EPIC Academy Hosts Trunk Party For Deserving Graduates Going to College

On August 10, 2021 Chicago South Side EPIC Academy hosted a Trunk Party for recent graduates attending college this fall. Generous EPIC teachers, staff and community members donated necessities for students going to college. There were 20 student attendees. All received a clothes hamper full towels, toiletries, detergent, pillows, sheets, mattress covers, school supplies and book bags. The event also included raffle prizes including a microwave, printer, refrigerator, laptop, and confronter sets.

Teachers presented four workshops designed to help students navigate the complex world of college life: Networking 101, Campus Safety, Choosing a Major, and Financial Aid.

Andromeda Bellamy, Principal at EPIC Academy said, "I'm very thankful for my EPIC team members who supported by donating, setting up, and executing EPIC's 2021 Trunk Party. Students walked away with an extremely grateful heart."

EPIC Academy College Prep is a public, open-enrollment charter high school, has served African-American and Latino students in South Chicago since 2009. The South Chicago community, one of the most underinvested communities in Chicago with a 20% unemployment rate and a childhood poverty rate that is 86% higher than all other U.S. neighborhoods. Epic Academy has student demographics that some might describe as challenging: 96% free/reduced lunch, 23% of students with diverse learning needs, and 15% English Language Learners. Despite those stats, our students show up and perform with a 100% getting accepted into college and 81% enrolling in college upon graduation.