Every Child is an
Emerging Leader
VOCEL exists because we believe every child has incredible potential to be a leader, but too many kids lack access to a great start.
VOCEL provides high-quality, research-based programs to families and educators in Chicago communities to those who need it most.
We support children and their parents together during the crucial years before third grade, when brain development is at its peak. Every caregiver receives the intentional support needed to build a strong foundation for a child to learn, grow, and lead.
"[My son] is able to manage those emotions a lot better. He has a lot of social skills and negotiation skills that he's learned through VOCEL, all of those things he'll carry with him for the rest of his life."
– Angelica Maciel-Wright, VOCEL Parent
Why This Support Matters
For families in communities with limited resources, the opportunity to build foundational leadership skills in their children is too often jeopardized by stress and circumstance.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
VOCEL transforms homes and schools into daily "leadership playgrounds" where every caregiver can build their child's leadership skills.
WE’RE RAISING
$250,000
to sustain this work and nurture children into the healthy, purposeful leaders our communities need.
Your support funds a child’s brightest future.
How Your Gift Helps Raise Little Leaders
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$5,000
Launch a Parent Leader
Provides the full stipend for one Parent Leader to engage in VOCEL's two-year fellowship expanding early leadership development to 10 peer parents in the community.
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$2,500
Outfit a Classroom
Outfits one VOCEL Child-Parent classroom with high-quality, research-based materials, creating a safe, intentional, and joyful space for early leadership practice.
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$1,000
Sponsor a Child’s Year
Covers the complete Child Parent Academy experience for one child and their parent, funding the intentional foundation they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives as emerging leaders.
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$500
Gift the Home Playbook
Funds the complete Brain Bag filled with learning tools, bridging classroom-to-home and empowering a caregiver to continue their child's learning journey with confidence and intention.
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$250
Sustain a Classroom Library
Provides a set of new, high-quality books for one Child Parent Academy classroom library, ensuring families have access to diverse stories and literacy tools to nurture growth, learning, and leadership.
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$100
Fund a Child’s Screening
Covers the complete set of developmental screenings for one cohort of 10 children, ensuring early identification and a strong, informed start to their learning and leadership journey.
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$50
Sponsor a Field Trip
Provides the full cost of a field trip for one child and their parent to a museum or local community site, funding a shared experience that builds family bonds and jumpstarts new leadership.
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Choose Your Amount
Make a contribution of any amount to VOCEL’s child-centered and parent-driven early learning programs.
This campaign is fueled by VOCEL Ambassadors — dear friends sharing our mission so more children can access the foundation they deserve.
Want to go one step further? It’s a simple commitment: receive a toolkit from VOCEL’s team and pledge to share the campaign opportunity with folks in your community.
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Adrian Segura
Amy Cahill
Barbara Koren
Cailie Ryan
Carrie Littman
Dave Bierman
Drew Blackmun
Emma Vogeler
Ginny Brunner
Grant Gochnauer
Haley Ford
Hilary Bombard
Jason Mueller
Jeannine Cleary
Jesse Ilhardt
John Schmidt
Jon Dhanawade
Justin Hance
Kelly Powers Kelly
Kristen Schultz
Laura Sandahl
Lindy Hirschsohn
Liz Keigher
Lori Cole
Maddy Turner
Maria Kontoudakis
Marisha Humphries
Marni Levine
Mary Evers
Nick Scodro
Patti Swakow
Rachel Berkowitz
Rachel Feinberg
Rachel Price
Riley Gonzalez-Fang
Stacey Nath
Valencia Fellows
Vanessa Swakow
Viki Rivkin
Join Us
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Join Us •
Your support ensures every child is equipped with the belonging, tools, and support they need to dream big and lead with confidence.
Families Tell Us What This Means
