in partnership with After School Matters. Youth are encouraged to visit MyCHIMyFuture.org starting March 27^th for information on these activities and much more. Additionally, there will be 500 Super Activity Grab & Go kits for teens that will be distributed at Rollin’ Rec events hosted by the Chicago Park District from 2-4 P.M. at LaFollette Park (Monday), Davis Square Park (Tuesday), Legler Library (Wednesday), and Palmer Square Park (Thursday). Food is also being provided at these events courtesy of Jewel Osco. 

“Our partnership with the city and our commitment to community outreach remains a top priority,” said Mike Withers, President of Jewel-Osco. “Keeping our youth active and engaged during their time off provides them and everyone involved with great opportunities.” 

“It’s so important for the community to come together and find creative ways to engage young people and serve our community,” said Natasha Smith, Executive Director at Project Exploration. “We are grateful and fortunate to have our Austin community stakeholders who are coming together to make this happen. Now, more than ever, we all need to find ways to support all of our young people.” 

The “Spring Forward” campaign is the latest project of Mayor Lightfoot and First Lady Eshleman’s initiative, “My CHI. My Future” – a multi-year, youth-focused initiative designed to connect youth across Chicago to meaningful out-of-school experiences. The MCMF family of more than 200 organizations, has been designing the initiative, with a focus on organizing and connecting the opportunity ecosystem in Chicago and galvanizing caring adults, all over the city, to ensure that every young person has a plan for out of school engagement. 

To learn more, visit MyCHIMyFuture.org and follow @MyCHIMyFuture on Instagram for updates. 

The full “Spring Forward” schedule is as follows: 

March 27, 2021: 

• Chicago Park District ‘Go Run’, 9 – 10:30 A.M.  
• Virtual College Fair, 10 A.M. – 12 P.M. 

March 29, 2021: 

• Austin Day of Service, 9 A.M. – 2 P.M.  
• Rollin’ Rec Austin, 2 – 4 P.M.  

March 30, 2021:  

• Back of the Yards Clean and Green, 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.  
• Rollin’ Rec Back of the Yards, 2 – 4 P.M. 

March 31, 2021:  

• Rollin’ Rec Garfield Park, 2 – 4 P.M.  
• Chicago Youth Service Corps Virtual Event, 4 – 5 P.M. 

April 1, 2021:  

• Roseland Day of Service and Rollin’ Rec, 2 – 4 P.M. 
• After School Matters ‘Know Your Rights’ Virtual Workshop, 1 – 2 P.M. 

April 2, 2021: 

• Chicago Park District ‘Skating Under the Dome’, 5 – 7 P.M. 

April 3, 2021:  

• Chicago Park District ‘Skating Under the Dome’, 11 A.M. – 4 P.M. 
• Educon: A High School and College Discussion (Virtual), 12 – 2:30 P.M.   

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