WHAT OTHER COLLEGE STUDENT SUPPORT DOES CHA PROVIDE TO ITS RESIDENTS?
For information on CHA’s college funding support visit our CHA Scholarship and Partners in Education pages.
Project Soar
CHA Residents (ages 15-20) can receive one-on-one coaching from an Education Navigator to support post-high school plans, or to assist in continued post-secondary enrollment through Project S.O.A.R (Students + Outcomes + Achievements = Results).
Think of an Education Navigator as an extra coach for future success that can help to:
- FIND THE RIGHT COLLEGE OR PROGRAM – identify schools and programs that are a good match and fit
- COMPLETE APPLICATIONS – including college admissions, program and scholarship applications
- SAVE MONEY – help to complete the FAFSA, maximize financial aid & find scholarships
- PERSIST TO GRADUATION – help through common college ‘road blocks,’ identify internships and summer employment opportunities, build a network for future success
This opportunity is only for select CHA developments; Education Navigators and their properties are listed below. Services through CHA’s S.O.A.R program are entirely free and participation is voluntary. If you have any questions about the program, please call Cassie Brooks, Education Specialist at 312.786.3222 or email education@thecha.org
Complete the PROJECT SOAR Consent Form and reach out to your Education Navigator below!
See how CHA’s SOAR program offers one-on-one coaching from our Education Navigators to support post-high school plans and assist in continued post-secondary enrollment. Think of it as an extra coach for future success!
MEET OUR EDUCATION NAVIGATORS
GRANT VITALE
gvitale@thecha.org
Serving Dearborn, Hilliard & Legends South (Coleman, Hansberry, Mahalia & Savoy)
Grant Vitale is committed and dedicated to supporting Chicago youth, especially youth who are first-generation college students and low-income. As an Education Navigator with the CHA, he is thrilled and excited to work with Project SOAR youth and families to support them in achieving their academic and career goals. Grant earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and a Minor in Marketing from Old Dominion University.
ASHLEY THOMPSON
asthompson@thecha.org
Serving Bridgeport Homes, Brooks Homes, Horner Westhaven & West End
Ashley Thompson is passionate about providing high school youth and young adults with opportunities for educational and professional development. She earned a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) and a Masters in Educational Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).
Ashley Ryan
aryan@thecha.org
Serving Washington Park, Oakwood Shores, Langston, Quincy, Mohawk North, Orchard Park, Renaissance North, Old Town Square & Old Town Village
Ashley Ryan will be serving Centers for New Horizons and Employment & Employer Services FamilyWorks providers. Within her 3 years of experience, she has worked with youth to prepare them for leadership, college and career counseling, financial aid awareness and youth development. Her education portfolio includes a Bachelors Degree in Family and Consumer Science and a Masters Degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University. She looks forward to working with students and helping them S.O.A.R to college success!