Grateful - Now More Than Ever

Ryan Banks Academy is thrilled to present our
2021 Holiday Matching Campaign with a goal of $100,000.

A little kindness can have a BIG impact!
This year, your donation is doubled thanks to 
The Rogue Willow Foundation!

Maximize your giving and #BeTheChange for our scholars by giving the greatest gift of all this holiday season - an education.

A Season of Gratitude

Last year, we highlighted resiliency for our holiday campaign as we navigated the pandemic. As we emerge stronger and more focused on our mission than ever before, we cannot underscore enough how grateful we are for our scholars, their health, and the opportunity to develop them into the next generation of leaders. We are equally as grateful for our supporters, because Ryan Banks Academy would not exist without you. You are the reason we can fulfill our mission of addressing educational inequality in Chicago's youth. With your support, we are able to provide an exceptional education to our scholars in addition to access to social workers, mentors, Social Emotional Learning programs, and so much more.  

From everyone at Ryan Banks Academy, we cannot thank you enough.

Hear From Our Scholars!

"I am grateful just to be here.  It's an opportunity, and a lot of people don't get this chance."
- Tex Mitchell, 9th Grade
"I'm grateful for RBA because everyone has a chance to get help."
- Mikayla Hopkins, 8th Grade  

"I'm grateful for my teachers because they make sure we're comfortable when we're learning"
- Torrey Dantzler, 7th Grade
"RBA is more of a home and a family."
- SirCaleb Foster, 7th Grade  

Why Our Mission Matters

In Chicago, 78% of K-12 students are low-income, and far too many are trauma-exposed due to challenges such as food insecurity, home instability, gun-violence, and poverty.  In addition, 20% of youth in Chicago Public Schools do not graduate, and thus, are left to fend for themselves.  In a world where black and brown youth are often told that education isn't the place for them, RBA fights to change that narrative and provide an exceptional curriculum to those most at-risk.  Our vision is to be the city's first urban boarding school where we can shelter our scholars as we nurture them into the next generation of leaders.

The RBA Difference

RBA recognizes the barriers our scholars face due to educational inequities, which is why we offer an exceptional academic program that allows scholars to learn new subject matter in dynamic ways that spark curiosity and increase motivation. Our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs use a whole-child approach defined by trauma-informed practices and building relationships that ensure each child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. These programs help RBA care for our scholars and amplify their voices. We aim to build inner confidence, identify coping mechanisms, and help them mature into well-rounded adults.