West40 ISC #2 believes every child deserves a chance for success. We work alongside educators, administrators, families and communities, to ensure students have every opportunity to become who they are meant to be. We will transform every student in West Cook County—regardless of their past or circumstances—into a powerful, influential member of their community. THE LIFELINE FOR STUDENTS & SCHO O LS We believe every child deserves a chance for success COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION SERVICES Click the circles to learn more about our programs! Networks Professional Learning Grants Support Student Programs Youth Support Programs Heart 2 Heart Program Community Resources McKinney-Vento Comprehensive Educational Services WE WALK ALONG SIDE STUDENTS, EDUCATORS AND FAMILIES. Funded by the state of Illinois and the school districts we serve in West Cook County, we work alongside educators, administrators, families and communities, to ensure students have every opportunity to become who they are meant to be. LEARN MORE ABOUT US LATEST STORIES Area Superintendents Share Tips on Investing in Staff Retention West40 asked area superintendents to share tips for creating a positive team culture that can contribute to staff retention. From increased social activities and celebrations to an on-site daycare, district leaders understand the importance of building workplaces where educators feel seen, heard, and appreciated. For example, Superintendent Dr. Leah Gauthier of Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401 said that during the most recent school year, staff in each school b Aug 18 Backpack Giveback Returns to Morton College on August 8 The start of the new school year is right around the corner and West40 and Morton College are teaming up once again to host the annual Backpack Giveback on Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Morton College. Families from across the West Cook County area are invited to 3801 S. Central Avenue in Cicero to receive a free backpack filled with essential school supplies. In previous years those supplies have included notebooks, pencils, a ruler, and more. Students must b Jul 22 From West40 to Springfield and Beyond: Advocating for Education In our latest Walk in Their Shoes video, West40's Dr. Mike Popp shares what it means to advocate on behalf of West40, students, educators, and schools. Dr. Popp's work in Springfield and across Illinois truly helps shape the future of education! Jul 7

Discover how West40 Global Connections brings the world closer through meaningful local, virtual and international learning for students and educators. Global Connections Preparing future generations takes a global village. WHAT IS GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Preparing future generations takes a global village. Preparing learners for a rapidly changing and increasingly connected world is important work, and it takes schools, communities and trusted partners working together. Through our purposefully designed experiences, virtual exchanges and international opportunities, students and educators engage with people, cultures and perspectives within our region and around the world. Because we understand how much districts already carry, West40 Global Connections takes care of the planning, coordination, and facilitation needed for life-changing global learning. We will prepare participants for meaningful exchanges, monitor safe and relevant experiences, provide closure to the experience with guided reflections, and support open minds for continuing global connections. This allows districts to stay focused on the learning and the lasting good these connections can create. Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied More Than Visiting A New Place Whether a connection happens close to home, online or abroad, each Global Connections opportunity begins with a clear learning purpose. Participants prepare to engage thoughtfully with different peers, educators, and communities, and reflect on what they will carry back to their own schools and lives. The goal is not simply to visit or observe cultural differences. It is to build relationships that feel personal, relevant and within reach while helping participants more fully understand and appreciate what connects us. WHY GLOBAL CONNECTION MATTERS New connections can deepen how learners understand the world and themselves. When students and educators learn with new partners or in new contexts, they gain fresh perspectives for advanced learning and personal growth. Through meaningful global connections, participants can: Build confidence in unfamiliar settings Strengthen communication across cultures Develop greater empathy and cultural understanding Discover new ways of thinking and solving problems Become more curious, adaptable and globally aware Form relationships that continue beyond the experience HOW WE SUPPORT Meaningful global learning without another program to build or manage Through West40’s partnership with AESA Global, the relationships, learning experiences, itineraries and participant support are coordinated from initial planning through safe return home. District teams can remain focused on their learners and the educational value of the experience. Each opportunity is supported by: Trusted relationships with schools, organizations and educational leaders Purposeful experiences shaped around participant interests and educational goals Culturally rich itineraries and program details, seamlessly coordinated Activities connected to clear learning goals Preparation and ongoing communication for districts, participants and families Local support before, during and after the experience Opportunities for participants to reflect on and share what they learned Even though we came from different countries and backgrounds, I realized how much we actually had in common. We all have goals, interests, challenges, and dreams for the future. Those interactions helped me see how education can connect people across cultures. Before the trip, China was a place I had only seen in pictures, videos, and history books. After spending time there, meeting students, exploring cities, and experiencing the culture firsthand, it became so much more than that. It became one of the most memorable experiences of my life. " Iva, West40 Student MEET WEST40's GLOBAL CONNECTION LEAD Meaningful global learning begins with relationships, trust and an understanding of the students and districts being served. West40 Global Connections is led locally by Stuart Brown and strengthened through West40’s partnership with AESA Global. Stuart Brown Coordinator of Global Connections, West40 Stuart Brown is an educator and educational leader with more than two decades of experience in student-centered teaching and community engagement. His background includes international teaching and cross-cultural experiences, with a focus on global competencies, global citizenship and culturally responsive learning. Stuart leads West40 Global Connections and serves as the local connection for districts, students, educators and families. His work is grounded in helping learners build relationships across cultures, explore new perspectives and connect what they experience to their schools and communities. West40’s partnership with AESA Global connects local districts with the international relationships and global education expertise that help make these opportunities possible. Learn about Jason Hiruo and his leadership AESA Global Stuart Brown Bio WANT TO LEARN MORE? LET'S CONNECT. STUART BROWN Coordinator of Global Connections stuartbrown@west40.org 4 11 10 Participating Schools Students participated in international student learning experiences Students participated in virtual learning exchanges 13 Educators from West40 districts participated in an international Field Study 1 Educator taught abroad 1 Educator virtually participate 12 City connections in South Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Portugal, and Hungary

Grants Team CHRISTI TYLER Chief School Business Official Main Office ctyler@west40.org KATIE ELVIDGE Associate Director of Grants Main Office kelvidge@west40.org KATIE WHITE Grant Specialist Main Office kwhite@west40.org CARA WILEY Director of Grants Main Office cwiley@west40.org ADENIKE MUTAYOBA Grant Specialist Main Office amutayoba@west40.org NIA PAPPAS Evaluation and Impact Specialist Main Office apappas@west40.org