Chinquapin alumni say it best: Chinquapin transforms lives

“As a proud alum (‘95), parent of alum (’16), and board member (since ’20), I remain inspired by witnessing Chinquapin live out the mission to provide a highly effective college readiness curriculum to scholars from traditionally underserved communities. I’m regularly motivated by their ‘student’s first’ philosophy which births safety and perseverance.”

-Tyrone Hill III – Class of 1995

“Today, I am the most confident, self-assured, radiant, and trusting I have ever been. The trust I have gained at Chinquapin has allowed me to heal my own wounds so I may go out into the world and heal others. With this newfound trust, I have been able to give to others what has been given to me. Not only have I matured academically and socially, but I have grown as a person. I am so very proud of the young woman I have become over the last four years in this community. I am even more ecstatic for the woman I will become over the next four years at the University of Chicago.”

-Kihana Wilson, Class of 2020

“At Chinquapin, my drive for education accelerated in an environment where my intellectual curiosity was fostered. I expected to grow by leaps and bounds in my education, but to my surprise, I discovered I had the unique characteristic to lead others to reach their highest potential. Chinquapin created an environment where I could pay forward the opportunities given to me. As a soccer coach, I helped my players develop skills they could use on and off the field to be successful in life. This led to my passion to become a teacher, so I can help students discover their curiosity and potential. I worked hard in high school to secure my success, but now I also feel that success is best measured in the opportunities you give others.”

Isaac Gonzalez, Class of 2020