LATEST NEWS

Virtual Reality to Connect West40 Area Students to Possible Careers

Imagine being a teenager interested in pursuing a career in the health field and experiencing what it’s like to work as a nurse without ever leaving the classroom. West40 student interns and staff members are making this a reality by using virtual reality technology as a learning tool to support middle and high school students across West Cook County. In partnership with Rush University, West40 staff and student interns recently produced a virtual reality video that allows

West40 Holds New Furniture Giveaway at St. Joseph Campus

West40 helped arrange for the gift of a good night’s sleep for more than thirty families from across West Cook County on Monday, thanks to a generous donation. On a blistering cold day outside, residents selected from more than one hundred new mattresses, as well as pillows, bed frames and more inside the St. Joseph gymnasium. Leslie from Berwyn said she learned about the free mattresses from the Heart 2 Heart Food Mart. “We were in need of them and with the holidays coming

Auto Mechanic Shares Her Career Journey with West40 Students

Hailey Muellner compares working on cars to a big, satisfying puzzle. “It makes me excited because I get to take it apart, see how it works, and see how all of it connects. It’s never-ending of essentially learning,” Muellner said. Muellner is a certified auto mechanic who started her career journey in a high school trades program. Later she earned an associates degree in automotive technology and gained valuable experience working at privately-owned auto repair shops and car

Leyden's Dr. Nick Polyak Named 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year

West40 congratulates Dr. Nick Polyak, superintendent of Leyden High School District 212, for being named the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by an independent panel commissioned by the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). According to the IASA, nominees are judge d on the following criteria: academic achievement, preparing students for the future, social-emotional support, teaching and instruction and leadership. “Dr. Polyak’s recognition as the 2026

West40 Food Mart Demand Increases Amid Community Challenges

The West40 Food Mart at St. Joseph has experienced a growing demand from community members in recent weeks, stemming from uncertainty about delays in SNAP benefits and the recent immigration enforcement actions in the Chicago area that have left many families hesitant to visit grocery stores. The Food Mart typically services approximately 100 families each week. However, that number jumped to 140 families during the week of October 27. West40 student advocates have also visit

West40 Grad Shares How Internship Program Created Opportunities

West40 walks alongside students so they can succeed in the classroom and beyond. Recent graduate Melany, who participated in the West40 employability program, describes how working and being trained in an IT position has impacted her life.

A Message from Mark

Please don't forget to take some time to recognize the beauty of this season. Many things seem dark, but the leaves are gorgeous. They symbolize the beauty of change! The changing of season in Illinois is something I cherish. Many of you know that October is when our Illinois School Report Cards are released to the public full of data and information about our local schools and districts. These report cards include data that foster conversations about how we are doing, what w