Join the leading OST Community in Chicago!
The Chicago Learning Exchange connects and supports our city’s array of out-of-school time youth-focused people, programs, and organizations.
“If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together." - African Proverb
Upcoming Event
CLX March Meetup- Register by 3/15!
Build collaborations and exchange resources for summer 2024! Join CLX and ACT Now Illinois to learn about OST policy updates…
News / Insights
2021-2022 Brother Mike Award Nominees
“To educate as a practice of freedom” says the late bell hooks in her seminal book, Teaching to Transgress. This philosophy also informed the work of Chicago-based poet, activist, digital media educator and mentor “Brother Mike'' Hawkins, who sought to lead and teach with love. In a 2012 interview, Brother Mike said, “Mentorship, at its core, is about love.” The idea of infusing mentorship work with the edict of love is a radical testament to Brother Mike's legacy. Annually, the Chicago Learning Exchange, Northwestern University, Chicago Public Library and SocialWorks honor the nominees and grant recipients with the Brother Mike Award and celebrate those who dedicate their careers to teaching and mentoring Chicago youth. Please read more about the 2021-2022 Brother Mike Award Nominees below: