Chicago Prize Hoops

Chicago Prize Hoops (“CPH”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation. CPH was established in February 2013, and we are fortunate to have administered four programs since its founding (Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014 and Spring 2015). Mission: CPH seeks to advance equal opportunity for all Chicagoans by providing youth in underprivileged, Latino communities with the tools necessary to be successful in the classroom, on the basketball court, and beyond. The CPH Program consists of three key elements: 1) academic success, 2) mentoring, and 3) basketball training. Academic Success: CPH staff and volunteers administer an enjoyable and stimulating academic curriculum that seeks to instill important values, habits and behaviors in our participants. In the past, CPH participants have taken part in activities such as college visits, high school admissions workshops, engineering workshops, and healthy eating workshops. Further, our participants have learned from professionals from different walks of life who have discussed their personal upbringings and career paths (in the past the participants have heard from individuals such as a systems engineer, medical doctor, former DEA agent, radio producer, and law school professor). Mentoring: Our staff and volunteers take part in mentoring workshops to fully appreciate their roles as mentors. CPH values mentorship because we understand the role it plays in promoting positive life outcomes that range from academics and community involvement to leadership and career development. Basketball Training: Among other things, participating in sports is associated with higher levels of academic achievement, self-esteem, motivation, and overall psychological well-being. The lessons and values learned from being part of a basketball team and taking part in basketball training are harnessed by CPH staff and volunteers in order push CPH participants to reach their mental, intellectual, and physical limits and beyond.