School Partnership

CARA is excited to announce the 2009 CARA Road Scholars Program, which officially launched on Wednesday, April 29. CARA Road Scholars is a sport based youth education and intervention program, which uses the experience of training and completing a 13.1 mile half marathon, teaches youth important lessons in commitment, dedication and discipline. The CARA Road Scholars program provides students with first-hand experience in setting and accomplishing challenging goals, which enhance their confidence and self-esteem.

CARA is pleased to announce our partnership with Rickover Naval Academy and Phoenix Military Academy who are our two participating Chicago Public High Schools this year. Rickover and Phoenix have created a school system that meets the needs of every child by offering a range of school options and opportunities. The CPS’ military schools and JROTC programs have a strong record of preparing students for college. About 70 percent of students graduating from these programs over the past two years have gone straight to post-secondary education, with about a quarter of the graduates receiving scholarships. Rickover and Phoenix offer programs that teach leadership and discipline while preparing kids for college. CARA believes that Rickover Naval Academy and Phoenix Military Academy is the perfect match for our mission and youth running program.

It is vital that the benefits of improved self-esteem, confidence and success in life be extended to as many young people as possible in our community. Because of the support of the Springboard Foundation, CarMax Foundation, and our charity runners participating in the Boston, London, and New York City Marathons, CARA has enough funding to offer this program in two schools this year!

If you are interested in learning more on how you can get involved, recommend a school to be accepted in 2010 CARA Road Scholars program, or to help out financially, please contact Kristina Olkowski at kristina@cararuns.org, or 312.666.9836 x 16!